Passing a School Bus

Indiana PA Criminal Lawyer Helping Drivers Navigate Traffic Violations

Did you know that passing a school bus improperly is considered a serious offense in Pennsylvania? Many drivers face penalties without even realizing they’ve violated the law. While ensuring the safety of school children must always be a priority, these charges can also result in significant consequences for drivers.

For example, an improper passing charge can lead to a substantial fine of $250, a 60-day license suspension, and the addition of 5 points on your license. These penalties can seriously disrupt your daily life. To protect your driving record and minimize these consequences, it’s essential to consult an experienced Indiana PA criminal lawyer, who can guide you through the legal process effectively.

Why Fight a School Bus Passing Charge?

The penalties for passing a school bus in violation of traffic laws extend beyond the initial fine and suspension. Here are a few key reasons to contest your charges with the assistance of an Indiana PA DUI attorney.

• License Suspension and Insurance Costs: Having your license suspended impacts your ability to work, run errands, or attend appointments. Additionally, points on your driving record can cause insurance premiums to spike dramatically.
• Potential Errors: Sometimes these charges stem from misunderstandings or even mistakes. For example, a bus driver may have inaccurately reported the violation, or failed to use proper signaling at the time of the incident.
• Your Rights: You have the right to challenge charges, especially if you believe you’ve been wrongly accused. An experienced Indiana PA criminal lawyer can investigate the circumstances and build a strong defense.

What Does the Law Require?

Indiana, PA drivers are required to abide by strict rules when it comes to stopping for school buses. Here is what the law mandates:

1. Full Stop Mandate: You must stop at least 10 feet away from a school bus when its red lights are flashing, and the signal arm is extended.
2. Intersection Rules: If you are approaching an intersection where a school bus is stopped with flashing red lights, you must come to a complete stop.
3. Remain Stopped: Stay put until the bus’s signal arm is retracted and the flashing red lights are turned off. This ensures that all children boarding or disembarking have reached their destination safely.

Unfortunately, there have been cases where school bus incidents were misreported, leading to unwarranted charges against drivers. Avoiding these wrongful penalties requires a thorough legal defense, led by a reliable Indiana PA criminal lawyer.

How a Lawyer Can Help in Indiana, PA

To contest your school bus passing charge, hiring a seasoned attorney is a critical first step. Here’s how an experienced Indiana PA DUI attorney can assist you in your case:

1. Investigation: Attorneys will review all the details of your case, including bus reports, traffic camera footage, and witness accounts, to find any inconsistencies.
2. Challenging Evidence: Whether it’s miscommunication, improper signaling by the bus driver, or a lack of clear signage, your lawyer will use these findings to challenge the validity of the charges filed against you.
3. Minimizing Penalties: If a complete dismissal of charges isn’t possible, your lawyer can negotiate to reduce penalties, such as securing a shorter suspension period or fewer points on your license.

Avoid Wrongful Charges with Skilled Legal Support

When you’re accused of violating school bus traffic laws in Indiana, PA, it can feel like an overwhelming challenge. Protecting your driving record and your future requires the right legal advocate who understands the complexities of Indiana’s traffic laws.

Sean Logue, an experienced and highly-rated Indiana PA criminal lawyer, is dedicated to defending clients against charges like these. With years of experience handling traffic violations, his proven track record as a skilled litigant ensures top-tier representation.

Why Choose Sean Logue?

• A perfect 10.0 Avvo Rating reflecting years of experience in traffic law
• A reputation for thoroughly examining each case to uncover errors in charges
• A commitment to achieving the best results for his clients, from dismissal to reduced penalties

Next Steps to Protect Your Record

Taking swift action is essential when dealing with traffic charges of this nature. Follow these steps to address your situation:

1. Contact an Attorney: Speak with a trusted Indiana PA DUI attorney immediately to begin building your defense.
2. Document Everything: Gather all related evidence, such as the officer’s citation, your statement, and any photographs of the scene.
3. Act Quickly: Deadlines for responding to traffic cases are tight, so don’t delay in contacting legal representation.

Book a Consultation Today

Don’t risk your driving privileges or endure unjustified penalties. To protect yourself from the serious consequences of passing a school bus improperly, call 844.PITT.DUI or contact the Logue Law Group online today.

With a commitment to serving communities across Indiana, PA, and nearby areas, Sean Logue and the Logue Law Group’s experienced team of attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. Whether you’ve been charged with a minor traffic offense or a more significant violation, you can trust that your case will be handled with the utmost care and expertise.