Traffic Violation Attorney in Omaha

Defense of Your License and Record in Omaha

A traffic stop can go from routine to life-altering in a matter of minutes. One ticket or traffic-related arrest can put your driver’s license, clean record, and even your job at risk. If you are unsure whether to just pay the fine or fight the charge, our firm is here to help you make an informed decision.

At Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Attorney at Law, we practice criminal defense, which includes traffic violations, DUI cases, and other offenses that begin with a traffic stop. With more than 20 years in the justice system, we understand how Nebraska traffic laws are enforced and how local courts handle these cases. When you work with our traffic violation attorney in Omaha, you have someone looking out for the long-term impact of every decision.

Fight back against traffic tickets and protect your driving record. Call (402) 809-5008 or contact Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Attorney at Law to speak with an Omaha traffic violation attorney today.

Why Drivers Choose Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Attorney at Law For Traffic Cases in Omaha

When you are deciding who should handle your traffic case, experience in local law enforcement and prosecution can make a real difference. Michael J. Fitzpatrick has served as both a police officer and a city prosecutor in this area, which gives our firm insight into how traffic stops are conducted and how charges are filed. We have seen these cases from multiple angles, and we use that understanding to build thoughtful defense strategies.

We regularly represent people facing DUI, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and other traffic cases that can lead to misdemeanors or felonies. That means we stay current on how prosecutors, judges, and officers in this region approach these matters.

Many of our clients are professionals who cannot afford a conviction on their record. We are often called by people whose careers depend on a valid license and a clean background, including public employees and even police officers. They choose us because they want a traffic violation lawyer in Omaha who has worked inside the same system that is now handling their case.

Common Traffic Cases We Handle in Omaha

Not every ticket carries the same risk. Some citations are simple infractions that may only affect your wallet, while others can result in a criminal record, license suspension, or even jail time. We help clients sort out which category their case falls into and what is really at stake.

We regularly assist clients with traffic-related cases such as:

• Speeding tickets that involve excessive speeds or a prior history
• Reckless or careless driving charges that may carry jail time
• DUI and other impaired driving offenses that begin with a traffic stop
• Driving on a suspended or revoked license
• Leaving the scene of an accident, also called hit and run
• Traffic violations that are filed as misdemeanors or felony charges

DUI and other alcohol related offenses are a major part of our work. These cases often begin with a simple traffic stop that leads to field sobriety tests and breath or blood testing. Because Mr. Fitzpatrick is certified in field sobriety and breathalyzer testing, we can carefully review how those tests were administered and whether the evidence is reliable.

Whatever your specific citation or charge may be, we start by examining the details on the ticket or complaint and listening to your account of what happened. From there, we can discuss how our experienced traffic ticket attorney in Omaha evaluates the strength of the case and possible paths forward.

What To Do After A Traffic Ticket Or Arrest

Here are practical steps to take after a traffic stop or arrest:

• Read your paperwork carefully. Check the exact charge, the statute listed, and any court date or deadline. In many traffic cases, your initial appearance will be set in a county court that hears traffic matters for your location.
• Do not ignore the court date. Failing to appear can lead to additional charges or a warrant. If you are unsure what the appearance is for, we can help explain the purpose and what to expect.
• Avoid just paying the ticket without advice. In Nebraska, paying a ticket is usually treated as admitting guilt to the offense. This can create points on your driving record and may affect insurance and employment.
• Preserve any evidence you may have. Save dashcam footage, photos, GPS records, or contact information for passengers or witnesses. These details sometimes play a role in how we challenge the stop or the officer’s account.
• Be cautious about statements. It is generally better to avoid discussing the incident with officers or prosecutors beyond basic identifying information until you have spoken with a lawyer. There may be legal issues with the stop or investigation that are not obvious at first.

Once you have taken these basic steps, contacting a traffic ticket attorney in Omaha can give you a clearer picture of what to do next. During a consultation, we review your ticket or citation, talk through what happened, and outline the choices available so you can decide how to proceed.

How We Approach Traffic Defense In The Omaha Courts

Every traffic case is different, but a careful and consistent process is critical. In many traffic cases, our defense approach may include:

• Reviewing the legality of the traffic stop and any subsequent search or testing
• Checking the accuracy of speed measurements, such as radar or pacing, when speeding is alleged
• Assessing the officer’s observations in light of field sobriety testing standards
• Considering your driving history and current license status when weighing options
• Discussing goals such as avoiding a criminal record, protecting a commercial license, or limiting points

Throughout this process, we explain the steps in plain language. Our role is to provide clear guidance and to work toward outcomes that fit your priorities and the facts of your case, while recognizing that final decisions rest with the court and prosecutor.

Protecting Your License, Record, and Career in Omaha

For many clients, the biggest concern is not a one-time fine but the lasting effects of a conviction. In Nebraska, certain traffic violations can add points to your driving record, which may lead to higher insurance premiums or a license suspension if enough points accumulate. More serious traffic offenses can result in a criminal record that may appear on background checks for years.

The stakes can be even higher for people who depend on a clean record to do their jobs. Commercial drivers must protect their CDL. Healthcare workers, teachers, public employees, and law enforcement officers often face employer or licensing board scrutiny when a traffic-related offense appears on their record. The same is true for many professionals whose positions involve driving or public trust.

We keep these realities front and center when advising clients. Our goal is to seek resolutions that reduce the impact on your license and record where the law allows, whether that involves negotiating for different charges, contesting the evidence, or preparing for trial when appropriate. While results can never be guaranteed, we work to align our strategy with what matters most to you.

Professionals, including police officers and others with significant responsibilities, turn to our firm because they know we take these long-term consequences seriously. When you consult a traffic ticket lawyer Omaha professionals rely on, you gain counsel that understands how a single case can affect your career and reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a traffic ticket in Nebraska go on my criminal record?

Whether a traffic ticket goes on your criminal record depends on how the offense is classified and how the case is resolved. Some tickets are handled as traffic infractions that primarily affect your driving record and insurance. Others, especially those that involve dangerous driving or alcohol, may be charged as misdemeanors or felonies and can appear on criminal background checks.

Do I really need a lawyer for my Omaha traffic ticket?

You are not required to have a lawyer for a traffic ticket, but in many situations, legal guidance can make a significant difference. Paying a ticket is usually treated as admitting guilt, which can lead to points on your license, higher insurance rates, and sometimes a criminal record. For more serious charges, or if you already have prior violations, the risk of license suspension or other penalties may increase.

Can you help me avoid a license suspension?

Avoiding a license suspension is often a top priority for our clients, especially those who rely on driving for work or family responsibilities. We review your record and the charges to determine how close you may be to a suspension and what steps might reduce that risk. In some cases, working toward different charges or outcomes can lessen the number of points added or the severity of the conviction. While we cannot promise that a suspension will be avoided in every case, our goal is to pursue strategies that protect your driving privileges as much as the law allows.

How will your background as a former prosecutor help in my traffic case?

Mr. Fitzpatrick’s experience as a former city prosecutor helps us anticipate how the other side may view your case. Having been responsible for filing charges and handling traffic and criminal matters for the government, he understands what evidence prosecutors consider important and how they often approach negotiation and trial decisions. This perspective can guide how we prepare your case and what arguments we emphasize.

It also means we are familiar with the pressures and constraints that prosecutors face, which can influence how cases are resolved. We use that knowledge to present information in ways that address their likely concerns, whether we are challenging evidence, discussing potential resolutions, or preparing to go to trial. That combination of prosecution and defense experience is one reason people seek out our firm for traffic cases.

What happens at my first court date for a traffic ticket?

At a first court date for a traffic ticket, often called an initial appearance or arraignment, the court generally informs you of the charge, explains your basic rights, and asks for a plea. The first date is usually not a trial, but it can affect how your case proceeds.

Can a DUI from a traffic stop be challenged?

A DUI charge that arises from a traffic stop can often be examined closely for legal and factual issues, although no particular result can be guaranteed. The lawfulness of the stop, the way field sobriety tests were conducted, and the procedures used for breath or blood testing all matter. If officers did not follow the required steps, or if there are questions about how tests were explained or administered, those issues may become part of your defense.

How much does it cost to hire your firm for a traffic case?

The cost of hiring our firm for a traffic case depends on several factors, including the type of charge, whether it is an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony, and how complex the case is likely to be. More involved matters, such as DUI or cases with multiple charges, can require more time and court appearances than a single simple citation. Because each situation is different, we discuss fees directly with you rather than quoting a one-size-fits-all number.

Talk With Our Traffic Violation Attorney in Omaha

If you are facing a ticket or traffic-related criminal charge, you do not have to navigate the process alone. A single decision today can affect your license, insurance, and record for years. Speaking with a defense lawyer can give you a clearer understanding of what is at stake and what can be done.

At Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Attorney at Law, we bring more than 20 years of criminal defense experience, along with prior service in law enforcement and prosecution, to every traffic case we handle. We listen carefully to your concerns, explain your options in plain language, and work to protect your future within the limits of Nebraska law.

Protect your license and your record. Contact an Omaha traffic violation attorney at Michael J. Fitzpatrick, Attorney at Law. Call (402) 809-5008 or reach out online now.