Matthew John Barton

Matthew Barton

I am not entirely sure that this review is legitimate. After a search of my files I am unable to find any client that I have represented in Rowan County who has pled guilty through me to a significant speeding violation. Many of my speeding ticket clients are in other counties. If this situation were true, then a phone call to my office would have been all that would have been required to address any concerns or answer any questions . I strive for the best available result for each and every one of my clients. Remember that Lawyers do not control outcomes, but simply work to the best of their ability within the system. However, sometimes there are unknown facts that change the calculus of available options. Sometimes the District Attorney's office has a policy in place that simply won't be waived. Sometimes the options that are given at consultation end up not being available once the record is reviewed. Sometimes the goal ends up being saving the driver's license , or minimizing insurance effects. Remember also that when you "plead" to something you are admitting responsibility and there are going to be fines and court costs attached with it. Even when someone admits responsibility to a lesser charge/speed they are still going to have fines and costs. I would caution against the use of the term "hefty fine" as this is a matter of perspective. For all traffic matters the court costs alone start at $188.00, with an additional fine usually added. In addition, if the court costs are not paid on that date then the Clerk of Court charges an additional $20.00 . Total cost for a lesser infraction such as improper equipment is around $263.00 if paid on that date. Other things that can increase a fine are things such as a failure to appear, where an additional $200.00 Failure to appear fee is added by the Court. Any unsatisfied client is more than welcome to call the office and discuss further any options that may be available.