Jaywalking is one of those offenses that people often think of something so minor that it really isn't even against the law. At its most basic, jaywalking involves violating Tennesse's pedestrian traffic laws and most often involves crossing the street illegally. It is so commonplace that many people wonder whether it is actually an offense that you can get arrested for.

Yes, You Can Get Arrested for Jaywalking

While it may come as a surprise, you can get arrested for jaywalking. You can also get arrested for speeding, littering, or any other number of offenses for which you would normally receive a ticket. That said, it's highly unlikely that you will get arrested for jaywalking or similar offenses. If you do, it's likely that the police officer that stopped you is having a bad day or you did something else that sparked suspicion.

If a Police Officer Writes You a Ticket, You Should Retain an Attorney

Just because you did not get arrested for an offense does not mean that you do not need to retain a lawyer to represent you. Minor matters like traffic tickets can easily snowball into more serious issues if they are not handled properly. For example, let's say you take your jaywalking ticket, put it in your desk, and forget to either mail in the fine or attend your court date. The next thing you know, there could be an active warrant out for your arrest. If you happen to roll a stop sign on your way to work and get pulled over, it's highly likely that you will spend several hours sitting in jail all because of your jaywalking ticket from a few weeks before. Imagine having to explain that one to your employer!

What a Lawyer Can Do for You

While it may seem like overkill to retain a lawyer to handle something as minor as jaywalking, most attorneys will do so for a reasonable fee and make sure that the case is resolved as favorably as possible. In many cases, this involves negotiating a plea agreement in which you agree to plead guilty to a lesser offense and pay a fine. In cases involving speeding tickets, it's especially important to retain an attorney, as multiple offenses can result in serious consequences like higher insurance rates or even the suspension or revocation of your driver's license. By retaining an attorney to represent you for minor legal matters, you can ensure that they don't turn into serious issues down the road.

Speak with a Murfreesboro Criminal Defense Lawyer

The experienced Murfreesboro criminal defense team at Taylor Law Group is ready to help. We help our clients defend against all types of criminal charges, so please do not wait to contact us online or call 615-890-1982 for a consultation.