A motorist who pleads guilty to a speeding ticket, or other traffic violation, in North Carolina, and who does not have local legal representation, could benefit greatly from the representation of a local attorney. Many motorists who receive tickets are instructed, on the reverse side of the ticket, that the violation in question does not require a court appearance. The motorist is then informed that one option for complying with the citation is to mail a money order for court costs and a pre-determined fine, to the Clerk of Court in the county where the citation was issued. In most cases, this would be a mistake, in that complying with the citation, in this manner, could cause the motorist to lose his/her privilege to drive in the State of North Carolina, or in the motorist's state of residence, if the motorist is not a North Carolina resident. Further, pleading guilty, and paying the costs and fine by mail, can also cause a motorist's insurance premium to increase by 100%, 200%, or more, over a period of three years.

For example, speeding more than 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, where the motorist is charged with speeding in excess of 55 miles per hour , but less than 76 miles per hour, carries 2 insurance points, with a 45% rate increase for 3 years. A charge of speeding in excess of 75 miles per hour where the posted speed limit is less than 70 miles per hour, carries 4 insurance points, and an 80% rate increase for 3 years. In many cases, representation by a local attorney can eliminate the possible loss or suspension of the motorist's driver's license. Representation by a local attorney can also, in many cases, avoid the accumulation of any insurance points, thus avoiding a substantial increase in the motorist's automobile insurance premiums for 3 years.