Everyone panics when they receive a speeding ticket. For most people, the chief concern is an increase in their automobile insurance premiums. Some people are worried about an accumulation of points or a violation of a provisional license resulting in a suspended license. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage.

Anyone who receives a traffic ticket should look up online to see whether the citation carries points. You can Google DC/CR 90 to see a booklet of all traffic tickets and their associated points. If one or more citations carry points, you should request a trial (not a waiver hearing) within 30 days.

A trial requires that a police officer be present. A waiver hearing admits guilt and does not require the police officer to appear. You want a trial because the police officer does not always appear. If the police officer does not appear and you requested a trial, you will be found not guilty. Even if the police officer appears, you can still plead guilty if you want and ask the judge to give you probation before judgment to avoid the points.

If you are charged with a citation that carries five or more points or if you are a young driver, you should do a driver improvement program before court. This will increase the chances of the judge giving you a break. A young driver should have a parent in court with him or her.

If you are charged with reckless driving, aggressive driving, a speeding ticket with a high speed, or any "must appear" offense, consider hiring an attorney. These matters are taking seriously by the court.

Remember that if you have a provisional license, a conviction or probation before judgment will count as a violation. The penalty is driver improvement for a first offense, 30 day suspension for a second offense, and 180 day suspension for a third offense. It will also start the 18 month waiting period over again to get a regular license. If your license converts to a regular license before court, the violation still counts but you get to keep your regular license.

Keep in mind that five points on your record results in mandatory driver improvement, eight points will result in a suspension, and 12 points leads to revocation. Points accumulate in a two year period based upon the date of the offense.

The failure to pay a fine or request a court date for a traffic ticket will result in a suspension of your license. If you missed the 30 day deadline, you can file a motion asking that the case be set for trial and if it is granted, the suspension will be lifted.

CDL drivers face greater consequences for even routine traffic citations. They should speak with a lawyer if they receive a citation. Uber, Lyft, and other delivery drivers will need to maintain a clean record or they may not be permitted to drive by these companies.

Anyone who goes to court should dress appropriately, be respectful to the police officer and judge, and be honest about their driving record. The judge has a computer on his desk and can access your driving record with one click. It is a good idea to get a certified copy of your driving record before court.

There are many things that you can do to protect your driving record if you receive a citation. Contact an attorney if you are unsure how to proceed.