Robert Navar handles traffic violations in El Paso as a criminal defense attorney
Robert Navar is a criminal defense lawyer based in El Paso who takes traffic ticket cases. His practice focuses on defending people charged with traffic violations in El Paso municipal court and surrounding areas. If you have received a ticket and are considering hiring representation, understanding what a traffic defense attorney does and how to evaluate your options is the first step.
A traffic defense attorney can negotiate with prosecutors, challenge evidence, represent you in court, or help you understand the consequences of different outcomes. The decision to hire one depends on the severity of your ticket, the potential penalties, and whether you want to contest the charge or work toward a reduced outcome.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Navar is a criminal defense attorney in El Paso who handles traffic violation cases in municipal and district courts.
- Traffic defense attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors, challenge tickets in court, or help you understand your options before you decide how to proceed.
- The cost of hiring an attorney should be weighed against the potential fines, insurance increases, and license consequences of a conviction.
- You can contact Navar's office directly to discuss your specific ticket and learn what representation would cost in your case.
- If you cannot afford an attorney, you may request a public defender through the El Paso Public Defender's Office at the time of your court appearance.
What a traffic defense attorney can do for your case
A traffic defense attorney reviews the circumstances of your ticket, examines the officer's report, and identifies potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case. This might include questioning whether the officer had legal grounds to stop you, whether radar or speed-detection equipment was properly calibrated, or whether the officer's observations were accurate.
In El Paso, an attorney can negotiate with the district attorney's office to reduce charges—for example, requesting that a speeding ticket be reduced to a non-moving violation, which carries lower fines and no insurance impact. They can also represent you at trial if you choose to contest the ticket, or advise you on the long-term consequences of paying the fine versus fighting it.
When hiring a traffic attorney makes financial sense
The decision to hire an attorney depends partly on the type of violation. A minor speeding ticket with a fine under $200 may not justify attorney fees. However, tickets for reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating multiple violations within a short period can result in substantial fines, license suspension, and insurance rate increases that persist for years.
Calculate the total cost: the ticket fine itself, plus the increase in your insurance premiums over the next three to five years. If that total exceeds the attorney's fee and there is a reasonable chance of reducing the charge, representation becomes more cost-effective. An attorney can also help you understand whether a conviction will trigger license points under Texas law and how many points your driving record can absorb before suspension becomes a risk.
How to contact Robert Navar and what to expect
To reach Navar's office, search for his name and "El Paso traffic attorney" or "El Paso criminal defense" to find his current contact information, office address, and phone number. When you call, have your ticket or citation in front of you so you can describe the violation, the date, and the court where your case is assigned.
Most attorneys offer an initial consultation to discuss your case and explain their fees. Some charge a flat fee for traffic cases, while others bill hourly. Ask directly what the cost will be for your specific ticket and what that fee includes—representation at trial, negotiation with the prosecutor, or both. Also ask how long the process typically takes and when you need to appear in court.
Your options if you cannot afford an attorney
If you cannot afford to hire a private attorney, you have the right to request a public defender. At your first court appearance in El Paso municipal or district court, tell the judge you cannot afford representation. The court will assess your income and may appoint a public defender from the El Paso Public Defender's Office at no cost to you.
Public defenders handle traffic cases and can negotiate or represent you in court just as a private attorney would. The main difference is that you do not choose your attorney and may have less control over strategy, but you will have legal representation. If you are assigned a public defender, ask them the same questions you would ask a private attorney: what are the weaknesses in the prosecution's case, what outcomes are possible, and what do they recommend.
Understanding El Paso traffic court procedures
Traffic tickets in El Paso are handled in municipal court for most violations. Your ticket will list the court location and your court date. If you hire an attorney, they can often appear on your behalf without you being present, depending on the type of violation and the judge's rules.
The process typically begins with a pre-trial conference, where your attorney and the prosecutor discuss the case and whether a negotiated outcome is possible. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. At trial, the officer who issued the ticket must testify, and your attorney can cross-examine them about how they determined your speed, whether they followed proper procedures, or other details that might undermine their case.
What happens after your case is resolved
Once your case is closed—whether by negotiated agreement, trial verdict, or payment of a fine—you will receive documentation of the outcome. If you were convicted or pleaded no contest, that conviction will appear on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates. If the charge was reduced or dismissed, the impact on your record will be less severe or nonexistent.
Ask your attorney or the court clerk whether you are may be able to access for deferred adjudication or traffic school, which in some cases can keep a conviction off your record if you complete the program. Understanding what your record will show is important for future employment, insurance, or professional licensing purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Robert Navar charge for a traffic ticket case?
Attorney fees vary by the type of violation and the complexity of your case. Contact his office directly with details of your ticket to receive a fee quote. Most traffic defense attorneys in El Paso charge between $300 and $1,500 for a straightforward ticket, depending on whether negotiation or trial is needed.
Can an attorney get my ticket dismissed?
An attorney can challenge the ticket in court and may succeed in getting it dismissed if there are legal problems with how you were stopped or cited. However, dismissal is not may provide. More commonly, an attorney negotiates a reduction to a lesser charge that carries lower fines and less impact on your driving record.
Do I have to go to court if I hire an attorney?
In many traffic cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf without you present. However, some judges require the defendant to appear, and if your case goes to trial, your presence may be necessary. Ask your attorney what the judge's rules are for your specific court.
What if I just pay the fine instead of hiring an attorney?
Paying the fine is an admission of guilt and results in a conviction on your driving record. This conviction will increase your insurance rates and add points to your license. If you have received multiple tickets or are facing a serious violation, the long-term cost of a conviction often exceeds the cost of hiring an attorney to negotiate a better outcome.
Can I get a public defender for a traffic ticket?
Yes. If you cannot afford a private attorney, request a public defender at your first court appearance. The judge will determine whether you meet income requirements. Public defenders can negotiate and represent you in traffic court at no cost to you.