On November 18, 2013, a routine traffic ticket turned into a dangerous high-speed chase.

39-year-old Oriana Ferrell was pulled over on Highway 518 for speeding less than 25 mph and having an expired registration tag. While the officer processed the paperwork for the $126 ticket, Ms. Ferrell drove away. When she stopped again a short distance down the road, officers approached the minivan with their weapons drawn. Ms. Farrell's 14-year-old son - one of her five children who were also in the minivan - allegedly threatened the officers.

Ms. Farrell drove away again, and surrendered after a brief chase that exceeded 80 mph. Ms. Farrell was charged with five counts of abuse of a child, aggravated fleeing an officer, resisting an officer, reckless driving and possession of drug paraphernalia; her son, whose name was not released, was charged with battery of a police officer and resisting arrest. Social services took custody of the children, who were placed with nearby relatives.

It is obvious that Ms. Farrell made criminally bad decisions. But a mistake that a normal c itizen makes more often is that they become angry at the officer. If you believe you have a legitimate disagreement or there is a fact or excuse that should change the officer's mind on giving you a ticket, you should bring it up. But bring it up as an appeal to the officer's reason or as a fact if the officer had known, he probably would not want to give you a ticket. Do not bluster or vehemently argue.

The days of talking your way out of a ticket seem like a distant memory (it still happens, but not as often as it used to), and so are the days of low fines and light punishments. If you receive a traffic ticket in the Central Valley, do not try to handle the matter yourself. Contact an experienced attorney in Kern County.