Won’t a Traffic Attorney Cost More Than a Ticket?
One of the most common misconceptions is that hiring a traffic attorney is more expensive than just paying the traffic ticket fine. If you get a speeding ticket that has a fine of $360, you may think it may be silly to pay for an attorney. However, if you consider how much this ticket can cost you in the long run, you may save money hiring a traffic attorney versus just paying the ticket.
Every Point Matters
In California, the points added to your license through Negligent Operator Treatment System or NOTS can lead to a license suspension. For class C licenses, four points in 12 months, six points in 24 months or eight points in 36 months can lead to a suspension. One ticket can have two points or more, bringing you to the halfway point of license suspension. A traffic attorney can help fight any ticket to avoid getting these points on your license. Considering the cost and inconvenience of losing your license, it is a better choice.
Insurance Rates Can Skyrocket
One of the biggest costs of simply paying a ticket versus fighting to have it dismissed or reduced is on your insurance. Tickets can affect your insurance rates for three years or more. Depending on the type of ticket, your driving record, and who is your insurance carrier, you can pay 50% or more in higher premiums for three years, adding up to thousands of dollars.
When is Hiring a Traffic Attorney a Good Idea?
Any traffic ticket, even if you feel that you are guilty, could be dismissed under the right circumstances. A traffic attorney can look at all angles and use the best defense to have your ticket reduced or dismissed. The most advantageous times to hire a traffic attorney for a moving violation ticket are under the following circumstances:
- You already have points on your license
- This ticket could cause your license to be suspended
- The ticket is a misdemeanor traffic ticket
- Any two+ point ticket
- You are facing jail time
The cost of hiring a traffic attorney is a wise investment when it can keep a misdemeanor off your permanent record, keep you out of jail or avoid suspension of your driver’s license. However, even less serious tickets can still have point and insurance costs that add up – if a traffic attorney can get the ticket dismissed, it can be worthwhile for almost any moving violation ticket.
Traffic Attorney in Bakersfield
At Bigger & Harman, we represent our clients for many types of traffic tickets, big and small. We offer a flat fee, so you know exactly how much it will cost to fight your ticket, no matter how long it takes. Contact our office for a free consultation at 661.349.9300 or fill out the form on our contact page.
References:
Negligent Operator Treatment System NOTS