This is a story told for illustrative purposes only. 

The morning you got a 100+ mph speeding ticket on the five, you were late for an appointment in San Francisco, just cruising along on a beautiful clear morning in September. The traffic was surprisingly light. Considering that you were running late, you figured there would be more traffic.

You were keeping up with traffic. Most were doing 85 or 90 mph. It’s the norm on the five. You swung out to pass an older car you thought was going slow when you saw the light and heard the siren. You thought they would pass looking for someone else when you realized they were right behind you. 

You quickly look and see the speedometer slightly north of 100 and realize they are after you, so you pull over. You remember what your father told you that one time, “Never let them see you sweat, and don’t tell them how fast you were going. That just makes their job easy for them.”

You pull to the curb with your hands at ten and two. The law enforcement officer (LEO) taps on your window, and as you are rolling it down, they ask for your license, registration and proof of insurance. As you’re handing it to her, she asked, “Ma’am, do you know how fast you were going?” 

You politely reply, “No, ma’am, not exactly, I was just keeping up with traffic and didn’t really look.” She says, “You were doing 105. You have a mandatory court date in Hanford Traffic Court in Kings County. Everything you need to know will be on your court reminder, which you can expect in the mail within three or four weeks. Don’t miss your court date, as that will only make it worse.” The other LEO walks over from the other side and adds, “You should consider hiring a traffic lawyer. This could get expensive. Have a great day.”

As you are putting your papers back in the glovebox, you remember something else your father said, “If you get a 100+ mph speeding ticket, call Bigger & Harman over in Bakersfield. Nobody better,” he said.

Your Conversation with Mark Bigger about Your 100+ MPH Speeding Ticket 

Mr. Bigger was completely straightforward and professional about a mandatory court appearance in Hanford Traffic Court. He said it is a strict court, but they have had much success with 100+ mph speeding tickets there. The bad news is that if convicted, the fine is between $900 and $2,500 and 30 day drivers license suspensions are common. 

Plus, the DMV will assess two negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points, which could double or triple my insurance premium. What’s more, that puts you halfway to a six-month suspension and twelve-month probation. Four points in a year and you are looking at a suspension.

That’s not good, I thought; I already pay nearly $1500 a year. I laughed and said, “You better get my ticket dismissed then, huh?” He said “there is no guarantee, but we’ll do our best. We will provide a great defense. The good news is that we are normally able to avoid the mandatory appearance that Hanford oftentimes requires even if you hire an attorney, plus we will get you a great chance to have your ticket dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge.”

He told me to write down every detail I could remember about the morning I got my ticket, and I gave them a scanned copy of the citation. I feel much better after talking to him about my ticket. I know I’ve done everything I can do; it’s in their hands now.

Don’t let this be your story. Obey the speed limit, but consult a traffic attorney before you decide to pay the fine when you do get a traffic ticket. The fine is only the beginning. The increased auto insurance is the actual expense.

When You Have a 100+ MPH Speeding Ticket, Call the Bakersfield Traffic Team of Bigger & Harman, APC 

When you’re issued a 100+ mph speeding ticket on the five in Kings County, call Bigger & Harman, (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.

Although Hanford Traffic Court in Kings County is tough, we fight 100+ mph speeding tickets vigorously there and have had much success. Give us a call, and let’s talk about your situation. 

Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com. 

References:

The 2021 CA Driver Handbook English y Español

CVC Section 22348, Speed Laws