Don’t Let This Be Your Traffic Tickets Story
Although this story is fiction, the traffic laws and possible consequences are authentic.
Do you have multiple traffic tickets? Maybe you’ve been notified by the DMV of a pending driver’s license (DL) suspension, or the collection agency keeps calling about your failure to pay (FTP), which started as a failure to appear (FTA).
How Did All These Traffic Tickets Occur? They’re Threatening Me with a Suspension Because of an FTA
Last January, I received a speeding ticket out on SR-99. I had a court date, then the pandemic came around, and then, they changed my court date. So, I thought I better save the money in case I needed it for rent.
A couple of weeks later, I got a red-light ticket in the mail. I had been on my way to work, at the intersection of California Ave. and Oak St. I was making a right turn; I know I made a complete stop because there was a lady in the crosswalk. After she crossed, I sped on through because I was already late. Perhaps I should have stopped again on the other side of the crosswalk. Who knows.
Anyway, the courts weren’t open, so I just forgot about the ticket. I would have paid right away except, they gave us a two-month grace during the pandemic, right? At least, that’s how I saw it.
Now, they’re saying I owe almost $1,500, plus court fees. I don’t have that kind of money. I need the stimulus just to pay the rent and get some groceries. They said I owe $490 for the camera-enforced red-light ticket, $360 for speeding, a $300 civil penalty for missing court, plus some late charges, or something.
I talked to a friend who works at court; she said my DL has already been suspended. What do I do now?
I need my DL to drive to work and get the money to pay the fines. Talk about a Catch-22. She suggested I call Bigger & Harman. I’d like to, but I can’t afford a lawyer, can I?
The Truth about Traffic Tickets & Traffic Attorneys
The road to getting back in the driver’s seat could be arduous, but it doesn’t have to be nearly as expensive as you think. You need knowledgeable and experienced help to talk with the court staff and the judge to possibly get the administrative fees waived or dismissed and put you on a payment plan within your budget.
The truth is traffic attorneys are less expensive than you think. First of all, traffic attorneys generally offer a free initial consultation, and some don’t charge by the hour. Most use a flat fee to resolve your traffic tickets, represent you in a DMV NOTS Hearing, or resolve your FTA/FTP.
What’s more, a traffic attorney can ask the court to waive the civil penalty and consider your income. That alone can save you hundreds of dollars. Plus, they can likely get the suspension lifted right away or get you a restricted DL to go back and forth to work or school. If they can’t get the charge completely dismissed, they can often even work out a payment plan with the court.
Many drivers with a suspended license due to FTA/FTP never get their DL back without legal help, and without a DL, things go downhill fast.
There are more benefits to hiring a traffic attorney than you would think. One of Bakersfield's best traffic defense teams is right there at 1701 Westwind Dr. Suite 203.
It makes you wonder how many are in this situation now because of the pandemic and the courts closing for a few months. Give Bigger & Harman, APC, a call if you are in this position.
When You Ignore Traffic Tickets, You’ll Wind Up with an FTA, Call Bigger & Harman, APC
When you have multiple traffic tickets and an FTA, call Bigger & Harman, (661) 349-9300. We’ll get you back on the road again shortly.
We practice traffic law exclusively so that we can give our clients our best. Spending our time in traffic court allows us to familiarize ourselves with those personnel who can help us help our clients keep a clean driver’s record and their driving privileges.
Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The 2020 CA Driver Handbook.pdf
CVC Section 40508, Release Upon Promise to Appear