Before hiring a speeding ticket lawyer, you should consider several things beyond what the traffic code states, although that could be crucial to favorably resolving your ticket in court.
In this blog post, we will discuss what you should consider before hiring a speeding ticket lawyer.
Let’s Look at the Basic CA Traffic Code
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 22350, Speed Laws states:
“No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
What should jump out at you in this is “a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent.” What is reasonable or prudent is subjective. What the law enforcement officer (LEO) issuing the ticket sees as “reasonable or prudent” could be widely different from what a traffic court judge views as reasonable and prudent.
Some CA traffic court judges will allow a seasoned LEO to guess how fast you were going. This is particularly true in inclement weather. They will often take the word of a LEO about the safe speed even when it is below the posted speed limit.
You need a traffic attorney as your advocate to raise the level of “reasonable doubt.” A knowledgeable and experienced traffic attorney can often persuade a judge that the LEO perspective is unreasonable.
However, if you go to the courthouse and pay the fine, you convicted yourself. The same could be true if you accept traffic violator school (TVS). Whereas TVS completion will keep your conviction confidential from your insurance provider, it is not forgiveness.
In fact, to attend TVS, you must plead guilty, pay the entire fine, assessments, surcharges, and penalties, the county admin fee, which in San Bernardino County is currently about $65, plus tuition, and complete it within the court-ordered timeframe so that the certificate of completion arrives at the DMV before the deadline.
If, for whatever reason, you can’t complete it on time, you waste your time and money. Your insurance company will take your “good driver’s discount” of 20% and add the standard risk for the amount over the speed limit you were going/ That’s typically ten to twelve percent for speeding less than 25 mph over the speed limit.
Bankrate.com states that the average CA driver will pay $2,633 for their annual policy or about $219 a month. Yours could be higher or lower, depending on several variables, including where you live. In LA County, it is about $3,600 per year. And the average policy with a 16 to 18-year-old on it costs nearly $6,136 in CA.
Therefore, if you miss the deadline, it could cost you nearly$800 more in 2025 for auto insurance, and the price won’t come down for 36 to 39 months, depending on your renewal date.
How Hiring a Speeding Ticket Lawyer Could Benefit You
California drivers who face a speeding ticket can gain several advantages by hiring a traffic attorney to fight it:
- Increased chance of dismissal: Traffic attorneys are familiar with potential weaknesses in the State's case, like faulty radar equipment or procedural errors by the officer. They could show the traffic court judge that the charge is unreasonable and ask for dismissal.
- Reduced charges and fines: Even if a dismissal isn't possible, an attorney can often negotiate with the judge to reduce the charge to a less serious offense or a non-moving violation. Non-moving violations are like parking tickets, so there are no points and no insurance increase.
- Avoiding points on your record: Points on your license can significantly increase your car insurance rates. An attorney can help you keep your record clean, potentially saving you money on insurance for three to seven years.
- Court representation: Traffic court appearances can be intimidating. An attorney can handle all the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to avoid the hassle and stress of going to court, which could save you money and the embarrassment of asking for time off to attend trial.
- Knowledge of local laws and procedures: Traffic laws and procedures can vary by jurisdiction. An attorney familiar with the specific court you'll be appearing in can significantly improve your chances of a successful outcome. Plus, many drivers give up because they don’t know where or how to get the documents they need to defend themselves in court.
In short, hiring a speeding ticket lawyer can help California drivers fight speeding tickets effectively, which could potentially saving them money on fines, insurance, and court fees.
Contact Bigger & Harman
Hiring a speeding ticket lawyer is easy and convenient when you let our Stanislaus County Speeding Ticket Team help you in Modesto Courthouse. Give us a call at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
We have been asked to resolve more than 20,000 traffic tickets for California drivers. You can read the reviews of many on Yelp. Although we cannot promise the same results, we will use our knowledge and experience to get the best possible results for you.
Use the contact form to schedule a consultation, or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2023.
The CA Driver Handbook Englishy Español.
CA VC Section 22350, Speed Laws.