Receiving a speeding ticket can be a nerve-wracking experience. Beyond the initial frustration, the potential financial consequences can be quite serious, and your reputation could suffer tremendously from a conviction.
To increase your chances of having the ticket dismissed or the penalties reduced, hiring a speeding ticket lawyer is your best option. A paid fine or conviction will affect your driving record, insurance premiums, and finances for the next three years.
Hiring a lawyer specializing in speeding tickets can be a smart move to help you deal with the legal process and lessen the repercussions.
Understanding the Penalties
In California, speeding ticket fines and penalties follow a tiered structure. Here’s a quick summary:
1-15 mph over the speed limit: Incurs a fine of approximately $238 and one Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) point on your driving record for 36 to 39 months.
16-24 mph over the speed limit: The fine is around $360 and adds one NOTS point.
25 mph over the speed limit up to 100 mph: This carries a fine of about $490 and one point. A traffic court judge must approve attendance at Traffic Violator School (TVS) to keep the conviction confidential.
Speeding over 100 mph: A major infraction requiring a mandatory court appearance. TVS is not an option for keeping it confidential, and the fine ranges from $859 to $2,137, with two NOTS points staying on your record for up to seven years. Your auto insurance may double or triple.
Why Hire a Speeding Ticket Lawyer?
When should you think about hiring a speeding ticket lawyer?
Upon receiving a speeding ticket, consulting a traffic attorney is wise because there may be ways to avoid higher insurance premiums through TVS, but not everyone qualifies, and some circumstances make it less beneficial.
For example, if you have multiple tickets, only one can be kept confidential, which will not help.
Consider these key points when discussing with a traffic attorney:
Reducing Charges: A skilled lawyer might negotiate with the court to reduce the charges or the fine. Sometimes, a lawyer can secure a no-point conviction, meaning you only pay the fine without adding points to your record.
Avoiding Points: Points on your driving record can lead to increased insurance costs for years. A lawyer can work to keep your record clean, which is crucial for maintaining the lowest insurance rates.
Complex Cases: Having a lawyer can be particularly beneficial if your ticket involves disputed speed readings or other complicating factors.
Presenting Evidence: An experienced lawyer knows how to subpoena calibration and training records for speed-measuring devices and present this evidence effectively in court.
Finding the Right Lawyer
Finding the right speeding ticket lawyer differs from hiring a family or criminal attorney.
While some traffic violations require a criminal lawyer, speeding tickets in CA do not involve jail time or result in a criminal record unless there is another misdemeanor charge associated with your actions.
For instance, a reckless driving or speed contest charge could be added if, in the view of the law enforcement officer, that was why you were speeding. However, those are misdemeanor driving offenses and require tougher penalties.
Traffic court procedures are distinct from those in other types of court. Traffic court moves quickly. You generally only appear before a traffic court judge who hears and decides the outcome.
The District Attorney typically only gets involved in misdemeanor or felony driving offenses.
Traffic courts handle numerous tickets daily, and the driver or their lawyer usually has just a few minutes to present their case. There are no breaks to gather additional evidence or witnesses.
Here are some tips for finding the right lawyer:
Online Resources: Use websites like AVVO (Paul Harman) and (Mark Bigger), Nolo, Yelp, Attorney Search, and Nolo to compare lawyers and read reviews.
Recommendations: Ask family, friends, or colleagues about referrals based on their positive experiences with local traffic attorneys.
Consultations: Some traffic attorneys provide free consultations, allowing you to discuss your case, ask questions, and understand their approach before committing.
When you hire a speeding ticket lawyer, it can be a valuable investment to protect your driving record and minimize financial consequences.
By following these steps and seeking qualified legal representation, you can handle the situation with greater peace of mind.
Consult with Bigger & Harman, the Speeding Ticket Lawyers in Tulare County
If you need a knowledgeable and experienced speeding ticket lawyer to dispute your ticket in Porterville or Visalia Courthouse in Tulare County, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755. Use our convenient contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Reference:
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in California for 2024.