If you’ve been cited for speeding, it’s wise to hire a speeding ticket lawyer to protect your driving record and auto insurance premium.
Many drivers assume paying a fine is the simplest solution. However, this decision could have long-term consequences for your insurance rates and record.
For example, according to Bankrate.com:
“Full coverage car insurance costs an average of $2,835 per year in California. The average cost for state minimum coverage is $670 per year.”
Using that figure as a basis, losing your “good driver’s discount of 20%” would cause an increase of around $567 annually, and the 10 to 12% increase associated with the risk of speeding causing an accident adds another $280 or more annually.
This increase is the average, and your actual cost might be higher or lower, but if you have a lien on your car, chances are you must carry full coverage.
Why You Should Hire a Speeding Ticket Lawyer
California’s traffic laws are much more complex than you would think and updated almost every year.
A speeding ticket attorney has the experience and know-how to navigate these rules effectively. Attempting to handle a ticket alone can lead to missed opportunities for reduced penalties or dismissal.
Even attorneys in other legal fields often hire a speeding ticket lawyer to handle their cases.
“These attorneys were very helpful in my situation. Very responsive and professional. I'm a retired attorney and so have high standards—this firm met them and more!”—Ken S., San Diego, CA on Yelp, 31 JAN ’24.
Safeguard Your Driving Record and Insurance
A single speeding conviction can affect your driving record for three years or more.
Increased insurance premiums, like those mentioned above, are common after a conviction unless you are eligible for, attend, and complete a traffic violator school (TVS).
Not all violations qualify for TVS, so it’s essential to consult a lawyer.
Multiple convictions or paid fines could result in accumulating Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points.
Too many points trigger DMV hearings and potential license suspension.
A speeding ticket attorney can fight for a reduced charge, dismissal, or no-point resolution. These could prevent rate hikes and keep your driving privileges intact.
What’s more, they can often negotiate with the traffic court judge to allow TVS attendance when the speed was too fast for TVS.
Enhance Your Odds of a Favorable Outcome
Traffic courts can be overwhelming without experience.
Lawyers can subpoena traffic stop records, challenge evidence, negotiate with judges, and identify procedural errors.
A speeding ticket attorney can access officer training and calibration records for speed measuring devices, which may expose weaknesses in the case. These resources often lead to dismissals or reduced penalties.
Why You Might Need to Hire a Speeding Ticket Attorney
Hiring a lawyer means they can attend court without your presence, provide you with peace of mind, and possibly improve the results in court.
An attorney may help you:
Get approval for a traffic violator course for severe violations.
Negotiate a no-point conviction or reduced penalties.
Achieve dismissal of charges altogether.
Don’t leave your record and insurance rates to chance. For reliable legal representation in Tulare County, consult a speeding ticket attorney today.
“I received a speeding ticket and after some research I decided to go with Bigger & Harman. From the minute I first called to the minute they informed me my ticket was dismissed I was given excellent service and consistently updated through every turn of the process.”—Funk E. from Bakersfield, CA on Yelp.
Consult with Bigger & Harman
If you need to hire a speeding ticket lawyer to resolve your ticket in Porterville or Visalia Courthouse in Tulare County, call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300— Se habla Español 349-9755.
Alternatively, use our handy online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2024.