Many drivers often look at only the fine when considering the cost associated with a traffic ticket, presuming that paying the fine is more economical than hiring a traffic ticket lawyer.
However, they frequently overlook the potential spike in auto insurance rates, which can increase by as much as $2,000over three years due to losing a 20% “good driver’s discount.”
This extreme rise can happen even for minor infractions that are not eligible to be kept confidential with traffic school (TVS) attendance.
Additionally, while court notifications may suggest you are eligible for TVS, certain situations provide no financial advantage by attendance.
For example, if you have multiple violations or if your traffic ticket is “correctable,” such as failing to show proof of insurance or having a broken taillight, the financial benefit does not apply.
With a correctable ticket, fix the issue and then take the receipt and ticket to the police station where it was issued. The officer will sign off on it, and you can take it to the county court clerk to pay the administrative fee. It won’t appear on your driving record or impact on your insurance.
Likewise, only the first will be kept confidential by attendance when you have multiple paid fines or convictions. All you accomplished was adding the expense and time to attend.
Why a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Could Be Your Best Bet
Here are some advantages of hiring a traffic ticket lawyer:
Save on Fines: A knowledgeable traffic ticket lawyer can help reduce or eliminate hefty penalties.
Guard Your Time: Having an attorney represent you means you can avoid missing work and losing income.
Preserve Your Record: Avoiding points on your license keeps your driving record clean.
Insurance Premiums: A clean driving record helps prevent spikes in insurance rates.
By assessing the costs and benefits, it becomes evident that working with a traffic ticket lawyer can save you both time and money in the long run, especially considering the potential long-term expenses from rising insurance rates and a blemished driving record.
Reducing Your Charges
A skilled traffic ticket lawyer will scrutinize every aspect of your case to find ways to challenge the validity of the charges.
While no outcome can be guaranteed, here’s what could be possible:
Checking the accuracy of speed guns for speeding tickets.
Disputing the visibility or clarity of road signs.
Identifying inconsistencies in the law enforcement officer’s case.
Seeking a traffic court judge’s approval for traffic school.
Negotiating reduced or no-point charges.
Potentially achieving a full dismissal of the ticket.
Even if the evidence against you appears strong, a lawyer can advocate for lower charges, reduced fines, or alternatives like traffic school, helping to lessen the financial or insurance-related impact.
While the upfront cost of hiring a traffic ticket lawyer may seem expensive, the potential long-term savings, peace of mind, and protection of your driving rights make it a worthwhile investment.
Contact Bigger & Harman to Resolve Your Traffic Tickets in Fresno, CA
If you need a traffic ticket resolved in Fresno Courthouse in Fresno County, CA, call Bigger & Harman, APC. Give us a call on (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Schedule an appointment using our contact form or send us an email at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2023.