Did you know that somewhere between 95 and 99 percent of all California drivers pay their speeding ticket cost without a challenge?
Many do not realize that a traffic citation is an accusation of illegal activity. When you are found guilty or pay a traffic ticket, you show your employer or college and university enrollment board that you are irresponsible.
Imagine meeting all the requirements for attendance at UCLA or Stanford only to get denied because of a speeding ticket when you paid the fine instead of challenging it. The same thing could happen at work with a promotion if it came down to you and another employee with similar records.
California’s #1 Moneymaker, the Speeding Ticket
Another statistic you may be unaware of is that around one-third of those who fight their traffic ticket win due to a “lack of prosecution.” That means that about 30 percent of the time, the law enforcement officer (LEO) who issued the ticket doesn’t show up for court (results very widely by court and type of ticket). What’s more, the “win” statistics go way up for those who hire a traffic ticket attorney. That’s why it’s crucial to consult with a traffic or speeding lawyer before you proceed.
The reason state and county officials don’t inform the recipient of a speeding ticket of their right to challenge the ticket in traffic court is purely economic. California makes billions each year on traffic tickets, particularly the number one moneymaker, the speeding ticket.
Traffic Courts Myths
CA traffic courts offer you the opportunity to challenge your traffic ticket, though they will not voluntarily give you that information. In fact, they will tell you some half-truths to get you to pay the speeding ticket costs.
Their websites will often tell you that you must miss school or work and sit through two days in traffic court. The premise is that your first appearance is for arraignment and the other for trial. Whereas that’s basically true, you do not have to appear at all if you hire a traffic attorney. Too many believe that missing two days of work will cost more than the fine. That also is a half-truth because the fine is usually only one-fourth of the total cost of a ticket.
The most significant expense is the increase in car insurance, which is about $692 per year for the three years a speeding ticket conviction of less than 100 mph will stay on the individual’s record. That is, of course, the average. It could be much more or less depending on your age, and several other risk factors insurance providers consider.
Traffic Attorney Falsehoods
Then, there is the myth that a traffic lawyer will cost more than the fine, which is another half-truth. An experienced traffic lawyer will typically charge you an affordable fixed rate to resolve your ticket. Most people get the idea that lawyers are prohibitively expensive because of what they see on TV from corporate or criminal lawyers who charge by the hour.
Even lawyers from other law areas hire a traffic lawyer when they get a ticket because they know the system. Traffic court is a “different ball of wax.” You might sit there all morning and only have two to five minutes to state your case.
A traffic lawyer knows the elements of traffic code that the state must prove. If the LEO’s evidence against you is minimal or insufficient, the attorney can ask for a reduced no-point conviction. In a no-point conviction, you might pay the same fine, but there’ll be no points. It’s a lot like a parking ticket, you pay the fine, but your insurance stays the same, which could save you $1,500 above what your lawyer charges.
Remember above; we mentioned “lack of prosecution” where the LEO doesn’t show up? If the traffic attorney does not see them in court, or there is a technical issue with the equipment used to measure your speed, they can ask for a dismissal.
Who to Call to Assist with a Fresno County Speeding Ticket?
If you receive a speeding ticket or other traffic ticket on I-5 or anywhere in Fresno County, call Bigger & Harman, (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
We are California Traffic Attorneys who regularly resolve traffic tickets in Fresno County Traffic Court using a flat fee. Regardless of the number of times we must attend court, your price will not change.
Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The 2020 CA Driver Handbook.pdf