If you've received a speeding ticket, it's crucial to secure the best possible outcome. This is where a speeding ticket lawyer can help.
With their legal expertise, they can analyze the case against you and help you build a strong defense. They can negotiate with the judge to reduce your fine or dismiss the charges altogether.
If convicted, the fine could be $237, $360, or $490. Speeding 1-15 mph over the speed limit carries a fine of $237. Sixteen to twenty-four mph over the safe driving speed or posted limit has a fine of $360. Likewise, 25 mph over up to 99 mph could cost $490.
Moreover, the fine for speeding 100+ mph under VC 22348(b) ranges between $859 and $2,500, and there is no possibility of attending traffic violators school (TVS) to keep the conviction confidential. Speaking of TVS, it is not a guaranteed method of keeping your conviction confidential.
In fact, there are several conditions under which you are not eligible to attend TVS. Twenty-five mph over the speed limit requires approval from the traffic court judge. Typically, a speeding ticket lawyer can submit a letter to the judge requesting TVS or ask for it as a condition of a reduced charge.
Otherwise, if you were driving a commercial vehicle, you didn’t have a valid license, your ticket requires a mandatory court appearance, such as for a major infraction like speeding 100+ mph, a misdemeanor or felony, or you are a juvenile you might not be eligible. Always ask a speeding ticket lawyer before pleading guilty and accepting TVS attendance.
You must plead guilty, pay the full fine amount, tuition, DMV filing fee, and complete the course before the court-ordered deadline. If you do not complete it on time, the conviction becomes a part of your motor vehicle driving record (MVR), and your auto insurance will no longer have a “good driver’s discount,” the appropriate risk for your speeding will be added, and stay higher for three years.
As difficult on your budget as these fines are, it’s cheap compared to the price of increased auto insurance premiums.
How Much Will My Auto Insurance Increase?
According to Bankrate.com:
“The average increase in annual full coverage premium after a speeding ticket in California is 35 percent.”
Bankrate also claims the CA average for full coverage is $2,291 annually. Of course, your personal premium rate could be higher or lower depending on several factors, including where you live, work, or go to school, marital status, age, and, particularly, your driving record. A rise of 35%, which typically includes the loss of your 20% “good driver’s discount,” would be $801.85 annually or $67 more per month.
This increase could be ruinous to your household budget, and if you have a teen on your insurance, it could be disastrous.
With a speeding ticket lawyer on your side in Merced County Courthouse, you could avoid a license suspension, keep points off your driving record, and prevent your insurance rates from skyrocketing. Hiring a speeding ticket lawyer is a smart investment, which can save you time, money, and the hassle of dealing with the legal system you have very little experience with or knowledge of—it’s best to leave it to a professional for potentially favorable results that could keep more money in your budget over the next three to seven years.
In Merced County, Consult the Speeding Ticket Lawyer Team of Bigger & Harman
Bigger & Harman frequently appear in Merced County Courthouse to resolve traffic tickets, such as speeding, cell phone use, commercial vehicle violations, stop sign, red light ticket, and more.
Call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300, use their handy contact form online or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate article, Average cost of car insurance in California for 2022.