Driving can be a fun and exhilarating experience, especially on the open roads of Needles, CA. However, driving at high speeds can be dangerous and put other drivers at risk. If you have been caught driving over 100 mph, you may be facing serious consequences. This blog post will outline the dos and don'ts of dealing with a speeding 100+ mph ticket in Needles, CA.
Do: Hire an Experienced Traffic Attorney
Although, like driving, you might think it would be fun to represent yourself in court. This is not the time to do that. If there ever is one, maybe wait for something a little less expensive.
If you have received a speeding 100+ mph ticket in Needles, CA, hiring an experienced traffic attorney is essential. A traffic attorney can help you navigate the legal process, advise you on your rights, and represent you in court. An experienced attorney may be able to negotiate a plea bargain or reduce your charges, which could save you money in fines and keep points off your driving record.
If you decide to represent yourself, bring another driver along. Traffic court judges have the discretion to suspend your driving privileges for 30 days automatically, so you might be required to surrender your license to the bailiff before you leave if convicted.
Also, the fine will be between $900 and $2,500. You can ask the judge to consider your income and impose a payment plan. However, the most significant penalty will occur after the guilty verdict arrives at the DMV. They will assess two negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points, which will stay on your record for up to seven years.
When your auto insurance company learns of your conviction, usually at renewal, they will double or triple your premium. So, you could pay another $15,000 or more over the next seven years for auto insurance, above what you would have paid.
You should seriously consider hiring a traffic attorney. Bigger & Harman offers a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
Do: Gather Evidence
Before you speak with an attorney, it's essential to gather as much evidence as possible. This includes any photos or videos of the incident, witness statements, dash cam and GPS data if available, and bring a copy of the citation during your initial consultation with a traffic attorney.
If possible, take notes and photos of the road conditions, as soon as possible after the law enforcement officer (LEO) leaves, and any traffic signs that may have been obstructed. This evidence can help your attorney build a strong case and may even help you get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Don't: Admit Guilt to Speeding 100+ MPH or Say, “I was only going the legal speed limit, 70 MPH,” when you know the officer got you going fast.
If you receive a speeding 100+ mph ticket, it's essential not to admit guilt to the over 100 MPH. Even if you feel you were driving too fast, admitting guilt can be used against you in court. Be polite to the officer, but do not admit to over 100 MPH. Remember that “you have the right to remain silent,” and anything you say can be used against you. Chances are, LEO is wearing a bodycam. If you blatantly lie, it’s just going to make the officer more mad at you.
Don't: Ignore Your Ticket or Court Date
If you have been issued a speeding 100+ mph ticket, you must show up for your court date unless you hire a traffic attorney to represent you at your mandatory court appearance (only a few courts will let it slide). Once you hire an attorney, you can relax and let them handle it.
Failure to appear (FTA) can result in a bench warrant for your arrest, an additional charge under CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 40508, Release upon Promise to Appear, which is a misdemeanor, you might be tried in absentia, the DMV could put a hold on your license and vehicle registration, and a civil assessment.
The misdemeanor charge for FTA could result in a $1,000 fine and up to six months in county jail, or both. Ignoring your speeding 100+ mph ticket will not make it go away. It will only make it worse.
However, there are legitimate reasons you could miss your trial date or get it postponed, like if you are incarcerated, deployed with the military, deported, in the hospital, and others. Ask an attorney.
Do: Be Prepared
When attending your court date, it's essential to be prepared. This includes dressing appropriately, being on time, and bringing any relevant documents or evidence. If you hire an attorney, they will advise you on whether or not your presence is required and what to bring to court, so be sure to ask for their guidance.
The best course of action to ensure you are fully prepared is to consult a knowledgeable and experienced traffic attorney as soon as possible.
Ask Bigger & Harman for Help with a Speeding 100+ MPH Ticket in Needles, CA Traffic Court
Receiving a speeding 100+ mph ticket in Needles, CA, or anywhere, can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, by following the dos and don'ts outlined in this blog post, you can improve your chances of getting your charges reduced or dismissed.
“Bigger & Harman just saved me sooo much time, headache and money! Highly, highly recommend them if you ever get a ticket or a summons, they handled everything, I followed their instructions, and my case was dismissed!! It took a while, but they were very patient with me, which I am grateful for. Communication was flawless also, kept me informed every step of the way, 5 star!!”—Selina K., Central LA, CA.
Many traffic court cases scheduled for Barstow, primarily from Highway 40, are now being heard in Needles Traffic Court on 1111 Bailey Avenue in San Bernardino County, CA.
Contact us today for speeding 100+ mph tickets at (661) 349-9300. Use our handy online contact form to schedule a consultation, or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
References:
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
CVC Section 40508, Release upon Promise to Appear.