Getting stopped on I-395 in Inyo County can feel overwhelming.
That’s why hiring a speeding ticket attorney makes sense for drivers in Bishop and Independence.
At our law firm, we know what a single ticket can cost your budget in fines, increased insurance premiums, possible suspension of driving privileges, and your reputation.
Why Insurance Increases Make Hiring a Speeding Ticket Attorney Makes Sense
Many drivers don’t realize how fast premiums rise after a conviction.
A first speeding ticket can increase rates by 30 percent or more, with the loss of your 20% good driving discount. Add a second ticket, and insurance can skyrocket another 40 percent.
These hikes don’t last weeks. They often last three years or more.
Over time, that could be as much as $2,500 from your family budget for the fine and increased premiums. That’s why hiring a speeding ticket attorney makes sense compared to paying the fine without a fight.
Dismissal or Reduction May Be Possible
A local attorney knows when to push for dismissal.
Sometimes attorneys sit in court and watch in frustration as people represent themselves and don’t know when to ask for a dismissal on a winnable case.
Likewise, the ticketing officer is not required to appear for the arraignment, only the trial.
When dismissal isn’t possible, an attorney might be able to negotiate a reduced charge. That could mean no points, a smaller fine, and no increased premiums.
Traffic Violator School Options
Some tickets may qualify for Traffic Violator School (TVS). This benefits the driver by keeping the ticket confidential from insurers.
In California, if your ticket is eligible for attendance, after completion, a DMV-approved school will send the certificate of completion to the DMV, and they will file your conviction in a confidential file within your motor vehicle driving record if you are a Class C driver.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not erased from your record.
You must first plead guilty and pay the full fine amount, the tuition, and the county administration fee for attendance. If you do not complete it before the court-ordered date, it will become a part of your public record, and your insurance provider will see the conviction, typically at renewal and raise your premium.
You can only use it to mask a ticket once within an 18-month period.
Building a Strong Defense
The facts surrounding your stop matter.
Road conditions, traffic flow, or obstructed signs might form a defense. Technical issues with radar or laser equipment can also work in your favor.
Document everything as soon as possible—what was said, the officer’s name, and where it happened. Share these details with your attorney. This information can make the difference between a conviction and an acquittal.
Common Defense Strategies
Necessity defenses apply when drivers speed up momentarily to avoid danger. For example, avoiding a tailgater, swerving to miss an accident, or escaping road rage. Courts recognize emergencies, but not excuses like being late for work.
In fact, telling the judge you were speeding because you were late for work or an appointment is an admission of guilt.
Technical defenses challenge how speed was measured. Radar and laser devices must be calibrated properly. If they weren’t, an attorney may get the ticket dismissed.
Hiring a Speeding Ticket Attorney Makes Sense. Call Bigger & Harman Today
If you were ticketed for speeding in Bishop, Independence, or anywhere in Inyo County on I-395, don’t face it alone. Hiring a speeding ticket attorney makes sense when your license, insurance, and reputation are at risk.
Call Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300 or 349-9755 (se habla Español). You can also email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or fill out our contact form online.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Can a lawyer appear in court for me in Inyo County?
A: Yes. A speeding ticket attorney can represent you, often getting a full dismissal or getting the charges reduced to a no-point violation when you’re not eligible for Traffic Violator School (TVS). Also, hiring a speeding ticket lawyer could save you from missing work or school.
A: Not all speeding tickets are eligible for TVS. You can only use it once within an 18-month period. Eligibility depends on the type of violation and several other factors. A lawyer can inform you if TVS is right for your situation.
Q: What if I can’t afford a speeding ticket lawyer?
A: It may sound cliché, but if you can’t afford an attorney, that’s likely when you need one most. You could save as much as $2,000 in increased insurance premiums with a dismissal. Ask the staff at Bigger & Harman about a possible payment plan.
References:
CA VC Sections 22348, 22349, 22350, 22356, & [22348 - 22366] Speed Laws.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The CA DMV Traffic Violator Course Webpage.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.