Getting cited for speeding can feel overwhelming, especially if it happens in Mono County. Many drivers wonder if hiring a speeding ticket lawyer is worth it.
Although the initial outlay for an experienced and knowledgeable traffic attorney may seem like it’s more than the fine. However, the fine for speeding might only be one-fourth of the total expense after the DMV assesses NOTS points.
According to Bankrate.com, the average driver with full coverage in Mammoth Lakes, for instance, pays $2,700 annually for auto insurance. After a speeding ticket paid fine, they typically pay 30 to 32% more. Imagine paying nearly $810 more for your already too expensive coverage.
If you have a teenager on your policy, you could be paying 130% than the average California driver.
Why Ignoring a Speeding Ticket is a Big Mistake
If you fail to act, the consequences grow quickly.
Courts can issue a warrant if you don’t appear. Your license may get suspended, and extra fines can be added. In some cases, your vehicle registration could even be put on hold.
If you’ve already missed a court date, don’t panic. We’ve helped many drivers in Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes get cases back on the court’s calendar.
However, before driving again, speak with a speeding ticket lawyer about your options.
Common Reasons for Speeding Tickets in California
Most speeding tickets fall under Vehicle Code 22350, widely referred to as the Basic Speed Law.
This provision in the traffic code means you can get ticketed for unsafe speed even below the posted limit, depending on the road and weather conditions.
Speeding tickets often happen in construction zones, school zones, or when weather and traffic make speed unsafe.
Many citations in Mono County happen on Interstate 395 (I-395), where CHP uses RADAR, LIDAR, or pacing to measure your speed—no speed measurement system is infallible.
The Cost of Paying a Ticket
Many drivers assume paying the fine ends the issue. But it’s really a guilty plea. That conviction will put DMV NOTS points on your record for three years.
Insurance increases are often the real burden. A single ticket can raise premiums by hundreds yearly. Over three years, the total cost may exceed $2,500 more than if you had fought the ticket.
Can a Speeding Ticket Lawyer Really Make a Difference?
Yes, having a lawyer can be the difference between a dismissal and a conviction. We’ve seen cases where the RADAR speed measurement device wasn’t calibrated or an officer’s testimony had gaps. Those mistakes often lead to reduced or dismissed charges.
A speeding ticket lawyer can appear for you in court. That saves you the travel to Bridgeport or Mammoth Lakes Courthouse and the expense of missing work for the arraignment and trial.
Many of our clients never set foot in court.
Common Defenses Against Speeding Citations
Every case is unique, but these are some effective strategies:
- Signs were unclear or not posted properly.
- Traffic, road, or weather conditions made your speed safe.
- Radar or lidar wasn’t properly calibrated or maintained.
- The officer’s visual estimate wasn’t reliable.
Our attorneys are familiar with the local judges and officers who handle these tickets. That experience helps us tailor a personal defense.
Should You Fight or Just Pay?
We often hear clients ask, “Is it worth it to fight a speeding ticket?” The truth is, yes. Avoiding DMV points and higher insurance rates is worth the effort. We often save our clients around $1,500 over those who simply paid the fine.
You also avoid time away from work because we appear in court for you. That peace of mind is why drivers across Mono County and Eastern California call us first.
Consult Bigger & Harman, the Speeding Ticket Lawyers You Can Trust
Ticketed in Mono County? Call Bigger & Harman, the speeding ticket lawyers, at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755, for ticket defense in Bridgeport or Mammoth Lakes courts.
When you’ve been cited for speeding, don’t rush to pay the fine. Speak with one of our speeding ticket lawyers who understands Mono County courts and I-395 speeding ticket cases.
Our team at Bigger & Harman regularly handles speeding ticket cases in Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes Courthouses. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your record.
Use our convenient contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Can I challenge a speeding ticket in Mono County without going to court?
A: Yes. A speeding ticket lawyer can often appear for you in Bridgeport or Mammoth Lakes.
Q: How much does a speeding ticket cost in California?
A: Speeding ticket fines start at $238 and can exceed $2,000 for over 100 MPH violations, but insurance hikes usually cost far more long-term. Most Mono County drivers who paid their fine saw their insurance premiums climb by $810 annually for 36 to 39 months, depending on their renewal date.
Q: Will a paid fine for speeding affect my driving record?
A: Yes. A paid fine is the equivalent of a guilty plea. The NOTS points remain for three years and can raise insurance premiums significantly.
References:
CA VC Sections 22348, 22349, 22350, 22356, & [22348 - 22366] Speed Laws.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.