The best time to call a speeding ticket lawyer is immediately after the stop while the incident is still fresh in your mind.
As time goes by, the details will fade, and only a traffic ticket attorney knows what might be crucial to winning your case.
If you were pulled over for speeding along Interstate 395 in Mono County, CA, you might be wondering: Do I really need a lawyer for this?
The short answer is—yes, you probably do. A speeding ticket lawyer can help in multiple ways. But if it is a case where you should just take traffic school, we’ll let you know!
When you have a solid case to negotiate or fight, it might be worth hiring a speeding ticket lawyer.
How do you know if you have a solid case? Ask a speeding ticket attorney who provides a free consultation.
Speeding Tickets Happen Even to the Most Conscientious Drivers
We get it. You were in a hurry, or you were paying more attention to the beauty of the Sierras than the speedometer. It happens.
Maybe it was just a few miles over the speed limit. But even a minor speeding ticket can cost you far more than the fine itself.
At our law firm, we’ve helped drivers just like you in Mammoth Lakes and Bridgeport reduce or dismiss speeding charges and protect their driving records.
Why Paying the Fine Without Contesting a Speeding Ticket Might Cost You More
In California, speeding ticket fines and penalties follow a graduated structure based on how much over the speed limit or safe driving speed the ticketing officer said you were driving:
1 to 15 mph over: Although the “base fine” is $35, expect a total fine of close to $238 with county and state penalties and assessments and one NOTS point on your record for 36 months.
16 to 24 mph over: The base fine of $70 increases to approximately $360, along with one NOTS point added to your DMV history.
25 to 99 mph over: The $100 base fine can reach $490 with penalties, and one NOTS point will be assessed. Attending Traffic Violator School (TVS) to mask the conviction is only possible with the judge’s permission.
Above 100 mph: Drivers must appear in most courts (although Mono Court sometimes gives the option of just paying off the fine and taking the big insurance hit) and, if convicted, pay a fine that ranges from $859 to $2,137 and receive two NOTS points, which can stay on record for up to seven years. TVS is not permitted. Insurance rates often double or even triple following this violation.
Keep in mind, speed measurement devices are not always accurate, and law enforcement officers are not always fully trained on their use.
Although, those speeding fines aren’t the only cost.
If you're found guilty or just pay the ticket, the DMV will assess one or two NOTS points on your driving record.
For the average California driver, that means a loss of the 20% “good driver” insurance discount for three to seven years.
For someone with full coverage, that could mean nearly $900 more per year—or over $2,700 for even one to 15 mph over, and it goes up from there during the time those points remains on your record.
And you may not be eligible for Traffic Violator School (TVS) to keep the ticket confidential. That’s always true for commercial drivers, and non-commercial drivers cannot use it again for 18 months.
Whether your citation happened on I-395 near Mammoth Lakes or Bridgeport in Mono County, we’re ready to help.
A speeding ticket lawyer knows the local court system. We can work to keep your record clean and your insurance rates unchanged.
One of our law firm founders regularly goes in person to Mono County to fight tickets for clients. Contact us for a free consultation for guidance on whether to pay the ticket or dispute it in court.
Don’t risk your driving record or budget. Call us now, and let’s discuss your options.
Call Bigger & Harman, the Speeding Ticket Lawyers who regularly defend tickets in Mono County
If you’ve been issued a speeding citation in Mono County, CA, you should consult one of Bigger & Harman’s speeding ticket lawyers. Call (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español at 349-9755.
We have more than a decade of experience in Mammoth Lakes and Bridgeport Courthouse.
Alternatively, you can use our convenient contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Could hiring a speeding ticket lawyer really save me money?
A: Yes, absolutely. Even a minor speeding ticket can raise your insurance rates for three years. Most drivers lose their good driver discount of 20%, and their insurance company adds the risk inherent in speeding. That will add nearly $900or more per year to your full coverage policy. A lawyer may help you avoid the conviction altogether.
Q: Can a speeding ticket lawyer help me avoid points on my DMV driving record?
A: Yes. A lawyer may be able to negotiate a reduced charge or secure approval for Traffic Violator School (TVS), which keeps the violation confidential from your insurer. In some cases, your attorney can get the charge dismissed or downgraded to a non-moving violation.
Q: What if I already paid the fine—can a lawyer still help?
A: No, typically not. To pay the fine, even to accept TVS, you have to plead guilty. So, if you don’t complete TVS before the court-ordered date, it will be recorded on your driving record. Always consult a traffic attorney before you decide.
References:
CA VC Section 22350, Speed Laws.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.