When the driver receives a citation, a speeding ticket lawyer can prevent a lasting problem. 

We help drivers maintain a clean record in Madera County, CA. Many tourists and local travelers rely on SR- 41 to reach Yosemite National Park. 

Law enforcement officers monitor these corridors very closely for speeders to provide safety for all drivers, pedestrians, and prevent property damage. 

Understanding the Dangers of Speeding on SR-99 and 41

Speeding tickets rarely end with a paid fine. 

The DMV will assess NOTS points to the driver’s record for three years or more. A conviction for speeding over 100 mph will linger for up to seven years. 

These typically trigger an massive insurance premium increase for the drivers. Our firm focuses on developing a defense to protect these vital privileges.

Drivers should be aware of these common consequences:

• Points on the driving record for a minimum of three years.
• Significant increases in annual car insurance premiums of 30 to 32% for a minor infraction and 100 or 200% when convicted of speeding over 100 mph.
• Possible automatic suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
• Increased scrutiny and higher fines if the driver has prior traffic violations.

Smart drivers consult a speeding ticket lawyer before paying the fine, attending Traffic Violator School, or deciding to use a Trial by Written Declaration. Any of these choices could box the driver into a corner and limit their ability to take further action.

For example, a driver should rarely accept traffic school attendance when they have multiple tickets pending. The course is intended to mask one traffic ticket within an 18-month period. Many eligibility requirements are not immediately apparent. Fight both tickets and hopefully you beat at least one of them and can take traffic school on the other. 

How a Speeding Ticket Lawyer Builds a Defense

Our firm starts with a subpoena for all related evidence, including the officer’s statement about the stop, calibration and training records for the speed measurement device, and evaluating the specific facts of the traffic stop. 

A speeding ticket lawyer then reviews the officer’s notes and speed measurement methods. We then determine if a dismissal or a charge reduction is realistic. We strive to avoid any points on the driver's record. 

Every speeding ticket receives a strategy tailored to the specific court. A traffic lawyer ensures the driver's rights remain protected at every turn. We aim for outcomes that minimize long-term exposure for the driver.

How Much Is a Speeding Ticket in Madera County?

In California, it depends on how fast you were going over the speed limit or the safe driving speed, depending on the weather and road conditions.

The four levels of penalties are: 

1. One to 15 mph over is about $238, and the driver is assessed one NOTS point, and traffic school is possible if the driver meets the eligibility requirements
2. 16 to 24 mph over is around $360, assessed one NOTS point, and traffic school is possible. 
3. 25 mph over up to 99 mph is $490, one NOTS point, and traffic school must be approved by a traffic court judge.
4. The fine for speeding over 100 mph is between $859 and $2,137, the DMV assesses two NOTS points, and traffic school is not authorized unless the speed is reduced below 100. An automatic driver’s license suspension is authorized at the discretion of the Superior Court judge. 

However, the CHP and DMV are now imposing suspensions and revocations of driver licenses even before a trial for speeding over 100 mph under the Pilot Program, Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets (FAST).

Why Fighting Every Ticket Matters

Many drivers wonder if hiring legal help is a wise financial choice. 

The fine, although expensive, is only about one-fourth of the actual expense for the paid fine.

Insurance hikes can cost thousands of dollars over several years. Fighting a speeding ticket lawyer case often saves money in the long run. 

When you lose your “good driver’s discount” of 20% and add the inherent risk of speeding, depending on the amount over the speed limit or safe driving speed, your insurance provider can legally add nearly $850 annually to your full coverage premium.

Consider this: 

“Parents adding a teen driver to their policy can expect to pay 130 percent more than the California average cost of full coverage.”—Bankrate.com

The driver must consider the total cost of a conviction, not just the fine.

We review the citation to identify weaknesses in the State's case. We appear in traffic court on the driver's behalf, unless there is a compelling reason for their attendance. 

This allows the driver to avoid inconvenient and costly court appearances, and when the driver misses work. We prioritize handling the process efficiently and professionally.

Consult Bigger & Harman, the Speeding Ticket Lawyers, Who Regularly Defend Drivers in Madera Courthouse

If the driver faces a ticket, they should consult a speeding ticket lawyer immediately. 

Bigger & Harman, APC, defends drivers in the Madera County Courthouse regularly. We understand the local enforcement practices that affect speeding tickets along SR-99, 49, 41, and others. We are ready to help the driver protect their driving future.

Call us today at (661) 349-9300 for a free consultation—859-1177 para Español. You can also email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our secure website contact form. 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section

Q: Can a speeding ticket lawyer help keep insurance premiums stable?

A: Yes, a speeding ticket lawyer can often negotiate a reduced no-point conviction with a fine only, or request a dismissal when appropriate. Keeping the record clean ensures that insurance rates do not rise.

Q: How can I protect my driving record?

A: Consulting a knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket attorney is often the driver’s best option. We identify defenses to get the ticket dismissed or reduced effectively.

Q: How much is the fine for speeding?

A: In California, it depends on how fast you were going over the speed limit or the safe driving speed, depending on the weather and road conditions. One to 15 mph over is about $238, and the driver is assessed one NOTS point, traffic school is possible if the driver meets the eligibility requirements; 16 to 24 mph over is around $360, assessed one NOTS point, and traffic school is possible; 25 mph over up to 99 mph is $490, one NOTS point, and traffic school must be approved by a traffic court judge; and the fine for speeding over 100 mph is between $859 and $2,137, the DMV assesses two NOTS points, and traffic school is not authorized unless the speed is reduced below 100. 

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.