Many would seriously laugh at the notion of hiring a speeding ticket lawyer to save money on a ticket. However, when you consider that you could save approximately $825 per year for three years with a dismissal or no assessment of NOTS points, it’s more serious than funny.
Let us show you how that could work.
Many drivers call us right after getting pulled over on Interstate 5 or State Route SR-41 in Kings County, CA. They want to know what happens next and how we can help.
Why Speeding Fines Are Shockingly High
Most drivers do not realize that California uses small “base fine” amounts. But then add ten surcharges that add significantly to the total cost.
A $35 base fine for speeding one to fifteen mph over the limit or safe speed can become more than $235.
The California Assembly added ten assessments over the years.
These stack up fast:
- A 20% state surcharge
- A 100% penalty assessment for the State Treasury.
- A 70% penalty that goes straight to the county.
- A DNA Identification fee.
- A 20% fee to support Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
- A fee to support Emergency Medical Transportation (EMT) services.
- A 50% fee for court construction.
- A $35 conviction fee.
- A $40 assessment for court operations.
- A Night Court fee, even if you don’t use it.
As a result, a $100 base fine can soar to nearly $490. And a 100+ mph conviction can climb past $2,000 before insurance hikes.
Despite these added penalties, the paid fine is typically only one-fourth of the total expense. Take a look.
How Insurance Premiums Rise After a Conviction
Drivers often ask, “How much will this raise my insurance?”
The truth is painful. A conviction means you lose the 20% “good driver discount.” Then the insurer adds the associated risk.
A minor infraction for speeding can add 10–12% more. A major infraction could double or triple your premiums.
Over three years, the total cost can exceed $2,400 in added premiums to the average Kings County driver’s full coverage.
If you have a teenager on your policy, you can expect your premium to skyrocket. Families with a clean driving record pay 130% more than the state average when they add a teen to their policy.
That’s why calling a speeding ticket lawyer early makes sense.
Understanding Traffic Violator School (TVS)
TVS helps some drivers keep a traffic ticket off their public record. It hides the conviction from insurers. But it is not available to everyone.
To qualify, drivers must meet all requirements:
- Hold a valid California license
- Have a minor one-point violation
- Not used TVS within 18 months
- Plead guilty and pay the full fine and fees.
TVS is not allowed when driving a commercial vehicle, speeding 100+ mph, or when drugs or alcohol are involved.
A judge must approve TVS for speeds over 25 mph. We often tell drivers to speak with a speeding ticket lawyer first, because pleading guilty, paying the fine, admin fees, and tuition can add nearly $100 to your already expensive fine.
What’s more, if you don’t complete the course before the court-ordered completion date, all bets are off, and the ticket becomes public record. There are other drawbacks and disqualifiers, so you should ask a traffic attorney.
Safe Driving Speed Under California Law
CA VC Section 22350, California’s basic speed law, requires drivers to travel at a “reasonable or prudent” speed. That depends on weather, visibility, traffic, and road conditions.
Kings County drivers know how quickly wind, fog, or dust can change conditions along State Route 43 or 198.
An officer can issue a traffic ticket even if the driver was driving less than the posted limit. But an officer’s judgment is not final. A traffic court judge decides what was “reasonable or prudent.”
We help raise doubt to show the judge the driver acted prudently.
Why Legal Representation Helps
We use strategies developed from thousands of past cases. We know what works in Kings County Traffic Court. We know the judges, the process, and which defenses the judge has accepted in the past.
Drivers often tell us they wish they had called sooner. The combination of fine, NOTS points, and insurance hikes becomes expensive quickly. A speeding ticket lawyer can reduce the damage before it snowballs.
Talk to Bigger & Harman, the Speeding Ticket Lawyers, Before Paying That Fine
Many would seriously laugh at the notion of hiring a speeding ticket lawyer to save money on a ticket. However, when you consider that you could save approximately $825 per year for three years with a dismissal or no assessment of NOTS points, it’s more serious than funny.
Do you need a speeding ticket lawyer to help you with a speeding ticket in Hanford Courthouse? Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 859-1177.
We represent many Kings County drivers with speeding tickets in Hanford Courthouse. During the last ten years, we have helped drivers resolve more than 30,000 California traffic tickets.
Use our secure automated contact form or send us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Do I really need a speeding ticket lawyer for a minor infraction in Kings County, CA?
A: Even a conviction for a minor infraction of speeding one to fifteen mph over the speed limit or safe driving speed can raise your insurance premiums by 32% if you lose your “good driver’s discount.”
Q: Can a lawyer appear for me in traffic court?
A: Unless there is a compelling reason for your testimony, we can normally appear on your behalf so you don’t miss work or school.
Q: Will hiring a speeding ticket attorney guarantee a dismissal?
A: No, despite the money-back guarantees you see on the internet, only the judge can dismiss a ticket. However, a knowledgeable speeding ticket attorney can request dismissal when conditions exist. They can often work out other results that are better for your insurance costs.
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 California Department of Justice.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025