how to hire a lawyer to fight a ticket

If you want to fight a traffic ticket or citation, call us at (855) 680-4911 or schedule a free consultation. At Clark Law, we have experienced attorneys who regularly represent clients who have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, and we can help you determine the best next step.

Full Answer

Should I hire a lawyer to fight a traffic ticket?

A driver planning to fight a traffic ticket should know: A local attorney is the best option. Local lawyers who routinely work in the court where the case is handled is a better option because they know the other people involved in your case, such as the judge and the police officers.

How do I find a good lawyer for a speeding ticket?

How Do I Find a Lawyer? A local attorney is always the best option for small cases such as speeding tickets. Those who specialize in traffic or other related fields of law or work regularly with cases such as yours are also the ones who should be considered first. Make sure you do all the necessary vetting and research before you hire a lawyer.

Can I represent myself in court to contest a traffic ticket?

When contesting a traffic ticket, some drivers choose to represent themselves in court. Unfortunately, this may have devastating results. The driver may be disorganized about the version of events or may discuss insignificant details, harming his or her case.

Should I mitigate the ticket or pay the fine?

Even on the day of the hearing, you can always change your mind and decide to mitigate the ticket, or pay the fine. Having all available choices open is always the best position to be in.

How much does a traffic lawyer cost in Texas?

Each state and county varies. For example, in North Carolina, the average lawyer fee is around $130. In Texas, the average lawyer fee is around $112, and in New York the average is around $315.

Should I hire a lawyer for a speeding ticket in NYC?

In our opinion, it is always worth it to fight a speeding ticket. Points will not be added to your driving record unless you are convicted, so you should not hesitate to hire an NYC speeding ticket lawyer who can help you fight back.

How much does a traffic lawyer cost in Florida?

Taking traffic schoolLawyersTraffic School$60 – $150 average costAs Low as $15 – $20Points may be added to your licenseNO points assessed on your licenseInsurance may increaseInsurance will not increaseTakes at least two week days in courtTakes 4 hours1 more row

How do I dismiss a speeding ticket in Texas?

Here are five steps to dismissing your Texas traffic ticket:You must have a non-commercial driver's license.You must admit guilt or plead no contest (nolo contendere)The citation must be for driving within 25 miles per hour of the posted limit.Your citation does not involve an infraction in a construction zone.More items...•

Should I plead guilty to a speeding ticket in NY?

Tips to Fight NY Speeding Tickets. The most important thing to know when it comes to fighting a NY speeding ticket is that you should plead not guilty. Entering a plea of not guilty begins the dispute process. If you pay your ticket before court or plead guilty, you will not be able to fight your ticket.

How much is a speeding ticket in NY 20 mph over?

Both the minimum and maximum fines amounts are higher as follows: 1 to 10 mph= $183 to $393 fine. 11 to 20 mph= $273 to $693 fine and up to 15 days of jail time. 21 to 30 mph= $573 to 993 fine and up to 15 days of jail time.

How do I fight a ticket in Florida?

The best (and only) way to completely dismiss a Florida traffic ticket is to contest it in court. Doing so isn't always easy, however—and it can even be a little risky. By choosing to contest the ticket in court, you'll have to pay extra court and attorney fees, as well as assume the risk of being proven guilty.

How many points can you have on your license Florida?

FL DHSMV Point System Overview If you receive 12 or more points within a 12-month period, your license will be suspended for 30 days. Drivers who accumulate 18 or more points within an 18 month period will have their licenses taken away for a period of 3 months.

Is off the record good?

This company is a complete scam and will steal your money. Their money back guarantee and their terms are misleading and dishonest.

How much is a 20 over speeding ticket Texas?

DallasVIOLATIONBASE FINETOTALSPEEDING (1 ‐ 10 miles over the limit)$97$201.10SPEEDING (11 - 15 miles over the limit)$122$226.10SPEEDING (16 - 20 miles over the limit)$147$251.10SPEEDING (over 20 mph)$200$304.104 more rows

Should I plead guilty or no contest to a speeding ticket in Texas?

The most important time to use a no contest plea is when there is some damage associated with the charge, like an accident. If you ran a red light and hit someone and are charged with failure to obey a traffic control devise, a guilty plea and admission can be used in civil court to show fault for the accident.

Can a ticket be dismissed in Texas?

In order to get your ticket dismissed you must have a valid Texas driver's license or permit and proof of insurance. Active duty members in the military, their spouse and dependent children are also eligible.

How Can a Lawyer Help Me with My Traffic Ticket?

In general, there are four main ways that a lawyer can assist a driver in winning or resolving an issue related to a traffic ticket matter . The four primary legal services that a lawyer can provide in connection with a traffic ticket include the following:

When Do You Need a Lawyer for a Traffic Ticket?

Just because a driver receives a traffic ticket, does not necessarily mean that they will need to hire a lawyer to represent them in order to challenge the ticket. However, having a lawyer can give a driver certain extra benefits, such as obtaining expert legal advice. In general, the more serious that a traffic violation is, the more useful it might be to retain the services of a traffic ticket lawyer.

How Much Does a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Cost?

The rate at which a lawyer bills a driver for handling a traffic ticket matter will depend on a number of factors, such as what the traffic ticket is for, if they were charged with a crime in addition to the traffic ticket, the rate of traffic ticket lawyers in a particular jurisdiction, and the method that a specific law firm or lawyer uses to bill their clients.

What to do if a ticket is serious?

Negotiate a Resolution: If the ticket itself is serious or the driver is facing serious consequences, a lawyer may be able to negotiate with the prosecuting agency.

What happens when you contest a traffic ticket?

When contesting a traffic ticket, some drivers choose to represent themselves in court. Unfortunately, this may have devastating results. The driver may be disorganized about the version of events or may discuss insignificant details, harming his or her case.

What is prepaid legal services?

Prepaid legal services give members legal fees at a reduced rate. However, the lawyer involved may know little about traffic court. Also, the reduced fee may only be to consult, not represent the driver. Never rush to hire a lawyer. Rushing may hinder a driver in finding the best lawyer.

What to do if you get a traffic citation?

If you have a traffic citation and are considering challenging it in court, consulting a criminal defense lawyer can be indispensable. Traffic tickets can be expensive and they may even raise your insurance rates or affect points on your license.

How can a lawyer help you?

3. How a Lawyer Can Help You 1 Negotiate – Lawyers are master negotiators since it’s a big part of their job. For more serious cases, your lawyer could cut your jail time in half or even get you off on probation/community service. For traffic tickets, it’s more likely that they will try to get the case thrown out or a reduced fine. 2 Consultation – Some lawyers offer a consultation at a reduced or even free price (if you have benefits). They can give you an honest and unbiased opinion about your case, and analyze several different approaches and outcomes for you to make an informed final decision. 3 Representation – Lastly, they and you can decide to move forward with the case, in which they will represent you in a court of law.

Why do people hire lawyers?

Most people hire lawyers for more serious accusations rather than just a speeding ticket . However, those who are wrongfully accused may hire a lawyer to either get the case thrown out, lower the penalties, or even seek compensation. 2.

What to do if someone doesn't have your best interest at heart?

In such cases, do your best to research the offense and then apply tips in avoiding speeding tickets when you’re back on the road.

What is a consultation lawyer?

Consultation – Some lawyers offer a consultation at a reduced or even free price (if you have benefits). They can give you an honest and unbiased opinion about your case, and analyze several different approaches and outcomes for you to make an informed final decision.

How to make sure you make the best decision?

Follow these extra tips to make sure you make the best decision. Take your time – Always take your time. Not many good decisions in life are made in a hurry. It takes a while to process your case, so take the time to do some research.

Why is it important to have an experienced lawyer?

Experience matters – Just from a statistics standpoint, a more experienced lawyer will do a better job at getting you out of trouble.

Can a lawyer cut jail time?

For more serious cases, your lawyer could cut your jail time in half or even get you off on probation/community service. For traffic tickets, it’s more likely that they will try to get the case thrown out or a reduced fine.

How many times do you have to go to court for a traffic ticket?

If you decide to fight a traffic ticket, you'll generally have to go to court at least twice. But if you hire an attorney, you typically won't have to go to court at all. In other words, your attorney can represent you in court without you being present.

Why is it difficult to represent yourself in traffic court?

One of the problems with representing yourself is the lack of experience and legal knowledge. The average person just doesn't know what the best courses of action are in a given case. Experienced traffic attorneys have the best idea of what tactics and options are available for obtaining good results. And, it's not all legal knowledge. Attorneys who spend lots of time in traffic court are familiar with the tendencies of the different judges and sometimes of the law enforcement officers who write the tickets. This local knowledge can prove valuable in deciding how to defend against a ticket.

What is the difference between a minor traffic violation and a serious traffic violation?

There are some major differences between minor traffic violations (like speeding or running a stop sign) and more serious driving-related crimes like driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving. In short, the consequences of a minor traffic violation conviction are generally much less severe than those for a DUI or other criminal charges. So, whereas you might be able to contest a traffic ticket without an attorney, fighting a serious charge like a DUI without legal representation typically isn't a good plan.

Is it good to hire an attorney?

If you look below the surface, hiring an attorney has a number of benefits that, in many cases, can more than justify the expense. Also, some people have legal plans through their employers or union memberships that pay all or a portion of legal fees. If you can get an attorney you're happy with this way, it can be a good option.

Is it worth hiring a traffic attorney?

In some circumstances, hiring a traffic attorney clearly isn't worth the expense. For example, if you're eligible for traffic school and don't have a reasonable chance of beating your ticket, it's probably best to forgo hiring an attorney. Generally, you can sign up for traffic school without even going to court, so there isn't much benefit of having legal representation—you can just do it yourself.

Can you contest a traffic ticket without an attorney?

So, whereas you might be able to contest a traffic ticket without an attorney, fighting a serious charge like a DUI without legal representation typically isn't a good plan.

Do traffic lawyers win at trial?

Traffic lawyers with lots of trial experience are far more likely to win at trial than the average Joe or Jane. Simply put, attorneys who have spent countless hours in a courtroom and have knowledge of the law know what to focus on at trial. For non-lawyers, it's easy to get off track.

What to do if you can't go to court?

If you can’t go to court—many people can’t take off from work or school—you can hire an attorney to go for you. But if you don’t want a conviction on your record, this probably isn’t the best alternative for you.

What is traffic school?

Traffic school. For many drivers, traffic school (sometimes called “defensive driving” or “driver improvement”) is a good way of dealing with a traffic ticket. Motorists who choose this route might not need to hire an attorney. To do traffic school, usually all you have to do is tell the judge or court clerk that you want to take care of your ticket this way. An attorney can come to court and request traffic school for you, but the result will likely be the same as if you do it yourself.

Is it worth hiring a traffic attorney?

Hiring a traffic attorney to represent you at trial could be well worth it. Good traffic attorneys know the law well and have lots of experience challenging government evidence in court. And an attorney who regularly represents clients in a certain area will likely have personal relationships with prosecutors, police officers, and judges and know their tendencies. This knowledge and skill will often increase your chances of winning your case.

Can you do a traffic trial on your own?

The first scenario is easy enough for most people to handle on their own. Traffic trials, on the other hand, can be tricky without the assistance of an attorney. Doing a trial on your own will likely require a significant investment of time, and in the end, you might not be satisfied with the result.

Is it expensive to go to traffic school?

By completing traffic school, you can typically keep points off your record and your insurance rates from increasing. But traffic school can be expensive . In many states, you’ll not only have to pay the cost of your traffic school course, but also court fees and the fine for your citation. And most states have traffic school eligibility requirements; if you have certain offenses or have done traffic school recently, you might not qualify.

Can you plead guilty to a traffic ticket without an attorney?

Pleading guilty or no contest in court. In many states, judges can and often will reduce the fine for motorists who come to court and plead guilty at arraignment. Handling your ticket this way is usually fairly simple without an attorney, but it does require you to come to court. Plus, the violation will go on your record.

What can a traffic ticket lawyer do?

In most states traffic ticket lawyers can: Represent you in traffic court. Work with judges and prosecutors to get your charges dropped or reduced. Help you avoid high fines and other penalties associated with your ticket. Keep you from losing your driver' s license or CDL (if applicable).

How does a blemish on your driving record affect your insurance?

Blemishes in your driving record, including crashes and traffic violation convictions, can negatively affect your rates. When you successfully challenge your ticket with the help of a traffic ticket lawyer, you'll maintain your car insurance rates and avoid major premium increases.

What to do if you don't think you're guilty of a traffic ticket?

If you don't think you're guilty, then you may be considering the option of contesting your ticket in a court of law. As always, this means you will have to hire a lawyer. Lots of people believe hiring a traffic ticket lawyer can help you get all charges dropped, which sounds ideal. Unfortunately, it's not that simple.

How long does it take to get a traffic ticket in court?

Not to mention that most traffic ticket violation cases will take at least two workdays in court.

Is online law school risk free?

With the convenience of online courses, this option becomes one of the cheapest and most risk free, if this option is open to you. Unlike the risk of hiring a lawyer, you know points will not be added to your license and you can get the ticket out of your mind and move on with your life.

Can you take a traffic school if you have a moving violation?

Taking traffic school. Most states will allow first time offenders who committed a moving violation to elect to take a traffic school. This option allows you to pay for your ticket, which admits your guilt, but will not add points to your license.

Can you win a court trail?

You want your record to be kept as clean as it can be. While you may win the court trail, it is not worth the risk of the extra time spent, having increased insurance, points on your license, not to mention the added expense of lawyer fees and court costs.

Can a traffic ticket lawyer defend a case?

Traffic ticket lawyers know which case they have a chance of winning and which cases they can't. But, just because a lawyer thinks he or she may be able to defend the ticket, that doesn't mean it will work. If you hire a lawyer, be prepared to pay for the lawyer's services and the possibility that you may still have to pay for your ticket ...

How to contest a traffic ticket in Washington?

How do I contest the ticket? When you receive a traffic ticket in the State of Washington, you have three options on the ticket from which to choose: Pay, Mitigate, or Contest. Paying the ticket means you admit to the alleged violation and you would like to pay the fine. Mitigating the ticket means you admit to the alleged violation, but you would like to explain the circumstances in an effort to reduce the amount of the fine. Contesting the ticket means you do not admit to the alleged violation, and you want to fight your traffic ticket.

What is the best position to look at the evidence in a traffic ticket?

Since a certain amount of gamesmanship is involved in defending a traffic ticket, an attorney is always in the best position to look at the evidence and determine the best legal or technical arguments to make in front of a particular judge in a particular court. An attorney will know which errors or omissions on the traffic ticket or officer's report will be fatal to the state or city's case.

Why are traffic tickets dismissed?

Traffic tickets are dismissed or found not committed due to a combination of knowledge of the particular court, and knowing the right arguments to make in front of a particular judge.

Should I pay a traffic ticket or hire an attorney?

As a criminal defense and traffic ticket attorney, one of the more frequently asked questions is: Should I just pay the ticket or hire an attorney? My answer to that question is always: To make sure all of your rights are preserved, contest the ticket. It is your choice whether you decided to hire an attorney to assist you, but hiring an attorney puts you in the best position to make sure your rights are defended.

Can I contest a traffic ticket without a lawyer?

Can I contest a ticket without a traffic ticket attorney? Of course, but your chances of winning decrease dramatically. Traffic tickets are dismiss ed or found not committed due to a combination of knowledge of the particular court, and knowing the right arguments to make in front of a particular judge. Many people get lucky and win, but it is a risky proposition for the most part, especially for those that have a Commercial Driver's License, where a traffic ticket violation could be fatal to their livelihood.

Do you have to go to traffic court?

You don't have to go to traffic court and you don't have to keep track of court dates. In most situations, your presence is not required at a contested hearing. The attorney will appear on your behalf and keep track of all court dates.

Can an attorney reduce an inattention ticket?

Reduction to Inattentive Driving or Driver Inattention: Due to evidential considerations, an attorney can also get a ticket reduced to Inattentive Driving. Inattentive Driving is a creature of city municipal codes. As such, it will not show up on a three year Abstract Driving Record which is viewed by insurance companies. There is a fine attached, but again, it is still much less than the potential insurance increases.