Do I need a Traffic Ticket Attorney

In California, like most states, traffic enforcement has escalated to an all time high. Most counties are now pouring police resources at keeping our streets and highways safe. During the pandemic when the freeways became less congested those who were still out and about were driving faster simple because it was possible. The streets and highways were wide open. As the pandemic eased up and our lives returned to normal, there were more drivers returning to the roads and still a need for traffic enforcement. So if your not careful your next traffic ticket is just around the corner.

Many will just take the ticket and pay it, others file the ticket away just to find it months later, after the date to appear has passed.  Either way the driver may be paying more than necessary and may not realize mitigating factors that could minimize the pain.  That is not to say that there should be no consequence when drivers violate the law. Driving is a privilege and not a right. However, if there are alternatives that will cost less or eliminate the effect on insurance, we should take advantage of resources like attorneys who know how to navigate these waters. 

Attorneys know the law.

Often when we get a ticket, we are handed a citation with lots of information, which includes Vehicle Code sections, a promise to appear, court dates, and technicalities that we may or may not understand.  In most instances there are things noted on your ticket that you don’t even know are there.  Is a particular infraction correctable? Is it a misdemeanor or an infraction?

And there are things not state on the ticket that create the most problems. What are the fines and penalties that can be imposed as a result of the infraction.  How will this affect my driving record with the Department of Motor Vehicles (“DMV”)? What are the fines? Can my license be suspended? An attorney can help you understand the realities associated with your ticket.

Moreover, an attorney can counsel you on all of such things and appear on your behalf in court. Although traffic ticket attorneys will need your help and input to understand the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, and attorney can proceed in court without you even having to show up. That includes several court appearances that includes trial on your matter.

Please note that if someone claims they can appear in court on your behalf and they are not an attorney, they are engaged in the Unlawful practice of Law. And yes, your ticket is adjudicated in court. In California, tickets are process in the Superior Court of each County.

Attorneys know the Procedure

Often drivers get tickets in counties that are not where they live and may create a logistic difficulty to clear that ticket and although the law is the same throughout each state the counties all have small differences in how they operate. Court hearing are held at different time and on different days of the week. Some counties have online or telephone services and others have walk up windows where you can talk to a court clerk.  Attorneys know how to streamline the process in each county as they have done it numerous times.  Lawyers know the path of least resistance in every county and that path varies greatly depending on the jurisdiction.

Hiring an attorney can be a set it and forget it type of service. Don’t waste your effort trying to understand the interworkings of the court, where even if you get an answer to your question through self help your still not sure if you have the that right, or all, the information you need. Leave it to the professionals.

Attorneys know the Courts

Attorneys know the procedure

Court is too far away

 

Separate the person from the problem. It’s not a mystery that attorneys don’t represent themselves as they say they have a “fool for a client.”

Can’t get to court during the designated time