Lynnwood Traffic Infraction​​​​​Attorney

Defending Clients During Traffic Infraction Hearings in Snohomish County

A traffic infraction, or ticket, is a non-criminal offense that does not involve any jail time. If you have been cited with a traffic infraction, you only have a short period of time to respond by either paying the ticket or requesting a hearing to either mitigate the fine or contest the infraction itself.

Are you looking to contest your traffic ticket? Call The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear today at (425) 224-7075 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our traffic infractions lawyer in Lynnwood.

Common Traffic Infractions in Washington

In Washington State, traffic infractions are typically considered less severe than criminal offenses. However, they are still serious matters that can result in fines, points on your driving record, and even a suspended license. Traffic infractions are violations of state or local traffic laws, and they do not carry jail time.

Some of the most common traffic infractions include:

• Speeding
• Running a red light or stop sign
• Failure to yield
• Reckless or careless driving
• Failure to signal lane changes
• Illegal parking

Although they don’t carry criminal penalties, traffic infractions can still result in substantial financial consequences and affect your future driving privileges.

What are the Potential Consequences of Traffic Infractions in Washington?

The consequences of a traffic infraction in Washington vary depending on the type of violation, but they generally include:

• Fines: Each traffic infraction carries a fine, which can vary based on the specific violation. For example, speeding tickets in Washington can range from $100 to $500, depending on how much over the speed limit you are going.
• Points on Your Driving Record: Most traffic infractions add points to your driving record. Accumulating too many points could result in higher insurance premiums or even the suspension of your license. Certain violations, such as reckless driving or excessive speeding, can result in more points and harsher penalties.
• Increased Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies often increase premiums for drivers with traffic infractions on their records, especially if the violation was serious or involved speeding.
• Driver’s License Suspension: If you accumulate too many points on your record or fail to pay fines, you risk having your driver’s license suspended or revoked. For example, certain infractions, such as driving without insurance or driving with a suspended license, can lead to a suspension.
• Court Appearance: In some cases, you may be required to appear in court to contest the infraction or dispute the penalties. If you fail to appear, you could face additional fines or even an arrest warrant.

How Long Do You Have to Respond to a Traffic Ticket?

Your response is required within 15 days of the date you were personally served (if an officer gave you the ticket directly) or within 18 days of the date of mailing if you received the ticket in the mail. If you fail to respond within the specified time period, or if you request a hearing and then fail to appear, the court will enter an order finding that you committed the infraction, and you will have to pay the fine plus a monetary penalty.

Notice of your failure to respond will be sent to the Department of Licensing, who may suspend your license. Additionally, if you fail to pay the fine and penalty, it will be sent to collections.

How Do You Request a Mitigation or Contested Hearing?

If you want to request a mitigation or contested hearing, you must check the appropriate box on the back of your ticket and return the request to the court using the address provided on the back of the ticket. Make sure to include your name and current mailing address because the court will provide notice of your hearing date and time by mail.

• If you agree that you committed the infraction but want to explain what happened and ask the court to reduce the fine, then you should request a mitigation hearing.
• If, however, you do not agree that you committed the infraction, you should request a contested hearing. At a contested hearing, you will have the opportunity to contest the officer's version of events and argue your own.

The standard of proof at these hearings is "preponderance of the evidence," which means that the City or State must prove that, more likely than not, the violation occurred.

It is extremely important to have an experienced attorney by your side who is familiar with the court rules and procedures and will be able to focus on aggressively questioning the evidence against you.

Can I Defer a Traffic Ticket in Washington state?

In Washington, the court can defer finding a violation for a period up to one year. You are only eligible for a deferral once in a seven-year period. If you have a commercial driver's license or you were driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the violation, you are not eligible for a deferred finding.

With a deferral, the court continues the case for a specified period of time and imposes conditions and administrative costs. If you pay the costs and follow the conditions throughout the set period of time, the court will dismiss the infraction.

What Happens If You Don't Pay a Traffic Ticket in Washington State?

Traffic tickets can cost hundreds of dollars in fines, and, if left unpaid, you can lose your driving privileges. What's more, certain moving violations can have a significant impact on your auto insurance, sometimes costing you thousands of dollars over time. There are many effective ways to challenge a traffic infraction that may work in your situation.

How Do I Get a Ticket Off My Record in WA? 

In Washington, getting a ticket removed from your record generally requires either contesting the ticket in court or participating in a defensive driving course (in some cases). Here are a few options:

• Contest the Ticket: If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a hearing in court to dispute the charge. If successful, the ticket may be dismissed, and it won't appear on your record.
• Traffic School/Defensive Driving Course: In some cases, attending a traffic school or defensive driving course may allow you to have the infraction dismissed or keep points off your record. This is usually an option for minor infractions and must be approved by the court.
• Request a Modification: In certain situations, you may be able to request a modification of the ticket or penalty through a motion to the court.

Consulting with a Washington traffic attorney can help you determine the best approach to removing a ticket from your record, especially if you face more serious violations.

How Long Does a Traffic Infraction Stay On Your Record in Washington? 

In Washington, a traffic infraction typically stays on your driving record for three years. However, if the infraction is serious, such as a DUI or reckless driving, it may stay on your record for a longer period, often up to seven years. During this time, the infraction may affect your insurance premiums and driving privileges. It's important to note that if you accumulate too many points on your record within a certain timeframe, you could face a driver's license suspension or other penalties.

Contact Our Traffic Infractions Lawyer Today

Whether your goal is to obtain a payment plan, reduce the cost of your ticket, or keep your ticket off your driving record, a Lynnwood traffic ticket attorney from The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear can help. Looking for an attorney for your criminal case in Lynnwood, WA? We have the knowledge and experience necessary to defend you during your traffic infraction hearing.

Contact The Law Offices of Lance Fryrear by calling (425) 224-7075 today to get started with our Lynnwood traffic infractions attorney.

Additional Reading:

• DUI Case Amended To a Traffic Infraction