Getting a speeding ticket in California can be frustrating and costly. Not only are you facing fines, but a conviction can also lead to points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and even the possibility of license suspension. Fortunately, there are ways to fight your ticket, especially in counties like San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to fight a speeding ticket in California, what defenses you can use, and why hiring a traffic attorney can improve your chances of success.
Step 1: Understand the Consequences of a Speeding Ticket
Before diving into your defense strategy, it’s essential to understand the potential consequences of a speeding ticket in California. Depending on the severity of the violation, you could face:
Fines: Speeding fines vary by how many miles per hour you drive over the limit. Fines also increase if you are speeding in certain areas, such as a school or construction zone.
Points on Your Driving Record: A typical speeding ticket adds 1 point to your record, while reckless driving or excessive speeding could add more.
Higher Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies often increase rates after a speeding violation.
Potential License Suspension: Accumulating too many points in a short period can lead to a suspension of your driver’s license.
Step 2: Review the Speeding Ticket Details
Once you’ve received a speeding ticket, the first step is to review the details carefully. Mistakes on the ticket, such as incorrect vehicle information, location errors, or the wrong speed limit, could serve as grounds for dismissal.
Check for the following:
Getting a speeding ticket in California can be frustrating and costly. Not only are you facing fines, but a conviction can also lead to points on your driving record, increased insurance premiums, and even the possibility of license suspension. Fortunately, there are ways to fight your ticket, especially in counties like San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to contest a speeding ticket in California, what defenses you can use, and why hiring a traffic attorney can improve your chances of success.
Step 3: Decide How to Plead
You typically have three options when responding to a speeding ticket in California:
Plead Guilty and Pay the Fine – This results in paying the ticket, receiving points on your record, and likely higher insurance premiums.
Request Traffic School – This option is available for minor violations and helps keep points off your record. However, traffic school won’t help if you want to fight the ticket entirely.
Plead Not Guilty and Contest the Ticket – This is the best option if you believe you have grounds to fight the ticket and avoid the consequences. Contesting the ticket will require a court hearing and possibly hiring an attorney to represent you.
Step 4: Prepare Your Defense
When contesting a speeding ticket, your defense will depend on the specifics of your case. Here are some common defenses:
Defense 1: Challenge the Speed Measurement
Radar Gun Calibration: In California, police officers often use radar or laser guns to measure speed. These devices must be regularly calibrated and maintained. The measurement may be invalid if you can prove the officer’s radar gun was not correctly calibrated.
Pacing Accuracy: In some cases, officers estimate your speed by following you (pacing). However, pacing must be done over a specific distance. If the officer didn’t pace you for a long enough distance, you could challenge their estimate.
Lidar Device Errors: Officers also use Lidar devices to measure speed. The measurement could be inaccurate if the officer didn’t use the device correctly.
Defense 2: Speed Limit Signs Were Missing or Incorrect
Poorly placed or missing speed limit signs can be a strong defense in cities like Los Angeles and San Diego, where speed limits often change between neighborhoods. If the signage was obscured by trees or absent altogether, you could argue that you were unaware of the speed limit.
Defense 3: Necessity Defense
In some cases, you may be able to argue that you were speeding out of necessity. For example:
You were driving a pregnant passenger to the hospital.
You had a medical emergency.
This defense is more challenging to prove but could result in a dismissal if you have solid evidence.
Step 5: Request Discovery
In California, you are entitled to request discovery from the prosecution. Discovery is the process of obtaining the evidence the officer has against you. This includes:
Radar Gun Calibration Records
Officer’s Notes
Video Footage (if available)
You can find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case by reviewing the evidence.
Step 6: Attend Your Court Hearing
If you contest the speeding ticket, you must appear in traffic court. This can be intimidating, but it’s an opportunity to present your case if you’re prepared.
If you’re in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, or San Diego County, it’s helpful to know that court processes and judges can vary by jurisdiction. Hiring a traffic attorney who knows the local system can increase your chances of success.
Step 7: Consider Hiring a Traffic Attorney
While you can represent yourself in traffic court, hiring an attorney may be worth the investment, especially if you have multiple speeding tickets or face severe consequences like a license suspension. A lawyer will know how to negotiate with the prosecutor and might get your ticket reduced or dismissed.
At Trash That Ticket, we have extensive experience in helping clients fight speeding tickets in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties. With our local expertise, we can help you minimize or avoid penalties.
FAQs About Fighting a Speeding Ticket in California
Q: Can I fight a speeding ticket if a speed camera caught me in Los Angeles or San Diego?
A: Yes, you can contest speed camera tickets by challenging the evidence. Issues such as unclear camera footage or malfunctioning equipment could work in your favor.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a speeding ticket in California?
A: The cost varies depending on the complexity of your case. However, investing in legal representation could save you from fines, higher insurance rates, and points on your record.
Q: Can speeding tickets affect my insurance in Riverside or San Bernardino County?
A: Yes, speeding tickets can lead to higher insurance premiums in any California county. The increase depends on the severity of the offense and your overall driving record.
Q: What happens if I ignore a speeding ticket in California?
A: Ignoring a speeding ticket can lead to additional penalties, including fines, a potential warrant for your arrest, and a suspension of your driver’s license.
Conclusion: Fight Your Speeding Ticket and Protect Your Driving Record
Contesting a speeding ticket in California takes preparation and knowledge of the law. Whether you’re in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, or San Diego, taking the proper steps could result in a dismissal or reduced penalties. If you need assistance from an attorney with extensive knowledge of traffic-specific laws, consider hiring an experienced traffic attorney who understands local laws and rules and can effectively represent you in court.
Need help with a speeding ticket? Contact Trash That Ticket today for a free consultation and let us help you keep your driving record clean.Date and Time of the Violation
Officer’s Name and Badge Number
Location of the Incident
Speed Limit at the Location
The location in San Bernardino, Riverside, Los Angeles, or San Diego is critical because speed limits vary across different zones (e.g., urban areas vs. freeways). If there is any inaccuracy, it could weaken the prosecution’s case.
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