Infractions (Tickets) in Bellevue

Receiving a traffic ticket is not that uncommon because most Washington state drivers will receive a citation in their lifetimes. However, some traffic tickets can come with steep penalties that affect your driving record, insurance rates, and even your ability to get around. If you believe your ticket was unfair or are worried about the consequences, it's important to take action. Our experienced Bellevue traffic attorneys are here to help you challenge the ticket and minimize its impact on your life. Contact our law offices now to learn more.

With over two decades of legal practice, our Bellevue law firm brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Our traffic ticket attorneys are well-known in King County Courts for their winning defenses. We negotiate fines, challenge points on your driving record, and prevent Washington state from suspending your license. If you need expert local legal advice for your traffic ticket, call our Bellevue attorneys today.

Types Of Bellevue Traffic Tickets Our Attorneys Can Fight

We've been defending our neighbors in Washington state against traffic violations for over two decades. If you are facing any of the following traffic infractions, we can help:

• Speeding
• Reckless Driving
• DUI (Driving Under The Influence)
• Running A Red Light
• Failure To Yield
• Driving Without a Valid License
• Failure To Signal
• Tailgating
• Driving With An Expired License
• Driving With An Expired Registration
• Illegal Parking
• Failure To Obey Traffic Signs
• Hit And Run
• Driving The Wrong Way
• Driving With A Suspended License
• Texting While Driving
• No Insurance
• Failure To Stop For A School Bus

No matter the circumstances, we believe every traffic ticket can be challenged. We'll explore defenses like challenging the accuracy of radar readings, arguing insufficient evidence, questioning the validity of the signage, or proving that the violation didn't occur. Call our Bellevue traffic defense lawyers now to learn more.

What Should I Do If I Get A Traffic Ticket In Bellevue?

If you receive a traffic ticket in Bellevue, you must take the right steps to reduce the impact on your Washington state driving record and avoid unnecessary fines or penalties. Here's what you should do:

1. Review Your Ticket: Carefully read the ticket to understand the charge, the fine amount, and the court date. Make sure all the information is correct, including your personal details and the violation itself.
2. Decide How To Respond: You can either pay the ticket, contest it in court, or request a hearing. Paying the ticket means admitting guilt, which could result in points on your driving record and higher insurance premiums.
3. Consider Your Legal Options: If you believe the police issued the ticket in error or if you want to avoid the consequences of a conviction, speak with our Bellevue traffic attorneys. We specialize in defending traffic violations and can explore potential defenses or options to reduce the penalties.
4. Consult With Our Attorneys: With our deep knowledge of Bellevue Municipal Court and King County District Court, our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process, challenge the evidence, and negotiate for a better outcome. We'll help you decide whether to fight the ticket, request a reduction in fines, or pursue other options.
5. Attend The King County Court Hearing: If you decide to contest the ticket, our attorneys will represent you in court and fight for the good possible outcome for your case.

Let us help you through the process and minimize the impact of a traffic ticket in Bellevue. Our experienced legal team fights to achieve a good possible outcome for you.

What Are The Penalties For Traffic Infractions In Washington State?

If Bellevue police issue you a traffic ticket, here are some of the penalties you could face if you are found guilty:

• Financial Penalties: In Bellevue, fines for traffic violations range between $50 to over $500.
• Points System: Washington state uses a points system for traffic infractions. Points accumulate on your driving record for each traffic violation, and accumulating too many can trigger increased insurance premiums or result in the suspension of your driving privileges. You may receive points for:
  • Speeding: 1 to 3 points
  • Reckless driving or lane violations: 3 points
  • Running a red light: 3x points
• License Suspension: While infractions don't directly lead to suspension, accumulating too many points can result in a suspended or revoked license.
• Increased Insurance Rates: Infractions like speeding or running a red light can raise your insurance premiums due to your driving history.
• Court Costs and Fees: In addition to fines, you may face court costs or fees for contesting the ticket or attending hearings.
• Traffic Safety Course: Some violations may require you to attend a traffic or driver safety course to reduce points or lower your fine.

With the right defense from a Bellevue defense attorney, you can reduce these penalties.

Defending Bellevue Against Traffic Tickets For Over 20 Years

While Bellevue has public transportation options like King County Metro buses and Sound Transit light rail, having a car is essential for getting around town. Whether you're heading to work at Downtown Bellevue's business districts like the Bellevue Business Park or driving your kids to school at Bellevue High School or Interlake High School, you need a vehicle to manage your busy schedule. Plus, running errands at places like Bellevue Square or Meydenbauer Bay Park simply requires a car.

However, if you have a traffic offense conviction in Bellevue, you are at risk of losing your driving privileges. That's where our Bellevue traffic ticket defense attorneys come in. Every traffic ticket can be successfully challenged, and our attorneys know exactly how to do it. With over 20 years of experience, we've developed strong relationships at the King County Courts and know what defenses work to sway the judges to your side. We'll question the evidence, challenge the officer's actions, or negotiate with the prosecution for reduced penalties. Count on us to fight for your rights.

Call us so we can review your case and start building your defense.

“Infractions” are what many commonly refer to as tickets. Infractions are different than crimes. Infractions do not have jail as a possible penalty, unlike crimes. That is one of the pluses.

Unfortunately, there are drawbacks to infractions as well. The burden of proof for the government is a lot lower with infractions. This means it is a lot easier for the government to prove their case against you. Another problem is the officer not having to appear to testify. Officers can simply submit a written report in lieu of their testimony, unless you specifically subpoena the officer.

Infractions are broken down into two different categories – traffic and non-traffic. Non-traffic are infractions not related to a vehicle. This would include noise ordinance violations and leash law violations. Traffic violations are infractions related to vehicles. Traffic violations are further broken down into two categories – moving and non-moving. Moving violations include speeding, failure to yield, and following too closely. Non-moving violations include seatbelt tickets, camera tickets, and parking tickets.

Washington does not have a point system when it comes to tickets. Instead, you can get a suspension for having too many moving violations within a certain period of time. If you get 4 moving violations within a year or 5 within two years, you face a suspension.

Give our Bellevue, Washington, office a call if you are worried about a ticket going on your record. One of our experienced traffic ticket attorneys will be happy to answer your options.