Infractions

Traffic violations might seem minor, but they can carry serious consequences in Washington state that go far beyond a simple ticket. Depending on the violation, you could face serious penalties like heavy fines or jail time. In Seattle, where roads like I-5, Highway 99, and I-90 are heavily monitored, traffic tickets can quickly pile up and lead to more significant legal issues, including a designation as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO).

Our Seattle attorneys specialize in fighting traffic violations to protect your driving privileges. With over 20 years of experience defending clients in Western Washington, we have built a reputation across King County for achieving favorable outcomes. Whether you've been cited for speeding, running a red light, or reckless driving, we know how to challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and present a compelling case in court. As a trusted legal team, we combine our expertise with a deep understanding of Seattle's courts, judges, and traffic laws to give you a strong defense.

Don't let a traffic violation disrupt your life. Our Seattle attorneys know how to fight. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Traffic Tickets Our Attorneys Fight In Seattle Courts

For over two decades, we've built a strong reputation for challenging the following traffic offenses in Seattle courts:

• Speeding Violations
• Failure To Stop At A Stop Sign
• Running A Red Light
• Failure To Yield To A Pedestrian
• Improper Lane Usage
• Following Too Closely
• Illegal U-Turns
• Failure To Signal Before Turning
• Driving Without Valid Vehicle Registration
• Driving Without Proof Of Insurance
• Parking In A No-Parking Zone
• Blocking An Intersection (Box Blocking)
• Illegal Passing
• Failure To Yield When Entering A Highway
• Failure To Obey Traffic Control Devices
• Driving With An Obstructed View
• Driving With Headlights Off At Night
• Failure To Yield To Emergency Vehicles
• Driving On A Bicycle Lane
• Failure To Secure A Load

Why You Should Fight Traffic Tickets in Washington State

While paying a fine may seem like the simplest solution, a traffic ticket has long-lasting consequences. After you pay your traffic ticket, you will find that you have points on your license that increase your insurance premiums and in some cases, lead to a suspension of your driver's license. Washington state traffic laws impose strict penalties, making it critical to challenge unfair or incorrect tickets. When you fight a traffic ticket, you have the opportunity to:

• Avoid Points On Your Record: Points from traffic violations can lead to license suspension or a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) designation.
• Keep Insurance Rates Low: Even a single ticket can cause your insurance premiums to spike for several years. Fighting the ticket can save you significant money in the long run.
• Challenge Errors Or Misunderstandings: Traffic stops can be subjective, and mistakes happen. An officer may misinterpret a situation or rely on faulty evidence, such as inaccurate radar readings.
• Reduce Or Dismiss Penalties: Fighting a ticket in court may result in reduced fines, alternative penalties, or even dismissal if the evidence is insufficient.

Hiring an experienced Seattle traffic defense attorney is your best chance of successfully challenging a traffic ticket. Our Seattle-based attorneys specialize in this practice area. We know Washington state laws, understand the nuances of the King County courts, and will build a killer defense. Don't let a traffic ticket disrupt your life. Contact our law offices today for a free consultation.

Defenses Against Traffic Tickets That Work In Seattle

Because our attorneys have over 20 years of experience fighting traffic tickets, we know the defenses that work in Seattle courts. Here are some that we will explore to challenge yours:

• Challenge The Officer's Observations: Many traffic violations rely on the officer's subjective judgment. You can argue that road conditions, weather, or the behavior of other drivers justified your actions.
• Dispute Radar Or Speed Detection Accuracy: For speeding tickets, you can challenge the accuracy of the radar gun or speed detection device. We'll question whether the device was properly calibrated, maintained, or used correctly during the stop.
• Argue Insufficient Signage: If law enforcement cited you for running a stop sign or violating a speed limit, you could argue that the signage was obscured, missing, or placed in a location that didn't provide adequate warning.
• Present Evidence Of Emergency Situations: If your actions were necessary to avoid an accident or respond to an emergency, this can serve as a valid defense. For instance, swerving or speeding to avoid a hazard may be justifiable.
• Question The Officer's Line of Sight: For violations like running a red light or failing to yield, you can argue that the officer's view was obstructed or that their position made it impossible to accurately observe the incident.
• Prove Mechanical Issues: If your vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure, such as a brake malfunction or a stuck accelerator, you could argue that the violation was unavoidable and not due to negligence.
• Argue Mistaken Identity Of The Vehicle: In cases involving speeding or reckless driving, you can argue that the officer may have confused your car with another similar vehicle, especially in heavy traffic.
• Dispute The Officer's Training Or Experience: If the ticket relies on specialized methods, like pacing or estimating speed visually, you can question whether the officer had the required training or experience to make an accurate judgment.
• Argue Unclear Traffic Signals Or Conditions: You can argue that traffic lights were malfunctioning, confusing, or poorly visible, making compliance difficult.

Our attorneys have over two decades of experience fighting traffic tickets in Seattle and King County courts. We know how to analyze evidence, question the officer's claims, and use local knowledge to craft a strong defense. Contact our law offices today for a free consultation to protect your driving record.

Our Seattle Law Firm Knows How To Challenge Traffic Tickets

Seattle has excellent public transportation options like the Link Light Rail, which connects neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Rainier Valley. We also have SeaTac and the King County Metro bus system, which provide routes throughout the city. The RapidRide lines offer fast service on key corridors, while the Seattle Streetcar links South Lake Union and First Hill. Despite these options, you need a car to truly experience the city. Seattle has some of the most scenic drives, such as Lake Washington Boulevard and Alki Avenue. Magnolia Boulevard provides breathtaking vistas of the water and city skyline, while Chuckanut Drive to the north offers a serene escape just outside the city.

Losing your driving privileges due to traffic violations can make accessing these experiences difficult. Our Seattle traffic defense attorneys firmly believe every ticket can be challenged in King County Courts. With decades of experience, we know how. Contact our Seattle law firm today for a free consultation. We'll protect your ability to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Speeding Ticket Lawyer

Infractions are what people would commonly refer to as “tickets.” In Washington State, infractions are not crimes. This means jail is not a potential punishment for an infraction. Since infractions are not crimes, you cannot be found “guilty.” Instead, a judge must determine that you “committed” the infraction. This might be a little confusing for some individuals, especially some who have recently moved to our state. Many things that Washington categorizes as infractions are considered crimes technically in other states.

Washington’s designation of certain acts as infractions can cut both ways. While it is nice to know that you are not going to be found “guilty” of a crime, the drawback is that the state’s burden of proof is much lower. This means it is easier to prove you committed an infraction versus proving you committed a crime. To find you guilty, the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed the crime. This standard would be close to 99 percent. Alternatively, the burden of proof for an infraction is by a preponderance of the evidence, meaning more likely than not (think 51 percent).

The most common infractions you can face are speeding tickets and parking tickets. Both would be categorized as traffic infractions, but only the speeding ticket is considered a moving violation. Other infractions not considered traffic could be walking a dog without a leash or a noise ordinance violation.

If you have questions about an infraction you recently received or are concerned about the infraction going on your record and potentially impacting your insurance rates, do not hesitate to call our Seattle, WA office. We are more than happy to talk about your options and answer your questions. Our experienced attorneys can also fight to keep the infraction off of your record!