Traffic Tickets

Driving along in Gig Harbor and suddenly facing a traffic ticket is a stressful experience. Whether you're innocent or simply made a mistake, it's always a good idea to speak with a traffic defense attorney. Some traffic infractions in Washington state come with heavy penalties. This is where our knowledgeable attorneys specializing in traffic defense come in. We can help you understand your charges, the potential penalties, and how to protect yourself. Call our law offices now for guidance and support.

Traffic Infractions Our Law Firm Defends Against

Our Gig Harbor attorneys specialize in traffic ticket defense. We can help you challenge several charges, including:

• Speeding
• Failure To Yield
• Following Too Closely
• Running A Red Light
• Improper Lane Usage
• Failure To Stop For A School Bus
• Reckless Driving
• Failure To Wear A Seatbelt
• Expired Vehicle Registration
• Illegal Parking
• No Insurance Or Proof Of Insurance
• Driving Without A License
• Failure To Use Headlights
• Driving With Defective Equipment
• Cell Phone/Handheld Device Usage
• Failure To Yield To A Pedestrian At A Crosswalk
• Bicyclist Violations
• Open Container Violation
• Minor In Possession Of Alcohol While Driving

Driving infractions range in severity. While most are civil violations that carry fines and penalties, others may escalate to criminal charges, depending on the circumstances. If you are facing a citation or traffic-related charge, you need a defense attorney who understands Washington law and how it applies to your unique situation.

What Do I Do If I Get Ticketed In Gig Harbor?

If you receive a traffic ticket in Gig Harbor, here's a step-by-step guide to assist you in navigating the process. Following this can help you protect your rights and potentially fight the ticket:

1. Review The Traffic Ticket: Carefully examine the ticket for important information, including the alleged violation, the RCW code, the date and time of the offense, and the court location. Errors on the ticket, such as incorrect vehicle information or wrong location, can sometimes be used as part of your defense.

2. Decide How To Respond: In Washington state, you have 15 days from the date of the ticket to respond. You must choose one of three options:

• Pay the fine.
• Request a mitigation hearing to admit the offense but request a reduced penalty.
• Request a contested hearing if you want to fight the ticket.

In Gig Harbor, your case will be processed either at the Gig Harbor Municipal Court or the Pierce County District Court. Your ticket will specify the exact location.

3. Contact Our Attorneys: Tackling a traffic ticket can be intricate and demanding. Our seasoned Gig Harbor attorneys specialize in traffic ticket defense, so we know exactly what to do.

With over 20 years of experience, we know how to analyze the evidence, challenge the officer's account, and face local Gig Harbor and Pierce County courts.

Is It Worth Contesting A Traffic Ticket?

Whether it's worth contesting a traffic ticket depends on several factors, including the severity of the violation, the potential penalties, and the impact on your driving record and insurance premiums. Penalties for traffic infractions in Gig Harbor can include:

• Fines: Traffic tickets carry fines from $100 to thousands.
• Insurance Increases: A single ticket can significantly raise your insurance premiums, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.
• Points On Your License:
  • Speeding tickets add 2 points.
  • Reckless driving or DUI can add 4-6 points.
• License Suspension Or Revocation: Certain offenses may lead to immediate license suspension.
• Court Costs: If you are found guilty, you may be required to pay additional court costs or administrative fees.
• Community Service
• Traffic School
• Criminal Charges: Serious offenses, such as reckless driving or DUI, can result in criminal charges, which carry additional fines, jail time, and long-term consequences.

Given some of the steep penalties associated with traffic violations in Washington state, it is often worth contesting the ticket. Fighting it with the help of an experienced attorney can reduce or even eliminate these consequences, saving you money and protecting your driving record.

How Can I Fight My Traffic Ticket In Gig Harbor?

You can fight your traffic ticket in Gig Harbor if you:

1. Request A Contested Hearing: If you decide to fight the ticket, submit a written request for a contested hearing to the court listed on your ticket. You can do this in person at the Gig Harbor Municipal Court located at:

3105 Judson Street, Gig Harbor, WA 98335

Alternatively, you can mail the request to the court's address provided on your ticket.

1. Request Discovery: Once your hearing is scheduled, request discovery from the prosecutor's office. This includes the officer's notes, calibration records for radar or speed detection devices, and any other evidence being used against you.
2. Prepare Your Defense. Work with our attorneys to build a strong defense. Common strategies include:
   • Challenging the accuracy of speed measurement devices
   • Arguing the officer's observations were subjective or mistaken
3. Attend Your King County Court Hearing: On the day of your contested hearing, arrive early at the Gig Harbor Municipal Court or the designated Pierce County court. Dress professionally and be respectful during the proceedings. If you hire us, we will represent you in court, present your defense, cross-examine the officer, and argue for dismissal or reduction of the ticket.
4. Explore Plea Negotiations: In some cases, the Gig Harbor prosecutor will offer a plea deal. If they do, we'll negotiate fair terms.
5. Post-Hearing Actions: If the ticket is dismissed, no further action is needed. If found guilty, we can appeal the decision or request alternative penalties like traffic school to prevent the violation from affecting your record.

Whether it's uncovering procedural errors or presenting compelling arguments in court, our Gig Harbor traffic defense lawyers are here to protect your driving record.

Our Gig Harbor Attorneys Are Ready To Fight Your Traffic Tickets

Because our attorneys are local to Gig Harbor, we understand how important it is to keep your driving privileges. With limited public transportation options like the Gig Harbor Trolley and the local Pierce Transit routes, losing your ability to drive can make getting around a challenge. Whether you rely on your car to get to local spots like the Uptown Gig Harbor shopping center, the picturesque downtown area, or nearby Tacoma, we know how crucial your license is. We believe every ticket can be challenged, and our attorneys know exactly how to fight to protect your right to drive. Call us now at our Gig Harbor law offices for a free consultation.

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