Getting pulled over for speeding is never a pleasant experience—and many people believe it’s something you just have to accept and move on from. But before you simply pay the fine and put the ticket behind you, you should understand what that decision could cost you in the long run and know all your options.
At Eloquence Law, we’ve helped countless drivers in Tacoma and Olympia fight traffic tickets, reduce penalties, and avoid the lasting consequences that can come from even a seemingly minor infraction. So, should you hire a speeding ticket attorney? The short answer is: yes! While it depends on your situation, in many cases, legal representation can make a major difference. We are professionals who have handled thousands of these cases with a nearly perfect success rate.
Here’s what you need to know about your options after receiving a speeding ticket, how it could affect your license and insurance, and when it’s time to bring in a lawyer.
What Are Your Options After a Speeding Ticket in Washington?
Getting a speeding ticket doesn’t automatically mean you’re guilty and must accept the fine and other consequences. Once you receive a citation, you generally have three options:
- Pay the Fine: This is the easiest route but also the one with the most lasting consequences. Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt, resulting in a conviction on your driving record.
- Try to Mitigate the Consequences: You can try to get the fine reduced or at least avoid the points on your driving record. Typically, attending traffic school or a defensive driving course can reduce the penalties of a ticket if it’s a first-time or minor infraction.
- Request a Contested Hearing: You challenge the ticket. This is where a traffic ticket lawyer can step in to examine the evidence and argue on your behalf.
If you choose to contest the ticket, you have the right to represent yourself. However, traffic law can be complex, and going it alone is rarely advisable. Our team at Eloquence Law is well-versed in Washington’s traffic laws and knows how to find the weaknesses in the state’s case against you.
How a Speeding Ticket Can Affect You
Many drivers assume that a traffic ticket is no big deal. But the impact of even a single speeding ticket can go beyond a one-time fine. Here are the other ways a ticket can follow you even after the fine is paid.
1. Insurance Rates
One of the most immediate and frustrating consequences of a speeding ticket is the effect on your insurance premiums. According to industry data, your rates could increase by around 25% for a first offense—and even more if you already have infractions on your record. Insurers view speeding violations as signs of risky behavior, which means a conviction can haunt your wallet for years.
2. Driver’s License Points and Suspensions
While Washington State doesn’t use a traditional point system like some states, your license can still be suspended if you accumulate too many moving violations within a specific time frame.
For example, four moving violations in a year or five in two years could result in license suspension under Washington law. The stakes are even higher if you drive for work or rely on your license to commute.
3. Employment and Background Checks
Commercial drivers (CDL holders), rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, and even government employees can face disciplinary action or job loss if a ticket impacts their driving privileges. A clean record matters—not just for your license but for your livelihood.
When You Should Hire a Speeding Ticket Attorney
So, when is hiring a speeding ticket attorney a smart move? While you don’t need a lawyer for every traffic ticket, there are situations where having legal representation can be a game-changer.
Here are some of the most common scenarios where consulting with an attorney about a speeding ticket is especially crucial:
- You don’t want your insurance rates to go up.
- You already have tickets on your record
- You drive professionally or hold a CDL
- You were cited for excessive speeding (e.g., 20+ mph over the limit)
- The citation occurred in a school zone or construction zone
- You believe the officer made a mistake or lacked evidence
- You want to avoid a conviction entirely
Our attorneys know what to look for, whether it’s improper calibration of radar equipment, procedural errors during the stop, or missing documentation from the officer. We use every angle to negotiate for a dismissal or reduction in the charge.
The Benefits of Working With Eloquence Law
At Eloquence Law, we understand that a traffic ticket might seem like a small issue but can have much bigger impacts down the road. That’s why we take every case seriously and fight hard to protect our clients’ driving records and reputations.
We will examine every detail of your ticket, the officer’s report, and any available evidence. You’ll need evidence to effectively contest a ticket, and we know how to get it. In many cases, we can negotiate a reduced charge or have your ticket dismissed outright.
You don’t have to face the system alone. Our job is to give you peace of mind and help you move forward with as little impact as possible. We’ve been helping drivers in Tacoma since 2016. We know the local courts, judges, and procedures—and how to navigate them effectively.
What If It’s “Just One Ticket”?
It’s true: not every speeding ticket requires a lawyer. If this is your first minor infraction and you’re not concerned about insurance or your driving record, paying the ticket may be the simplest route.
But if keeping your record clean matters to you—or if you think the ticket was issued unfairly—it’s worth at least consulting with a speeding ticket defense attorney. At Eloquence Law, we offer free consultations so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
Don’t Let a Speeding Ticket Derail Your Record
If you’ve received a speeding ticket in Tacoma, Olympia, or the surrounding area, our team is here to help. Whether you’re looking to contest the citation, protect your insurance rates, or keep your license in good standing, we can provide the guidance and representation you need.
Over the Last Decade, Our Win Percentage Is Close to Perfect – Thousands dismissed
Should You Have Us Fight Your Ticket?
Short answer: YES! It may seem like a less expensive option to just pay the fine, but these tickets will almost always increase your insurance rates. One moving violation will increase your insurance by an average of 18%, or $50.00, on a low-end insurance carrier. Over the three-year period that that infraction stays on your record, your insurance rates will go up by at least $1,800.00. If you have received a traffic infraction in Western Washington, we can help. In almost all cases, our attorneys are able to get your moving violations dismissed or knocked down to non-moving violations, ones that won’t raise your insurance rates.
What Are Moving Violations?
Moving violations are traffic offenses committed by a driver while the vehicle is in motion. In Washington State, these infractions can lead to fines, license points, insurance increases, and even license suspension.
Common moving violations include:
- Speeding
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Cell phone violations
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Improper lane changes
- Driving without a valid license
Penalties for Moving Violations:
The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) tracks violations using a point system, although it doesn’t publish the actual point values. However, traffic infractions can result in:
- Increased insurance premiums
- License suspension after too many violations (3 in 12 months or 4 or more in 24 months)
- Mandatory driver improvement programs
- Misdemeanor charges for more serious violations (e.g., reckless driving; negligent driving)
Fighting a Traffic Ticket:
If you’ve received a traffic citation, you have options:
Pay the Fine – This is an admission of guilt and will go on your driving record.
Request a Mitigation Hearing – You admit the violation but ask for a reduced fine or alternative penalty.
Request a Contested Hearing – You plead not guilty and argue your case in court.
You typically must respond within 15 days of receiving a citation.
IF YOU HIRE ELOQUENCE LAW, you don’t have to do anything – we do all the work. We have successfully contested thousands of tickets, with nearly all of them resulting in either a DISMISSAL or amendment of charges that kept our clients’ driving records clean and kept their insurance costs from rising.
License Suspension & Habitual Traffic Offenders
Accumulating too many moving violations can result in suspension. You may be classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO) if you are convicted of 3 or more serious driving offenses in 5 years or 20+ moving violations within five years.
HTO status leads to a 7-year license revocation, with very limited options for reinstatement. Each stop thereafter will result in mandatory jail time.
How We Can Help
Our experienced traffic attorneys can:
- Review your citation
- Represent you in court
- Help reduce or dismiss fines
- Protect your driving record
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you keep your license clean and your insurance rates down. Let us take the guesswork out of the legal process. Contact Eloquence Law today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about how we can fight your ticket—and protect your future.
- Disclaimer: This website provides general legal information. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.
- Links: Washington State DOL, Court Locations
