9 September, 2021

A first-time speeding ticket for any driver is inconvenient, expensive, and stressful. 

It can be challenging to know the extent of what you can or should do as a first-time offender. You’ll likely be wondering what your options are as well as how problematic a speeding ticket is for your record. 

Continue reading to learn about your options as well as the legal impact in a speeding ticket case or get in touch with Leyba Defense today. 

 

how to fight speeding ticket

 

Speeding Ticket: Is it a Criminal Offense? 

For the most part, speeding is considered a minor traffic violation and is handled in traffic court — not in criminal court. 

Traffic violations only become a criminal offense when the driver engages in reckless driving practices, drives while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or is involved in a vehicular manslaughter case. 

 

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay in Your Record? 

In Washington State, you must respond within 15 days to your speeding ticket and there are three response options for drivers. 

Potential responses include: 

  1. Paying the fine (thus admitting your guilt).
  2. Requesting a mitigation hearing to have your fine reduced. 
  3. Contesting your speeding ticket (either with or without the help of a traffic ticket attorney).

Regardless of the route you take, a speeding ticket will remain on your driving record for five years. 

 

How to Fight Speeding Tickets

When it comes to fighting speeding tickets, 

If you want to know how to get out of a speeding ticket, there are two primary ways to do this. 

  1. Contest the ticket yourself by following the instructions on the ticket and appearing in court at the designated date. 
  2. Hire a traffic attorney to assist you in contesting your traffic ticket. 

Generally, the second option is the easiest and most effective way to contest a traffic ticket. Attempting to fight your own speeding ticket could result in a lot of lost time, stress, and failure to have your fine reduced or waived. 

 

How Many Points Is a Speeding Ticket in Washington State? 

Washington State does not have a points system. This means that if you receive a speeding ticket, it will not be added to a points database. 

This does not mean that the number of speeding tickets a driver gets has no effect, however. Acquiring numerous speeding tickets may result in a loss of driving privileges (such as license suspension) for Washington drivers. 

 

Contact a Speeding Ticket Lawyer Today 

If you are looking for tips on how to beat a speeding ticket, your best chances lie with contacting a traffic ticket attorney. Traffic ticket attorneys are specialized in the field of traffic law and understand what measures you can take to reduce your fine. 

If you would like to get in touch with an experienced traffic ticket attorney, contact Leyba Defense today. Leading defense attorney, Matthew Leyba, has been in the traffic law sphere for more than a decade and during that time has amassed a roster of successful cases and a solid reputation. 

Contact Leyba Defense today to schedule your first 60-minute consultation free of charge to see if our law firm is the right fit for you.