Most people believe that if they are issued a traffic ticket, they are automatically guilty. This is not true. The State or the City must prove that you committed the alleged violation. There is case law and court rules governing what the government must do to prove you committed the alleged traffic violation. Joe Schodowski knows these rules inside and out.
The Real Cost of Just Paying That Ticket
The National Motorists Association estimates that Americans spend 7.5 to 15 billion dollars on traffic tickets each year(assuming 25 to 50 million traffic tickets issued per year costing an average of $150 with half of those motorists getting hit with a $300 insurance surcharge).
When you just pay a traffic ticket, you’re admitting guilt. Here’s what happens:
Immediate Costs:
- Fine amount (typically $150-$500+)
- Court costs and fees
Long-Term Costs:
- Insurance rate increase (average $300-$500 per year for 3-5 years)
- Points on your driving record
- Potential license suspension (if too many points)
- Higher insurance premiums for years
Hidden Costs:
- CDL holders can lose their commercial license
- Young drivers face higher insurance rates
- Multiple tickets can result in license suspension
- Employment consequences for jobs requiring driving
Do the math: A $200 speeding ticket can actually cost you $1,500-$2,500 over 3 years when you factor in insurance increases.
Our flat fee of $325 often pays for itself by keeping tickets off your record and preventing insurance increases.
Still Not Convinced?
Here are the benefits to hiring Schodowski Law Inc. PS for your traffic ticket defense that you should consider before you just pay that ticket or try to fight it yourself:
Traffic Ticket Defense Saves Money On:
Fines
- We often get tickets dismissed or reduced
- Even a reduction saves money
Costly Car Insurance Rate Increase
- Keep the ticket off your record = no insurance increase
- Save $300-$500 per year for 3-5 years
- Our $325 fee pays for itself
Traffic Ticket Defense Saves Time:
No Going to Court
- We appear for you
- You don’t miss a day of work
- No waiting at the courthouse
No Missed Work
- Court appearances during business hours
- Can cost you a full day’s wages
- We handle everything
Traffic Ticket Defense Avoids Anxiety:
No Courthouse Hassles
When we represent you in Traffic Court, you won’t have to:
- Face the Judge
- Face the Prosecutor
- Face the Police Officer to argue your ticket
- Navigate confusing court procedures
- Worry about saying the wrong thing
You can relax while we fight for you.
Our Flat Fee Pricing – Simple and Transparent
Traffic Infractions & Speeding Tickets: $325
Schodowski Law Inc. PS charges a flat fee of $325 to contest most traffic infractions issued in Jefferson County, Kitsap County, and Clallam County.
If you received a ticket outside of any of the counties listed above, feel free to call or email Joe and ask what the cost of defending your ticket will be.
Examples of traffic infractions we handle:
- Speeding Tickets (most common)
- Failure to Stop
- Failure to Yield
- Speed Too Fast for Conditions
- Failure to Signal
- Unsafe Lane Change
- H.O.V. Lane Violation
- Following Too Close
- No Vehicle Insurance
- Expired Registration
- Cell Phone Violations
- Improper Passing
- Running Red Light/Stop Sign
- And many more
Traffic Accidents: $425
For traffic citations involving car or truck accidents, Schodowski Law Inc. PS charges a flat fee of $425.
Why the higher fee?
- Accidents cases are more complex
- Require more preparation of evidence
- Often involve witnesses
- Police reports more detailed
- Higher stakes (insurance implications)
Negligent Driving: $525
Schodowski Law Inc. PS charges a flat fee of $525 to contest negligent driving charges.
Why the higher fee?
- Much more preparation than typical speeding ticket
- More severe potential penalties
- Can result in criminal record (Negligent Driving 1st Degree)
- Requires more court time
- Higher insurance impact
Note: Reckless Driving is a criminal charge, not a traffic infraction. See our Reckless Driving Attorney page for criminal traffic offenses.
Understanding Washington Traffic Law
Traffic Infractions vs. Criminal Charges
Traffic Infractions (Civil):
- Not criminal offenses
- No jail time
- Pay fine or contest in court
- Examples: speeding, failure to yield, expired tabs
Criminal Traffic Charges:
- Criminal offenses with potential jail time
- Reckless Driving (gross misdemeanor)
- Negligent Driving 1st Degree (gross misdemeanor)
- DUI (gross misdemeanor)
Most traffic tickets are infractions, not crimes. But they still have serious consequences.
License Suspension:
- 6 points in 12 months = possible suspension
- 7 points in 24 months = possible suspension
Even if you don’t get suspended, points affect insurance rates.
How Traffic Tickets Affect Insurance
Insurance companies check your driving record regularly:
One Speeding Ticket:
- Insurance increase: 20-30% on average
- Cost: $300-$500 per year
- Duration: 3-5 years
- Total cost: $900-$2,500
Multiple Tickets:
- Insurance increase: 50-100% or more
- Some companies will drop you
- Forced into high-risk insurance market
- Total cost: $2,000-$5,000+ per year
Our $325 fee is cheap insurance to avoid these costs.
Common Traffic Tickets in Jefferson, Kitsap, and Clallam Counties
Speeding Tickets
Most Common Traffic Violation
Where issued:
- Highway 20 (Jefferson County)
- State Route 104 (Jefferson/Kitsap)
- Highway 101 (Clallam/Jefferson)
- Local roads (especially school zones)
Common scenarios:
- 5-10 mph over in town (safer to fight)
- 15+ mph over on highway (serious)
- 20+ mph over anywhere (very serious, consider insurance impact)
- School zones (double fines)
Defenses:
- Challenge radar/LIDAR accuracy
- Challenge officer’s training/calibration records
- Emergency or necessity
- Speedometer error
- Mistaken identity
Speed Too Fast for Conditions
Different from speeding ticket:
- Not about posted speed limit
- About driving too fast for road/weather conditions
- Subjective judgment by officer
Common in Olympic Peninsula:
- Rain, fog, ice common
- Officers cite this in bad weather
- Even if under speed limit
Defenses:
- Conditions weren’t actually dangerous
- You were driving appropriately for conditions
- Officer’s opinion vs. objective facts
Failure to Yield
Common scenarios:
- Left turns at intersections
- Merging onto highways
- Pedestrians in crosswalks
- Stop signs (rolling stops)
Defenses:
- Other vehicle not visible
- Right of way unclear
- Officer didn’t have clear view
- No danger created
Following Too Closely (Tailgating)
RCW 46.61.145 – Following Too Closely
Subjective violation:
- Officer’s judgment of “reasonable and prudent” distance
- No specific distance required by law
- Traffic conditions matter
Defenses:
- Distance was reasonable for conditions
- Officer’s vantage point
- Other vehicle cut in front of you
Cell Phone Violations
Washington’s Distracted Driving Law
Illegal to:
- Hold phone while driving
- Text while driving
- Use phone for anything except hands-free calls
Exceptions:
- Parked (not at stoplight)
- Emergency calls
- Hands-free use
Defenses:
- Phone not in use
- Using GPS/navigation (legal)
- Parked or off roadway
- Emergency situation
How to Get a Speeding Ticket Dismissed in Washington
Many people search for “how to get speeding ticket dismissed washington” – here’s how we do it:
Challenge the Evidence
Radar/LIDAR Accuracy:
- Calibration records
- Officer training certification
- Proper use of equipment
- Environmental factors affecting readings
Officer’s Observations:
- Vantage point
- Traffic conditions
- Visibility
- Multiple vehicles (wrong vehicle targeted)
Procedural Defenses
Officer Must Prove:
- You were the driver
- You committed the violation
- Location of violation
- Time and date
Missing Elements:
- If state can’t prove all elements, ticket should be dismissed
- Officer no-show = automatic dismissal
- Insufficient evidence = dismissal
Negotiate Reduction
If dismissal not possible:
- Reduce to non-moving violation (no insurance impact)
- Reduce speed (fewer points, less insurance impact)
- Reduce fine amount
- Traffic school to avoid points
Our goal: Keep it off your record or minimize impact
First Speeding Ticket in Washington State
Got your first ticket? Here’s what you need to know:
You’re Not Automatically Guilty
- State must prove the violation
- You have right to contest
- Officer must appear and testify
- You can challenge evidence
Options for First-Time Offenders
Option 1: Just Pay It (NOT RECOMMENDED)
- Admit guilt
- Points on record
- Insurance increase
- Stays on record 3-5 years
Option 2: Request Mitigation
- Admit guilt but ask for reduced fine
- Still get points
- Still affects insurance
- NOT the best option
Option 3: Contest the Ticket (BEST OPTION)
- Plead not guilty
- Hire attorney to represent you
- No court appearance required
- Fight for dismissal or reduction
- This is what we do
Option 4: Deferred Finding
- Available for first offense in some courts
- Pay fine but no points if you stay clean for period of time
- Still expensive but keeps points off
- We can request this for you
Why First-Timers Should Fight
You have the most to lose:
- Establishing clean record
- Insurance rates just became affordable (if young driver)
- No “cushion” of prior clean record
- Sets precedent for future violations
Fighting your first ticket sends message: You take driving seriously and won’t just roll over.
What Happens If You Ignore a Traffic Ticket?
DON’T ignore a traffic ticket. Here’s what happens:
Immediate Consequences:
- Deadline passes (usually 15 days to respond)
- Court enters default judgment against you
- Fine increases (failure to appear penalty added)
- Warrant issued for your arrest (failure to appear warrant)
Long-Term Consequences:
- Driver’s license suspended
- Can’t renew vehicle registration
- Arrested if pulled over
- Additional fines and fees
- Insurance notified
Even worse for out-of-state tickets:
- Warrant in other state
- Your state DMV notified
- License suspended in your home state
- Affects interstate driving privilege compact
If you missed your deadline, call us immediately. We may be able to reopen the case.
What to Expect When You Hire Us
Step 1: Free Consultation
Call or email us: (360) 821-8873
- We’ll review your ticket
- Explain your options
- Quote you exact fee (usually $325)
- No obligation
Step 2: You Sign Representation Agreement
- Simple, straightforward agreement
- Download Representation Agreement
- Pay flat fee (credit cards accepted)
- We file notice of appearance
Step 3: We Request Discovery
Discovery = Evidence
- Police report
- Officer’s notes
- Radar/LIDAR calibration records
- Officer’s training records
- Any video (dash cam, body cam)
Step 4: We Negotiate or Go to Trial
Negotiation:
- Talk to prosecutor
- Try to get dismissal or reduction
- Most cases resolve here
Trial:
- If no acceptable offer, we go to trial
- Cross-examine officer
- Challenge evidence
- Argue for dismissal
Step 5: Resolution
Best outcome: Ticket dismissed completely
Good outcome: Reduced to non-moving violation or reduced speed
Okay outcome: Reduced fine but points remain (rare, usually we do better)
Step 6: We Notify You of Result
- Email or phone call
- Explain what happened
- What it means for your record
- Any follow-up needed
You never have to appear in court. We handle everything.
When to Fight vs. When to Pay
Always Fight These Tickets:
High-Point Violations:
- Speeding 20+ mph over limit (5 points)
- Reckless driving (5 points + criminal)
- Hit and run
CDL Holders:
- Any violation affects your livelihood
- Federal regulations are stricter
- Can’t afford points
Young Drivers:
- Insurance already expensive
- Points have bigger impact
- Need clean record
Multiple Tickets:
- Risk of license suspension (6+ points in 12 months)
- Insurance will skyrocket
- Need to keep at least one off record
Tickets Involving Accidents:
- Insurance definitely checks
- Liability issues
- Higher stakes
Maybe Pay (But Consult Us First):
Minor First Offense:
- 5 mph over on empty road
- Low fine
- Low insurance impact
- But still worth asking us – might get dismissed
Out of State Ticket:
- If going back for court is expensive
- But we can often appear without you
- Call us first
Special Situations
CDL Holders
Federal regulations are stricter:
- Can’t use traffic school to avoid points
- Points stay on record longer
- Two serious violations = 60-day CDL suspension
- Three serious violations = 120-day suspension
“Serious violations” include:
- Speeding 15+ mph over limit
- Reckless driving
- Following too closely
- Improper lane change
- Texting while driving
You MUST fight tickets if you have a CDL. Your livelihood depends on it.
Out-of-State Drivers
Your home state will find out:
- Interstate Driver’s License Compact
- 45 states share information
- Ticket appears on your home state record
- Affects your home state license
We can represent out-of-state drivers without you returning to Washington.
Young Drivers (Under 21)
Already high insurance rates:
- One ticket can double your rates
- Parents’ insurance affected
- Some companies drop young drivers with violations
Additional consequences:
- Intermediate license restrictions extended
- Can affect college applications
- Employment for jobs requiring driving
Fighting tickets is even more important for young drivers.
Military Members
Stationed in Washington:
- Can fight tickets even if deploying
- We handle everything
- Base driving privileges can be affected
Visiting/PCS:
- Still responsible for tickets
- Can affect military driving record
- Security clearances sometimes check driving record
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to fight a traffic ticket?
Our flat fee is $325 for most traffic infractions in Jefferson, Kitsap, and Clallam Counties. Traffic accidents are $425. Negligent driving is $525. No hourly billing – you know the cost upfront.
Do I have to go to court?
No. When you hire us, we appear for you. You don’t have to take time off work or go to the courthouse. We handle everything.
What are my chances of getting the ticket dismissed?
It depends on the specific facts, the evidence, and the officer. We win many cases outright. In others, we negotiate reductions that keep it off your record or minimize insurance impact. We’ll give you an honest assessment during your free consultation.
How long does the process take?
Typically 2-4 months from when we file our notice of appearance until resolution. Some cases resolve quicker through negotiation. Others require a trial and take longer.
Will this keep my insurance from going up?
If we get the ticket dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation, it typically won’t affect your insurance. Even a speed reduction (from 20 mph over to 10 mph over) can significantly reduce insurance impact.
What if the officer doesn’t show up for trial?
If the officer doesn’t appear and the prosecutor can’t continue the case, the ticket is dismissed. This happens occasionally but we can’t count on it.
Can you get the fine reduced even if I’m guilty?
Yes. Even if the facts are against you, we can often negotiate a reduced fine or reduced charge that minimizes the impact on your record and insurance.
What about traffic school or deferred finding?
Some courts offer these options. Traffic school typically allows you to avoid points if you complete the class. Deferred finding means if you stay clean for a period (typically 12 months), the ticket is dismissed. We’ll pursue these options when available.
I already paid the ticket. Can you help?
Unfortunately, once you pay the ticket, you’ve admitted guilt and the case is closed. There’s typically no way to reopen it. This is why you should always call us BEFORE you pay.
What if I missed my court date?
Call us immediately. You likely have a failure-to-appear warrant and your license may be suspended. We may be able to get the warrant quashed and the case reopened, but time is critical.
Do you guarantee results?
No attorney can guarantee results. Every case is different. But we have extensive experience with traffic tickets in Jefferson, Kitsap, and Clallam Counties and will fight aggressively for the best possible outcome.
What happens to my ticket if I move out of state?
The ticket doesn’t go away. Washington will notify your new state through the Interstate Driver’s License Compact. The ticket will appear on your new state’s driving record. Better to handle it now.
Traffic Courts We Serve
Jefferson County:
- Jefferson County District Court
- Port Townsend Municipal Court
Kitsap County:
- Kitsap County District Court
- Bremerton Municipal Court
- Port Orchard Municipal Court
- Poulsbo Municipal Court
- Bainbridge Island Municipal Court
Clallam County:
- Clallam County District Court
- Port Angeles Municipal Court
- Sequim Municipal Court
Other Courts:
- If your ticket is from a different county, call us – we may be able to help
Why Choose Schodowski Law for Traffic Tickets?
Joe Schodowski Knows the Rules Inside and Out
- Extensive experience with traffic infractions
- Knows the case law and court rules
- Knows what the government must prove
- Knows how to challenge evidence
Local Knowledge
- Practice regularly in Jefferson, Kitsap, and Clallam County courts
- Know the local prosecutors
- Know the local judges
- Know what works in each court
Transparent Flat Fee Pricing
- $325 for most traffic tickets
- No hourly billing
- No surprise fees
- No hidden costs
You Don’t Go to Court
- We appear for you
- No time off work
- No courthouse hassles
- No anxiety
We Fight for You
- Every ticket is contested
- We don’t just plead guilty and ask for mercy
- We challenge the evidence
- We fight for dismissal or reduction
It Often Pays for Itself
- Keeping ticket off your record = no insurance increase
- Save $300-$500 per year for 3-5 years
- Our $325 fee is cheaper than years of higher insurance
Don’t Just Pay That Ticket – Call Us First
Free Consultation: (360) 821-8873
- No obligation
- We’ll explain your options
- Flat fee pricing
- Simple process
- You don’t go to court