I just got a ticket for unsafe speed, improper lane change, and following too closely. The ticket’s $800 and they say I was going 65 in a 45 mph zone. I used my signals when changing lanes, though. I went to defensive driving through AAA the same night. Anyone know how much it might cost to fight the ticket? Or should I just pay the fine and take the traffic school option?
Oof, that’s a rough ticket. From what I know, it could cost a few hundred dollars for an attorney to represent you. It might be worth it if you think you can get the fine reduced. Have you checked with the court if they’ll allow a plea bargain?
@Dylan
I haven’t checked yet. I’ll definitely ask about that though. I just want to make sure it doesn’t cost more than the fine itself, lol.
Yeah, I’ve been in a similar situation. The lawyer I hired cost me around $300-$500, but they got my fine reduced and I avoided the points on my record. Totally worth it for peace of mind.
Sam said:
Yeah, I’ve been in a similar situation. The lawyer I hired cost me around $300-$500, but they got my fine reduced and I avoided the points on my record. Totally worth it for peace of mind.
That sounds like a solid deal! Was the lawyer able to get you a better deal than traffic school would’ve been?
Sam said:
Yeah, I’ve been in a similar situation. The lawyer I hired cost me around $300-$500, but they got my fine reduced and I avoided the points on my record. Totally worth it for peace of mind.
Honestly, yes. Traffic school would’ve cost me around $600, but the lawyer got me out of the points and reduced the fine, so I came out ahead. It depends on the lawyer, but it’s an option worth considering!
I would say the lawyer’s fees will depend on your area, but if you’re trying to get the fine reduced and avoid points, it’s probably a good idea to get representation. If the ticket is as expensive as yours, it might be worth paying a bit more for an expert to handle it.
@Rayne
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. The fine is already $800, plus the traffic school offer for $577. I don’t want to just pay all that if I can get out of some of it.
If you already did defensive driving, they might take that into account and give you a break, even if you decide to go to court. It’s worth asking your lawyer or the court if they’ll give you credit for it.
@Bevan
That’s a good point! I’ll definitely mention it when I talk to someone. Maybe they’ll go easy on me since I completed the course right away.
Also, don’t forget that some lawyers will offer free consultations. You could call a few and ask about your options before committing to anything. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into first.
@Zorion
That’s a great idea! I’ll look into a couple of lawyers and see what they say before I make a decision. Thanks for the suggestion!