Top Seattle, WA Traffic Violation Lawyers Near You

How Long Do You Have To Pay a Traffic Violation in Washington?

The amount of time you have to pay a traffic violation depends on a few factors. First and foremost, the laws in Washington dictate the amount of time you have to pay. Generally, tickets or citations for traffic violations state the payment due date on the document itself. Some states may have different fines and payment due dates depending on the type of traffic violation. You may also need to factor in the time the method of payment may take. For instance, paying online may be available up until the due date but state law may require payments in person or mailing a check or money order be processed by a certain date.

What Happens When You Get a Traffic Violation?

The process of a traffic violation differs from state to state. Generally, a police officer issues a ticket or citation for a moving violation or a non-moving violation. Depending on the traffic laws in your state and your driving record, you may be facing paying fines or penalties, increased insurance costs, points on your license, traffic school, license suspension or revocation, and potentially appearing in court. After reviewing your ticket, you may decide to pay the fine and admit guilt to the violations or you can contest the ticket in court.

What Happens When You Go To Court for a Traffic Violation?

Going to court for a traffic violation can be straightforward but may be a bit more complex for serious violations, those with a negative driving record, or criminal history. You may elect to go to plead your case to the judge by proving your innocence or showing evidence of any mitigating circumstances. For serious offenses or habitual offenders, you may decide to go into court with an attorney to advocate on your behalf.

What Happens if You Miss a Court Date for a Traffic Violation?

Missing a court date, referred to as failing to appear, can be a more serious offense than your original traffic violation. Some courts consider being late to your court date as a failure to appear as well. Each state provides its own additional penalties for failing to appear, but most jurisdictions consider this a separate criminal misdemeanor offense with its own penalties and fines. As a result, a judge may decide to suspend your license, hold you in contempt of court, or issue a warrant for your arrest which may lead to spending time in jail. Failing to appear or being found in contempt of court may stay on your criminal record as well. This makes it critical to appear on time to your court date or work with your attorney to request a new date to appear.

How Long Does a Traffic Violation Stay on Your Record In Washington?

The length a traffic violation stays on your record is generally determined by state. Washington has its own traffic laws and different requirements provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles or Department of Transportation. Some less serious offenses may only stay on your record for a limited period of time, such as two to five years. However more serious offenses or repeated traffic violations can lead to longer periods on your record or permanent marks on your record.

What Counts as a Traffic Violation?

Most states consider traffic violations as infractions, which constitute an act or omission prohibited by law but don’t rise to the severity level of a criminal offense like a misdemeanor or felony. Since Washington has its own laws defining crimes, what counts as a traffic violation in one state may be a misdemeanor in another state. Generally, most states consider speeding, running a red light or stop sign, failing to stop or yield, failure to wear a seat belt, expired inspection sticker, failure to have working headlights or brake lights as traffic violations. However, accumulating a number of violations may result in being charged with a criminal offense.

Do I Have To Appear in Court for a Traffic Violation?

For lesser violations, you typically do not have to appear in court. You may elect not to contest the violation and pay the fine, which is considered as admitting guilt for the violation. If you choose not to pay the fine, the court assumes that you will be present in court to challenge the violation. However, for more serious traffic violations or repeat violations, Washington may require you to appear in court and go before a judge.

Are There Any Traffic Violations Lawyers Near Me In Seattle, WA?

It may seem like a small matter, but a traffic violation can really affect your life if you don’t get the counsel you deserve to make it right. Finding an attorney experienced in traffic violations may seem like a challenge but many attorneys are ready to help clients who need the advice and advocacy of an experienced lawyer. Ask hard questions and find an attorney who has experience in cases just like yours. The LawInfo directory can help you find verified traffic violation attorneys in Seattle.