How Much Does a Traffic Lawyer Cost? (And When to Hire One)

Dealing with a traffic ticket can be stressful and expensive, and sometimes it makes sense to seek legal assistance. But how much does a traffic lawyer cost? And when should you consider hiring one?

The answer depends on your particular situation, including the type of legal support you require. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a traffic lawyer – and how it can help your case. 

How Much Does a Traffic Lawyer Cost in California?

Hiring a traffic ticket attorney in California costs $50 to $5,000 or more. The wide price range is due to the varied complexity of traffic violations and other factors, such as the lawyer’s experience and reputation. 

Now let’s take a closer look at these price ranges and the legal support you can receive at each tier.

1. Most Affordable Range: $50 – $250

• Typical Cases Covered: Representation for minor infractions such as basic speeding tickets (e.g., exceeding the speed limit by a small margin) and other basic traffic violations.
• What’s Included: Representation in traffic court, possibly without the client appearing in person. Services at this level are often limited to basic court appearances and minimal legal advice.
• Additional Notes: While this is the most budget-friendly option, it offers limited personalized attention compared to higher tiers or representation.

2. Mid-Range: $500 – $1,500

• Typical Cases Covered: Representation for moderate complexity traffic cases like more serious speeding violations, red light infractions, and other traffic offenses that require more legal intervention than basic infractions.
• What’s Included: More comprehensive legal services such as plea negotiations, more in-depth legal advice, and preparation of legal documents. Lawyers in this range often offer a more personalized approach to your case.
• Additional Notes: At this level, attorneys may charge a flat fee for the entire service or may have an hourly rate, depending on the nature of the case and the amount of work required.

3. Most Expensive Range: $1,000 – $5,000+

• Typical Cases Covered: Representation for high-complexity cases like DUI, reckless driving, or cases involving accidents. These cases require extensive legal expertise due to their potential for severe penalties and complex legal challenges.
• What’s Included: Comprehensive legal representation including trial preparation, extensive negotiations, detailed evidence review, and court appearances. This may also include handling complex paperwork and navigating challenging legal procedures.
• Additional Notes: Costs can escalate quickly if the case goes to trial, with additional fees for court, witness, or expert fees. The attorney’s experience level and the intricacies of the case significantly influence the final fee.

What about a Traffic Ticket Clinic? 

Some people opt for a traffic ticket clinic instead of a lawyer. Traffic ticket clinics handle routine or minor traffic infractions and have set procedures for typical cases. They also tend to charge a flat fee per ticket, which typically starts at around $29 and can go up to $250. 

These rates are often lower than what you’d pay for the services of a traffic lawyer. However, you will not get the same level of personalized support or direct representation as you would from an attorney. 

Our advice is to avoid hiring a traffic ticket clinic. Generally, their services are affordable simply because they don’t really do anything. 

Most clinics will file a trial by written declaration (which you can do yourself!) and hope that the police officer won’t respond.

When Should You Hire a Traffic Lawyer?

You should consider hiring a traffic ticket lawyer if you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor or felony. It’s less worthwhile to do so when fighting simple traffic violations like speeding tickets or other minor infractions. 

Below are some scenarios that would warrant the services of a traffic lawyer:

• Serious violations: An experienced traffic attorney can handle complex cases involving hit-and-runs, DUIs, reckless driving, and other serious traffic offenses. For example, in a case of reckless driving, they might challenge the evidence based on technicalities like radar calibration or the officer’s line of sight.
• License suspension risk: Reach out to a lawyer if you risk getting your license suspended following a traffic offense. They may be able to get your ticket dismissed or find procedural errors that could turn a major offense into a less severe one.
• Excessive fines and penalties: A good traffic lawyer can negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges against you. This may result in less severe penalties, including lower fines.
• Multiple offenses: The services of a traffic attorney may be worth it if you’ve been charged with multiple offenses, such as driving without a license and under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 
• CDL holders: Getting points on your commercial driver’s license can result in job loss and hurt your career prospects. In such cases, it makes sense to hire a traffic lawyer to fight your ticket.
• Avoiding a criminal record: Drunk driving and other misdemeanors or felonies can result in a criminal record and, potentially, jail time. A skilled traffic lawyer can offer guidance on plea bargains and gather evidence to reduce your charges. 
• Out-of-state tickets: Most states, including California, exchange information on traffic offenses through the Driver’s License Compact. This means out-of-state tickets can impact your California driving record. A skilled lawyer can help you navigate the traffic laws of the state that issued your ticket to minimize its implications. 
• Disputable tickets: Reach out to a traffic attorney if you believe you’re not guilty of the offense you’ve been charged with.  Sure, fighting the ticket is a lot of hassle, but at least you’ll avoid accumulating points or, worse, having your license suspended. 

You may also benefit from legal assistance if you have too many tickets on your record. The points accumulate quickly and stay on your license for years. If you let them pile up, the DMV can suspend or revoke your right to drive. 

Additional Reasons to Seek Legal Assistance

The expertise of a traffic lawyer provides numerous benefits, including:

• Understanding of the legal system: These professionals have in-depth knowledge of the ins and outs of traffic law in California. Some laws are extremely complex, so having a legal expert in your corner can be a major benefit.
• Save money: Hiring a traffic attorney could save you thousands of dollars, both in fines and in insurance increases, since traffic tickets can affect your insurance. It can also save you time, especially if the lawyer goes to court in your place or prevents you from having to attend traffic school by getting the ticket dismissed.
• Reduce traffic violation charges: Traffic lawyers can not only get your ticket dismissed, but also minimize the penalties and fees you have to pay. They may also negotiate alternatives on your behalf. Even if they fail to get the case dismissed, their services could help reduce your fines by thousands of dollars.
• Increase your chances of success: Having a skilled legal professional by your side can improve your odds of winning a traffic court trial. For example, they can advise you on what to wear to court, what to say and what not to say before the judge, and how you should plead. The alternative is to defend yourself, but you may not understand the legal intricacies involved. Plus, you could get off track and make things worse.

All in all, a traffic attorney’s cost is worth it when dealing with offenses that may result in criminal charges, severe fines, jail time, or multiple points on your driving record. For lesser offenses, like a minor speeding ticket, you’ll have to weigh your options more carefully.

Is a Traffic Lawyer Worth It for a Speeding Ticket?

If you received a speeding ticket, the cost of hiring a traffic lawyer may be lower than what you’d pay in fines, penalties, and insurance rate increases. 

That’s right: traffic tickets can bump up your car insurance rates. Depending on the violation, you may end up paying an extra 20% to 30% or more. 

In California, the average insurance rate increase after a speeding ticket is 45%. The violation will stay on your record for three years. During this time, you’ll pay extra for car insurance. 

Now let’s do the math:

Despite these savings, reaching out to a traffic attorney and going to court isn’t always worth it, especially if you committed a minor infraction.

In such cases, a more convenient option is to attend traffic school. If you go this route, you’ll plead guilty, pay the fine, and take a short driving course. 

You won’t have to go to court. And, once you complete traffic school and pass the test, the point associated with your ticket will be hidden from insurance carriers, potential employers, and other third parties. In this case, you’ll save on both court fees and insurance increases.

How to Find a Good Traffic Ticket Attorney

Finding an experienced traffic ticket attorney isn’t always straightforward, and you shouldn’t choose one based on price alone. Take the time to research your options, ask questions, and request multiple quotes. 

For starters, follow these steps:

1. Shop around: See if you can get recommendations from friends or family. Another option is to ask on local forums and Facebook groups. Chances are, others have been in your shoes and can make a sound recommendation.
2. Look for reviews and testimonials: Search for reviews on independent websites (e.g., the Better Business Bureau), not just those featured on the lawyer’s site. Pay attention to comments about their professionalism, communication skills, and the outcomes of similar cases.
3. Verify their credentials and expertise: Look up the lawyer’s name online to find out more about their expertise, affiliations, and other relevant aspects. For example, you can check their license status with the State Bar of California. Here you can also see any disciplinary or administrative actions taken against them.
4. Check legal directories and bar association listings: The American Bar Association, the State Bar of California, and legal directories, such as LawInfo, FindLaw, and LawHelpCA, have extensive databases of lawyers and law firms. Use these resources to find and research traffic attorneys in your city or county.
5. Inquire about their rates: Some traffic ticket lawyers charge a flat fee, whereas others charge by the hour. In either case, their rates can vary by hundreds or thousands of dollars. With that in mind, inquire about pricing before you choose an attorney. If possible, negotiate a flat fee.

Key Questions to Ask Potential Lawyers

When deciding on which attorney to hire, make sure you also ask the right questions. A reliable law firm will be transparent about its practices and address your concerns.

Here’s what you should inquire about: 

1. What is your experience with cases like mine? Understanding their track record with similar cases will give you insight into their expertise.
2. What credentials do you hold? Ask about their credentials and how long they’ve been practicing traffic law. Make sure they have a strong track record.
3. How do you communicate with your clients? Inquire about their policy on responding to emails or calls at different times of the day. Will they charge extra for phone calls?
4. Can you provide an estimated cost for my case? While exact costs can be hard to predict, a good lawyer should be able to provide a rough estimate.
5. What is your approach or strategy for cases like this? Their answer will give you an idea of how they plan to handle your case.
6. What are the potential outcomes for my case? A reliable lawyer won’t make unrealistic promises but should be able to outline possible scenarios.

Other Options Besides Hiring a Traffic Lawyer

There are situations where legal assistance is helpful, such as when dealing with multiple charges. But there are other options to consider. Let’s take a look.

Represent Yourself in Court

Self-representation can be a good choice for drivers charged with minor infractions. For example, a first-time speeding ticket would have a negligible impact on your driving record and insurance rates, so it doesn’t make sense to seek legal help. 

But if you’re dealing with more complex charges, think twice before representing yourself in court. The average person doesn’t have the knowledge or experience to navigate legal proceedings, get their charges reduced, or negotiate a plea deal. 

Pros of Self-Representation

• Save money
• Have full control over your legal strategy 

Cons of Self-Representation

• Lack of legal knowledge
• Unfamiliarity with the court’s procedures
• Limited bargaining power
• Increased emotional stress
• A risk of higher penalties

Request a Trial by Written Declaration 

A trial by written declaration eliminates the need to appear in court. Instead, you’ll pay bail and then contest your ticket in writing. 

This option is only available to California drivers charged with traffic infractions that don’t require a court appearance, such as texting and driving. If the ticket says you must go to court and you request a trial by written declaration, you’ll be charged with failure to appear. 

Pros 

• Save time and money
• No court appearance required
• You may get your ticket dismissed if the officer who issued your ticket doesn’t respond
• If you lose, you can request a new trial 

Cons 

• You must pay all fines associated with your ticket upfront 
• You must waive certain constitutional rights (e.g., the right to subpoena witnesses)
• Not suitable for cases that rely on oral testimony or require complex legal arguments
• Dependance on paperwork, which leaves no room for additional arguments

Pay the Fine and Go to Traffic School

Traffic school can be a viable option for drivers charged with one-point moving violations. The main advantage of going to traffic school is that it will mask one point on your DMV record. As a result, it will prevent insurers from raising your premiums because of a traffic ticket. 

Pros 

• Keep points off your driving record
• Complete the course in as little as two hours online
• Refresh your knowledge of driving laws and regulations
• Save on legal fees
• Keep your insurance rates down

Cons 

• Requires an admission of guilt
• You must pay the fine plus a traffic school administrative fee 
• Limited eligibility (e.g., you cannot attend traffic school for a DUI or non-moving violations)

At Best Online Traffic School, you can study at your own pace, from any device. Many of our students complete the course in two or three hours, and 99.9% pass the final exam on the first try. 

Our online course is fully licensed by the DMV and includes free audio read-alongs in English, Spanish, and Chinese. We also offer unlimited exam retakes, and you’ll pay only when you pass. Plus, we’ll submit your certificate of completion to the court and DMV as soon as you pass the final test. 

Enroll in traffic school for FREE today to keep points off your license. 

Weigh Your Options before Hiring a Traffic Lawyer

The cost of hiring a traffic lawyer may or may not be worth it, depending on your circumstances.

Our advice is to write out a pros and cons list to help you make the right choice. Consider the following:

1. Assess the violation: Minor or major? First-time or repeated offense?
2. Consider the strength of the evidence: Is the case against you strong?
3. Evaluate financials: Compare ticket costs to the estimated legal fees.
4. Think long-term: Will the ticket affect your California driving record or insurance rates?
5. Decide: Pay the ticket or hire a lawyer based on your assessment.

FAQs about Speeding Ticket Lawyer Cost

Still unsure whether or not you should hire a traffic lawyer? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about it. 

What is the best defense for a speeding ticket?

The best defense for a speeding ticket depends on your circumstances. 

For example, you could explain and prove that you went over the speed limit due to an emergency, such as rushing someone to the hospital. This won’t dismiss your ticket, but it may reduce the charges against you. 

Other common defenses include:

• Necessity (e.g., to avoid a collision)
• Technical errors (e.g., radar gun inaccuracy)
• Procedural errors (e.g., the police officer mistook your car for another one)
• Not speeding (this usually requires a GPS report or other evidence showing that you did not exceed the speed limit)

Do you need a lawyer for a speeding ticket in California?

Generally, you don’t need to hire an attorney for a minor speeding ticket, especially if it’s a first-time offense. 

Also, you may not require legal help if you have solid evidence, such as witness testimony, dashcam footage, and GPS reports, to support your case. 

However, you should seek legal help if you got multiple speeding tickets over the past three years or:

• You’re about to have your driver’s license suspended
• You’re caught speeding over 100 mph
• You hold a commercial driver’s license
• You’re facing more serious charges, such as speeding while under the influence
• You got an out-of-state speeding ticket

How do traffic lawyers dismiss tickets?

Traffic lawyers can get your ticket dismissed by presenting evidence in your favor. They may also identify technical or procedural errors, such as:

• An uncalibrated radar gun
• Missing evidence (e.g., no proof of speeding)
• Tickets with inaccurate information, such as incorrect vehicle data

Also, your attorney may ask the judge to dismiss your ticket if the police officer fails to appear in court. 

How many points are needed to suspend a license in California?

The DMV will suspend your driver’s license if you get:

• 4 points within one year
• 6 points within two years
• 8 points within three years 

Expect to receive a warning letter prior to having your license suspended. Consult a traffic lawyer to decide on the best course of action, such as attending a DMV hearing.