How Much Does a Traffic Lawyer Cost?

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?

That’s what we’ll discuss today. Our team will dive into the critical aspects of hiring a traffic lawyer, from understanding the costs to knowing when legal assistance is necessary. 

Here’s what you should know about it. 

What Does a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Do?

Traffic lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in traffic litigation. Simply put, they handle civil cases related to hit-and-run accidents, car crashes, drunk driving, and more. 

Their role is to defend people charged with traffic violations. However, they do more than show up in court and advocate for their clients. These professionals also seek expert testimony, conduct research, and negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges. 

Generally, traffic lawyers can help with the following: 

• Speeding tickets (by far the most widespread traffic violations)
• Driving without a license or other required documents (e.g., registration, insurance)
• Driving without a seatbelt, an approved child restraint, or other necessary automobile safety devices
• Reckless driving allegations
• DUI charges
• Running a red light
• Hit-and-runs

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. 

In more serious incidents, like a DUI case, traffic lawyers play a crucial role in managing the legal proceedings, offering guidance on plea bargains and ensuring the client’s rights are protected. They may try to find discrepancies or procedural errors that can be pivotal in your case, potentially turning a significant offense into a lesser one.

These legal experts will guide you every step of the way. After analyzing the evidence, they will help you decide how you should plead and what to say in court.

How Much Does a Traffic Lawyer Cost in California

The cost of hiring a traffic ticket attorney varies from as little as $50 to $5,000 and up. Expect to pay more for these services in California, since the state has a higher cost of living than most others throughout the U.S.

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

We’ll discuss the three cost ranges and explain what type of legal support you can receive at each tier:

1. Most Affordable Range: $50 – $250

• Typical Cases Covered: This tier usually includes representation for minor infractions such as basic speeding tickets (e.g., exceeding the speed limit by a small margin) and other basic traffic violations that are relatively straightforward.
• 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’s important to understand that the level of personalized attention and detail in legal representation may be less compared to higher tiers.

2. Mid-Range: $500 – $1,500

• Typical Cases Covered: This price range is suitable for moderate complexity traffic cases. It may include 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: This range is generally 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.

Is Hiring a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Worth It?

In California, police officers issue more than three million traffic tickets per year, with an average penalty of $600 to $700. However, just because you received a traffic ticket doesn’t mean you should pay it. 

First of all, you might not be guilty. Sure, fighting the ticket is a lot of hassle, but at least you’ll avoid accumulating points or, worse, having your license suspended. 

Traffic tickets can also bump up your car insurance rates. Depending on the violation, you may end up paying an extra 25% to 80% or more. 

For example, Geico’s average rate for good drivers is $1,182 per year. Just one speeding ticket can result in a 34% increase, bringing your annual premium to $1,579, according to Forbes. 

California drivers can expect to pay around 43% more in premiums after a speeding ticket. This number is significantly higher compared to that in other states, such as:

• Hawaii (9%)
• Texas (11%)
• West Virginia (15%)
• Colorado (17%)
• New York (19%)
• Pennsylvania (20%)
• Ohio (23%)
• Kansas (24%)

Hiring a traffic lawyer may cost less than what you’d pay in fines and auto insurance premium increases. Obviously, if the ticket was issued for a minor infraction, it doesn’t make sense to go that far. It all comes down to your circumstances. 

Now let’s assume you’re guilty of the violation you got a ticket for. 

Even so, you should still think twice before paying the fine. A traffic attorney might be able to reduce the charges, minimizing their impact on your driving record—and your wallet. 

When Should You Hire a Traffic Lawyer?

Generally, 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. 

Here are a few of the most common traffic misdemeanors in the state of California that would warrant the services of a traffic lawyer:

• Hit and run: A hit and run happens when you hit a car, someone else’s property, or–at worst–another person with your own car. This is considered a misdemeanor in California. You can be sent to jail for up to six months, paying thousands of dollars, and experiencing increased insurance premiums. If the collision injured anyone, a hit and run is considered much more serious and becomes a felony at that point.
• Getting in a speed contest (racing): Also referred to as an “exhibition of speed,” speed contests are not only a danger to yourself and other drivers on the road, but they’re also a significant violation. Punishments for racing other cars on the road include as many as 90 days of jail time, fines as high as $1000, and having your vehicle impounded for about 30 days.
• Reckless driving: This is another clear case of a misdemeanor, which again could force you to spend time in jail and pay thousands in fines and fees if the charge is not dismissed. Even worse, once you’ve received a reckless driving charge, it remains on your driving record for as long as a decade. It will also affect your insurance coverage, with your premiums increasing anywhere from 20 to 50 percent on average. Depending on the circumstances, your insurance company might even refuse to continue providing you with insurance coverage, and may terminate your policy. 
• Driving with no license: This violation can be considered an infraction (less serious) or misdemeanor (more serious) depending on the specific situation and can be resolved if you bring the court clerk your driver’s license and pay a fine. However, if you are charged with a misdemeanor, you could be looking at a $1000 fine, time in county jail, and additional penalty costs.
• Driving with a suspended license: This is always a misdemeanor, and you might have to pay hundreds of dollars. However, the final cost to you will vary according to the reason your license was suspended in the first place.
• Driving under the influence (DUI): A first-time DUI charge in California can result in a fine of $390 to $1,000 plus court and administrative fees. You might also get up to six months of jail time and have your license suspended for at least four months. The penalties are even more severe for subsequent DUI offenses. Additionally, your car insurance premiums may increase by around 74%, or $1,086. 
• Operating an uninsured vehicle: If you get caught driving without insurance in California, you’ll pay a fine of up to $500—plus other penalties. What’s more, uninsured drivers who are involved in a collision may have their license suspended for up to four years, even if the accident wasn’t their fault. 
• Lane change violations: Drivers making unsafe lane changes are subject to fines of up to $490, depending on the county. Each violation that falls into this category will also result in one point on your license. The points can add up over time, resulting in license suspension or revocation.

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:

• Understand the legal system: These professionals have in-depth knowledge of the ins and outs of traffic law in California, which no layperson could reasonably match even with a great deal of research. Some laws are extremely complex, so having a legal expert in your corner can be a major boon.
• Save money: Hiring a traffic attorney can save you a great deal of money. 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. 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, hiring a traffic attorney is worth it, especially when dealing with offenses that may result in criminal charges, severe fines, jail time, or multiple points on your driving record. 

But what does it take to find a good traffic lawyer? And what should you look for to make sure your money is well spent?

Let’s find out.

How to Find a Good Traffic Ticket Lawyer

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: Begin by searching for traffic lawyers in your area. Online legal directories, local bar association listings, and recommendations from friends or family can be good starting points. 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. Check 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. You can also ask them directly about their credentials and how long they’ve been practicing traffic law. Make sure they have a strong track record. 
4. 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.

Last but not least, ask the right questions. A reliable law firm will be transparent about its practices and address your concerns.

Key Questions to Ask Potential Lawyers:

1. What is your experience with cases like mine? Understanding their track record with similar cases will give you insight into their expertise.
2. How do you communicate with clients? Regular updates and clear communication are vital. Ask about their policy on responding to emails or calls.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. What are the potential outcomes for my case? A reliable lawyer won’t make unrealistic promises but should be able to outline possible scenarios.

Our final piece of advice: avoid hiring a traffic ticket “clinic.” As tempting as their low prices may be, the fact is that their services are affordable simply because they don’t really do anything. Most will use a templated trial by written declaration, which doesn’t require a lot of effort, and hope that the officer does not respond.

Sometimes You Should Just Pay the Ticket

Not all traffic tickets are worth fighting. Sometimes, it’s easier (and less expensive) to plead guilty and pay the fine. This is especially true for one-point violations, which may grant you the right to attend traffic school. 

In general, there are three reasons you might want to go through with paying the ticket:

1.) Save a Significant Amount of Money 

In some cases, the cost of a traffic lawyer might be considerably higher than that of the traffic ticket received. If, say, you get a speeding ticket, it doesn’t make sense to pay for legal services just to get out of traffic school. 

But hey, if your time is especially valuable to you, it might be worth seeking legal help. It’s just a matter of weighing your priorities and current financial situation.

2.) Your Chances of Winning in Court Are Slim

No lawyer can guarantee that their services will get your ticket dismissed. In fact, it’s not only unethical for an attorney to make these kinds of promises—it’s actually illegal.

Additionally, some cases cannot be won. A traffic attorney could help reduce your charges, but his fees may not be worth it.

If your traffic ticket isn’t dismissed, you will be forced to pay the fine associated with your ticket AND the lawyer’s often costly fees. 

You’ll also end up getting points on your DMV record. These points can raise your insurance premiums by potentially hundreds of dollars, turning your ticket into an even bigger financial headache.

Here’s an example of this type of worst-case scenario: “You have a speeding ticket in Los Angeles County with an approximate fine of $300. A speeding ticket can result in a one-point penalty on your DMV record, which may increase your insurance premium by $600 per year for 3 years for a total of $1800.” All that adds up to lots of money down the drain!

3.) You’d Be Better Off Attending Traffic School 

If you can attend traffic school as part of the legal consequences for your traffic violation, this can mask the penalty point on your DMV record. 

As a result, it will prevent your insurance rates from going up and save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in the long run.

If you do get ticketed and are eligible for traffic school, read our post on how to find the best traffic school and how much traffic school is in California.

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 good old-fashioned pros and cons list to help you make the right choice. Consider the following aspects:

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 driving record or insurance rates?
5. Decide: Pay the ticket or hire a lawyer based on your assessment.

A skilled traffic lawyer might get your case dismissed, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Plus, their expertise could help you stay out of jail. 

The downside? You might end up paying as much as $5,000 in legal fees, depending on the nature of your case and whether or not it ends up going to trial. Sometimes it might cost less to pay your ticket and, more informally, pledge that you will be a safer driver.