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Washington Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I got a ticket for not having my insurance on me, I just wanted to know if the fee can be dismissed and do i get a point
Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Sep 13, 2020

Well Washington doesn't work on a point system, so you don't have to worry about that (although it is a similar system, where too many moving violations in certain time period can result in a suspension of your license).

But if you were insured at the time and have proof, that...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Cop told me he wasn't going to give me a ticket. He didn't hand me any papers. 2 weeks later I got a ticket in the mail.

Cop pulled me over for going 60 in a 45. After running my license, he came back and told me he wasn't going to give me a ticket, just a citation. He didn't give me any papers or anything to sign. 2 weeks later I get a ticket in the mail for a speeding ticket from that night. Should I try... View More

Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Aug 17, 2020

It depends. First, a speeding violation is issued in a document called an infraction, commonly called a ticket, that only can require a driver to pay a fine and there is no possibility of jail time or other personal penalties. Citations are normally criminal citations, also called criminal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: How can months after my license was suspended can the state impose new requirements for me to get my license reinstated?

License was suspended for 90 days because of being charged with a dui. After a year and a half of programs, counseling, driving classes, victim panels and fees went to court and had the charge reduced to a reckless. Which then came with another suspension of 30 days plus all of the fees AGAIN!! To... View More

Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Aug 4, 2020

When a driver is arrested for a DUI in Washington State, there are two different public agencies that have the authority to control what happens to the driver: the courts and the state drivers license agency, here DOL. The court has certain authority over the defendant and his or her criminal... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: In 2015 got a ticket in Washington state, what can I do? my fiance died 2 days before my court date i forgot court?

Kelso or cowlitz not sure. Driving without a license. I reached out before, but was told I had to go to court, not a possibility. Clerk wouldn't speak to me.

Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Jul 28, 2020

You need to provide more information. A traffic ticket or infraction in Washington State carries with it a fine only with no chance of jail. If the driver fails to respond to the ticket, then a $52.00 penalty is added to the basic fine. If that total amount is not paid within 60 days, then the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets, Civil Rights and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: Does an officer have to have a provable reason to pull u over

Case Description: So I had been driving home from getting my daughter and got lit up by a sheriff. I was about 100 yards from my driveway so I made the decision of not stopping right away and continuing to my driveway so my car wouldn’t possibly get towed and my daughter would have to be stuck in... View More

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Jul 11, 2020

They don't have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed an infraction or something to pull you over. But there has to be a reason that they can explain and have some testimony towards the reason(s). For example, he could be saying I saw that this vehicle was traveling over the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Will the court dismiss my ticket from a police officer’s mistake when writing it, or should I hire an attorney?

I ran a red light pretty badly and was pulled over by a police officer on a motorcycle. He gave me a citation because he said I am a very young driver and marked the citation “No” in the 16+ Box, but I am 22 years old.

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Jun 11, 2020

Sorry, minor errors like that won't result in dismissal. Judges give police wide latitude in spelling errors, wrong checked box, etc.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I was not pulled over!! but i received a no seatbelt ticket in the mail today supposbly it happened a month ago
Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Apr 6, 2020

There is no legal requirement that you be pulled over, or that the infraction be issued at the time of the incident. Only that the offense occurred in the officer's presence or that he or she has reasonable cause to believe that it was committed.

RCW 7.80.050

Notice of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: My racing charge reduced to Negligent Driving 2nd degree, they charged me 553$ but online it says it's 250$.

RCW 46.61.525 - Washington

Patrick Owen Earl
Patrick Owen Earl
answered on Apr 3, 2020

When the State amends a criminal offense like reckless driving where you are looking at a fine up to $5000, and jail up to 364 days and losing your license for 30 days and you get an infraction instead. Pay the money.

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I got a ticket for expired tags in February. And I still need to pay it but everything is shut down now.

My dog literally ate my ticket with all the information on it. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do especially with everything shutdown because of COVID 19.

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Mar 30, 2020

You can call your county district court and they can look it up for you. Courts aren't shut down, but many have limited hours. If you were stopped in a city by a city police officer, you might want to try the municipal court.

Make sure you act quickly, after 15 days the court can...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: How do you fight a "My word against your word"issue?

I was pulled over by police officer during work. I was written a ticket for 55 miles an hour in a 40 mile-an-hour Zone. When I ask to see the radar box. The Box Read 50-48. I asked the police officer what those numbers were and he told me 50 was my speed and 48 was his speed. . When I asked why I... View More

Jahnis John Abelite
Jahnis John Abelite
answered on Feb 10, 2020

It depends upon a number of factors. The cop is not required to show you the radar gun with its reading. Your best chance to beat this ticket or get a result that will not hurt your license or insurance records is to hire an experienced traffic lawyer who can provide you with the best possible... View More

2 Answers | Asked in DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: On 3/3/16 I got a dui, did everything for it. Just recently I got a speeding ticket and the court I got my dui in sent

Me a show cause hearing. What does this mean?

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Dec 12, 2019

It is probably a type of probation violation hearing. Different courts use different terminology, but I would guess that's what that is. Typical DUI probation is 5 years, and depending on the judge they sometimes consider traffic infractions to be probation violations.

You can call...
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1 Answer | Asked in Municipal Law and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I was pulled over in one county but the municipal court on my ticket is from a different county. Is this possible?
Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Nov 14, 2019

There are a couple of possibilities, but a lawyer would have to look at the ticket to answer for sure. Could be an error by the citing officer. There are jurisdictions that 'share' a court, when one town doesn't want to maintain its own court. I have never heard of them being in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: First time getting a ticket for illegal use of emergency equipment(Blue Uber Light)

Is there a way to get it lifted? I didnt know it was illegal if the light wasn't a flashing light?

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Sep 16, 2019

What court is it in? We have some experience with those, and I can't imagine that the blue Uber light should be found to be a violation of that statute.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: How do I get my case dismissed?

I got a ticket for dws. I wasnt driving. Car wasnt running. And no keys in the ignition. Parked in a parking lot at a gas station. Wasnt even my car. So I went to court on the date the ticket told me to. Which was 2 weeks from the date I got the ticket. I wasnt on the docket. I asked the court... View More

James Laukkonen
James Laukkonen
answered on Sep 13, 2019

There are a couple items that jump out at me here. The first is that driving while your license is suspended is not just a ticket. It is a criminal offense. It isn't a very serious offense, but it is still a criminal charge. I know the form that they wrote it up on looks just like a traffic... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: If a minor drinks and is reported 2 months later can they get in trouble?

Hi so I’m in a situation where I was driving 2 of my drunk friends home (I have a permit not a license) they both have a license but they are underaged. I’m going to court in 2 weeks and I don’t want to get my friends in trouble so I don’t know if I should mention the fact they were drunk.... View More

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Aug 6, 2019

You are right that they can't really file a criminal charge (like MIP) without some further evidence besides your statement. But if they are on any kind of probation, it could possibly be used against them. If they are in school, particularly in athletics, I could see some possible... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Constitutional Law for Washington on
Q: So I am correct a driver's license is not required for driving my vessel?
Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Aug 1, 2019

Not a driver's license, but a boater's license is required (for most people, depending on your age).

https://boat.wa.gov/BoatersCard.asp

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: In washington state does the complete address have to be correct on a speeding ticket. The county is wrong.
Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Jun 27, 2019

Address where it happened, or address where the driver lives? One may matter, the other doesn't.

How much it matters depends on the specific facts and the court / judge who will hear the case. Some errors on tickets are significant, but not all. I don't think anyone can answer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: I’m a bit confused on the wording of this law in WA state: RCW 46.61.685

So if the motor is not running is that okay?

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Mar 26, 2019

Correct - that crime is only committed if the engine is running.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Still haven't paid two tickets from 8 months ago can I still hire a lawyer to have them dismissed?

My son inlaws license has now been suspended because he didn't pay the tickets and as of December he owed $600 to get his license back and the fines paid. He hasn't had the money to pay. My son just had two tickets that were dismissed but of course, they weren't past due and his... View More

Stan Glisson
Stan Glisson
answered on Feb 21, 2019

It is definitely not too late to hire a lawyer, but what they can do at this point might be limited.

Depending on the court, it may still be possible to get them withdrawn from collections, and back on a calendar in front of a judge to fight them. This is actually fairly common, but every...
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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Washington on
Q: Can you get a dwls 3rd degree while on a motorcycle in Washington state

Had no knowledge of my suspended license also didnt have a permit for motorcycles but was not cited for it

Ali Shahrestani,
Ali Shahrestani,
answered on Jan 24, 2019

Why was your license suspended? Why did you not know about it? Have you kept your address up to date with the DMV? Have you paid all necessary license and registration fees on time? Did the state contact you or try to do so re: your suspended license? And why were you driving without a permit? More... View More

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