Dealing With Traffic Tickets in Seattle

Traffic tickets seem to be, for the most part, an unavoidable occurrence for drivers all over the country. The same is true for drivers within the city of Seattle, Washington. Every year thousands of drivers in Seattle are faced with tickets representing a wide variety of traffic infractions, and every year each driver has to make the decision of whether to pay the traffic ticket of attempt to fight it.

Those drivers in Seattle who decide to simply pay the fine attached to the ticket with which they have been slapped are, by dint of their actions, acknowledging culpability. For some, in spite of the potential impact on their record, this may be the easiest route to take. If you decide that the option of paying the traffic ticket is the one for you then you have quite a number of convenient ways to pay, including over the phone, online, at the courthouse, or by mail. Check the courts website for your payment options.

Another option available to you however, is the option to fight your traffic ticket. To do this you must select the contested hearing. Your requst must be mailed to the court within fifteen days of being ticketed.

In Seattle, drivers who request a contested hearing for the purpose of fighting a traffic ticket will be invited to attend a pre-hearing settlement conference. This conference may be held downtown or in one of many neighborhood centers. If you are represented by an attorney you do not need to attend this conference. Generally the court will provide evidence at this conference and will set you for a contested hearing. You may also be offered the chance to mitigate (pay a reduced fine) or defer your ticket at this hearing. If you do not agree to mitigation or deferral your case will be set for a contested hearing at the Seattle Municipal Courthouse downtown.

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While you may represent yourself at a contested hearing, it is generally recommended that you retain the services of an experienced lawyer as the process of fighting a traffic ticket can prove to be very complicated. Retaining the services of an experienced lawyer will generally save you time, reduce your hassle and protect your traffic record.