Legal Question in Traffic Law in Texas

I recently got a ticket for cell phone use in a school zone. I didn't feel like paying the full price of the ticket, and I had heard that you can get a lawyer at a low price to try and get traffic tickets dismissed, or at least discounted. I hired a local lawyer thru his website and email correspondence, and my court date came and went.

The original ticket was $200, his fee was $75. I got a letter in the mail yesterday from his office, informing me to send the court a $295 money order. What kind of scam is this?


Asked on 10/27/10, 12:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Walcutt Law Office of Paul Holt Walcutt

The short answer is that you get what you pay for. The long answer is that regardless of whatever amount a lawyer has contracted to take a case, he or she owes every client a duty of zealous representation. It's not clear from the facts you have described whether or not this lawyer gave you the zealous representation you bargained for.

(The reason why the fine may actually be lower is that the $200 figure likely only includes the fine. The court will also assess you court costs on any plea (sometimes including certain types of dismissals), so the total fine may actually be below $200 even though you are being asked to pay $295.)

You need to give the lawyer a call and clear this up. If you believe the lawyer did not zealously represent you, then you may consider filing a grievance with the State Bar.

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Answered on 11/01/10, 1:55 pm


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