Legal Question in Traffic Law in Washington

Re: Traffic ticket

I can't advise you on whether you might win in court, nor on how to proceed, but if you can't pay or don't have the money to pay the ticket, one option is to go to trial and tell the judge what you told me, and see if you can beat the charge. Even if the judge finds you guilty, they will often lower the fine if they think you are in court in good faith, and not trying to hustle anyone, AND if you have a good driving record, as you apparently have.

I would suggest you take some time well in advance of trial and go to the courthouse where you have been summoned to appear. Ask where the trials are for traffic infractions, and watch them. They are not going to be with juries, just a judge. Watch some for an afternoon, and try to buttonhole a stray lawyer coming from a traffic trial in that courtroom, and see if you can get some advice. Most traffic infraction trials are NOT with a lawyer, but it might be worth your while to spend a minimal amount to talk to a traffic defense lawyer in your area for a half-hour, and see what you can find out.

Good luck to you!

-- Sam