Frequently Asked Questions – Traffic & Speeding Tickets

How do I hire the Law Offices of Dan Samas to fight my ticket and what are the next steps?

To have the Law Offices of Dan Samas represent you, simply click on the Fight Your Ticket button and follow the three easy steps. The entire process can be completed online.

After we receive your online submission and payment, the Law Offices of Dan Samas will contact the local prosecutor to obtain all of the relevant details to thoroughly research your case and prepare the best strategy to fight your ticket. We will communicate any updates and will let you know if we need any additional information. As your time is valuable, you generally do not need to come to court. At your contested hearing, the Law Offices of Dan Samas will fight your ticket and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

What percentage of your tickets are dismissed and why should I hire you?

Unfortunately, the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) does not allow attorneys to answer this question. The WSBA is concerned that lawyers could give the wrong impression to potential clients by providing this information. Each case is different and there are many factors that affect the outcome of a case including the identities of the prosecutor and the judge, the strength of the officer’s affidavit, and the procedures that are followed.

With that being said, as an experienced traffic ticket attorney, my client’s metro Seattle traffic tickets often are dismissed. If your traffic ticket is not dismissed, the Law Offices of Dan Samas can often arrange for a reduction to a non-moving violation so the ticket will not increase your insurance rates. Dan Samas has been an attorney since 1995 and has represented thousands of motorists in traffic ticket cases.

What is a Deferred Finding?

A deferred finding allows for the dismissal of the infraction if certain conditions are met.  The Judge has the discretion in deciding whether you qualify for this option and may consider your driving record. You generally will not be eligible for a deferred finding if you have received one in the past seven years, have a commercial license, or are charged with a violation such as speeding in a construction or school zone. You will be required to pay an administrative fee and have no traffic infractions within the deferral period and may be required to fulfill other conditions.  If you comply with the conditions, the charge will be dismissed at the end of the deferral period and will not go on your driving record.  If you do not comply with the conditions of the deferred finding, including non-payment of the administrative fee, a finding of committed will be entered and the Department of Licensing will be notified.

What is a Mitigation Hearing?

A mitigation hearing is where you admit you committed the violation, but wish to explain the circumstances of the infraction to try to convince the judge to reduce the fine. For moving violations, your traffic violation will be reported to the Department of Licensing and your insurance rates may increase. Generally, your ticket will not be dismissed at a mitigation hearing.

What about Photo (Camera) Tickets?

Photo tickets are currently treated like parking tickets and do not impact your insurance. Please be aware that if you were not driving, you may be able to have the ticket dismissed by submitting an affidavit to the court.