Law Offices of W. Andrew Phipps : Washington Moving Violations

I just got a ticket what should I do now?

I want to teach my son/daughter a lesson, and therefore may enter a committed finding and pay for the ticket?

I marked the "mitigation box" on the back of the ticket, can I still contest the citation?

I talked to Mr. Phipps over the phone, so therefore, he represents me in my matter?

Do I need to appear at my Court hearing?

Mr. Phipps was successful in getting my ticket dismissed; do I need anything else?

Which Courts does Mr. Phipps appear in?

If I decide to contest the citation myself what things should I avoid doing in court?

I just got a ticket what should I do now?
We believe that the best response is to contest the ticket and preserve your rights. Even if you feel that you committed the infraction doesn't mean you deserve the ticket. Remember, moving violations generally increase your insurance rates for a period of three years.

I want to teach my son/daughter a lesson, and therefore may enter a committed finding and pay for the ticket?
Remember, generally parents are the ones who are paying for insurance premiums, therefore you are punishing yourself by paying higher rates (in order to teach your child a lesson). It is our belief, that you should contest the citation but find more appropriate means of punishment. I find that terminating driving privileges works wonders; as does extra chores around the house. Additionally, if your child is between the ages of 16-18 they have a probationary license. Two or more committed infractions leads to automatic suspension of their license.

I marked the "mitigation box" on the back of the ticket, can I still contest the citation?
In the majority of cases your hearing can be changed from a mitigation to a contested hearing. Please let our office know if you accidentally checked the mitigation box. We can contact the court for you to change it to a contested hearing.

I talked to Mr. Phipps over the phone, so therefore, he represents me in my matter?
No. Representation only begins when the representation agreement is signed by you and received by Mr. Phipps.

Do I need to appear at my Court hearing?
When you are represented by an attorney it depends on the Court. In most cases, such as speeding, it is not necessary for you to appear. If you have retained Mr. Phipps he can appear on your behalf. The benefit is that Mr. Phipps can appear for you and therefore you do not miss work, school, or other important meetings. However, Mr. Phipps encourages his clients to appear and see how the process works. In most cases your presence does not help or hinder your chances of a favorable outcome. If it would help then Mr. Phipps would have you appear at the hearing.

Mr. Phipps was successful in getting my ticket dismissed; do I need anything else?
No. If your matter was dismissed the Court will enter a dismissal or not-committed finding on the court docketing system and the matter will NOT appear on your DOL record.

Which Courts does Mr. Phipps appear in?
Mr. Phipps has practiced law in all but four counties in Washington. Mr. Phipps routinely appears in courts in King, Pierce, Snohomish Counties except for Auburn Municipal and Lynnwood Municipal. Mr. Phipps travels routinely to Grant, Yakima and Kittitas Counties as well. In Kittitas there are certain limitations depending on when you received the citation. Mr. Phipps does not appear in Chelan, Benton, or Douglas County. Having appear in many courts throughout the state Mr. Phipps has referrals for those counties in which he does not attend.

If I decide to contest the citation myself what things should I avoid doing in court?
Mr. Phipps believes that to best preserve your rights it is always wise to hire or consult with an attorney. If you decide to fight the ticket yourself do not:

1. Keep your cellphone on during court;
2. Tell the judge that you were going with the "flow of traffic;"
3. Your speedometer must be off;
4. That the Officer didn't have me sign the ticket, so you must dismiss the ticket;