King County Traffic Ticket Attorney

Experienced Local Defense for Tickets & Infractions in King County

If you’ve received a traffic ticket in King County—whether for speeding, an HOV lane violation, distracted driving, or a red light camera infraction—the consequences can be serious and long-lasting. For commercial drivers, a single citation can threaten a career. For everyone else, a ticket can drive up insurance costs and jeopardize a clean driving record.

Since 1997, The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden has defended thousands of drivers in King County traffic courts. Our attorneys understand the unique local processes and have the relationships and expertise to secure the best possible result.

What Sets Our Approach Apart:

Over 10,000 Tickets Successfully Defended in Washington Courts

170+ Five-Star Reviews From Clients Across Bellevue, Kent, Federal Way, Kirkland, Redmond, Burien, and Beyond

30+ Years’ Experience With King County District Court Procedures and Staff

Your Options After a Traffic Ticket in King County

When you receive a traffic ticket, Washington law gives you three basic responses:

1 Pay the Fine

This is the fastest—but often most expensive—choice. Paying is an admission of guilt. The violation will stay on your driving record for up to five years and can increase your insurance premiums, especially for moving violations or CDL holders. Many people don’t realize the true cost until renewal notices arrive.

2 Request a Mitigation Hearing

You admit to the violation and ask the judge for leniency, typically to reduce the fine. The infraction still appears on your record. Mitigation may help financially in the short term but rarely preserves a clean record or protects against future insurance hikes.

3 Contest the Ticket

You dispute the charge and request a contested hearing—virtually or in person. The court relies heavily on the officer’s written statement; prosecutors usually do not appear for infractions unless you subpoena the officer. Success requires identifying errors in the officer’s report, procedural flaws, or technical defenses—areas where an experienced local attorney can make a difference. In some cases, charges can be amended to a non-moving violation to protect your record.

Deferred Disposition: Not Always Available

In some situations, you may be eligible for a deferred disposition—a “second chance” that results in dismissal if you remain violation-free for a set period. Not all tickets qualify. The details matter, and court practices vary across King County districts.

Not Allowed in School Zones or Work Zones

Not Available If You’ve Used a Deferral in the Past 7 Years

Must Comply With Court Conditions, Including No Further Violations During the Deferral Period

Why Local Experience Matters in King County

King County’s traffic courts each have their own tendencies and norms. Knowing how to navigate local rules, judges, and processes can be the difference between a dismissal, a reduced charge, or a conviction. Our attorneys appear regularly in Bellevue, Kent, Redmond, Burien, Federal Way, and other district courts. We understand the unwritten rules and technical requirements unique to each location.

We can often appear in court on your behalf, saving you time away from work or family.
We analyze every ticket for procedural defects, missing signatures, radar calibration issues, and inconsistencies in the officer’s narrative.
For commercial drivers, we know how to advocate for employment protections and minimize risk to your CDL.
We handle both civil infractions and criminal traffic charges (DUI, reckless driving, DWLS) with equal rigor.

What Happens If You Ignore the Ticket?

Failure to respond by the deadline (typically 30 days) leads to additional fines, loss of your right to a hearing, and possible license suspension. The ticket will be sent to the Department of Licensing, which can put your driving privileges at risk.

The Real Cost of “DIY” Defense

You are not required to hire an attorney, but local knowledge is an advantage. Representing yourself often means missing subtle errors or local customs that can turn a case. Judges are less likely to grant leniency when arguments lack procedural grounding. Our experience improves your odds of dismissal, charge reduction, or avoiding insurance increases.

Trusted King County Traffic Defense

The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden is available 24/7 to help you resolve your ticket with minimal disruption to your life or livelihood. Every case begins with a free review and a practical, evidence-driven strategy. Ready to defend your record? Call now for a free, no-obligation case evaluation, or contact us online. Serving Bellevue, Kent, Federal Way, Kirkland, Redmond, Burien, and all of King County.

“So glad to see that you are still practicing law in the area! BB got the absolutely best result to my case, 20 yrs ago, in Auburn Pat “Break him off” Burns’ court room. Her local roots run deep!”

–Niel S

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Testimonials

“I can’t recommend the Law Offices of Barbara Bowden highly enough! After receiving multiple traffic citations over the years, I have always been taken care of here. They not only took the time to explain my options but also worked diligently to get my tickets dismissed. Each time they were professional, responsive, and truly had my best interests at heart. Thanks to their expertise, I avoided hefty fines and high monthly insurance rates. If you’re facing any traffic violations, don’t hesitate to reach out, you won’t regret it!”