Pierce County Traffic Ticket Attorney

Trusted Defense for Traffic Infractions & Criminal Charges in Pierce County

Since 1997, The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden has defended thousands of drivers across Pierce County. Whether you’re facing a civil infraction or a criminal traffic charge, our attorneys know how to navigate local courts, challenge tickets, and protect your driving record.

Over 30 Years of Experience in Pierce County Traffic Court

Full-Spectrum Defense: From Speeding to Suspended Licenses and DUIs

Available 24/7 for Free Case Evaluations

Your Options After a Traffic Ticket in Pierce County

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

1 Pay the Fine

Paying the ticket may seem convenient—but it’s also an admission of guilt. The violation goes on your driving record and can increase your insurance premiums for up to three years. If it’s a moving violation, it can also add points to your license or threaten your employment (especially for CDL holders).

2 Request a Mitigation Hearing

You admit the violation but ask for leniency. The court may reduce the fine, but the violation still goes on your record. For most drivers, this is a poor long-term option—especially if you rely on clean records for work or insurance.

3 Contest the Ticket

You challenge the citation and ask the judge to dismiss it or reduce the charges. This is often the best option, especially if you hire an experienced Pierce County traffic lawyer. If the prosecutor cannot prove the violation beyond a reasonable doubt, the ticket may be dismissed. In some cases, the charges can be amended to a non-moving violation.

Deferred Disposition: A Second Chance

In some situations, you may be eligible for a deferred disposition—essentially asking the court to dismiss the charge if you maintain a clean record for a specified period. If you qualify and comply, the ticket is dismissed and doesn’t appear on your record. Not all tickets qualify:

Deferred Disposition: A Second Chance

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

Contesting a Ticket in Pierce County

When you choose to contest a traffic citation:

You (or your attorney) request a contested hearing within 30 days
The court schedules a hearing, often held virtually or in person
Most infractions are decided based on the officer’s written statement unless you subpoena the officer to appear
Prosecutors typically do not appear unless you are contesting a criminal traffic offense

Negotiate With the Court to Amend the Charge

Identify Technical Errors in the Ticket or Officer’s Report

Present Mitigating Factors or Procedural Defenses

Why Legal Representation Matters

Can you fight a ticket on your own? Yes. Should you? That depends. Judges may be less receptive to arguments from unrepresented individuals, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local procedures.

Hiring a Pierce County traffic attorney:

Increases your chances of dismissal or reduced charges
Saves you time—we can appear on your behalf
Helps avoid license suspension, employment issues, or higher insurance rates

Multiple Tickets? Take Action Now

If you’ve received multiple citations, your risk increases:

Possible license suspension
Higher fines and probationary periods
Reduced eligibility for deferrals

Our attorneys have successfully defended drivers with multiple violations, working to reduce the cumulative impact and keep your license in good standing.

What Sets The Law Offices of Barbara Bowden Firm Apart

Local Knowledge: Decades practicing in Pierce County courts
Proven Results: Over 10,000 tickets defended
Client Trust: More than 170 five-star Google reviews
Full-Service Traffic Defense: Tickets, DUIs, CDL, DWLS, and more

“Barbara and her office have helped me and my family through the years. They have great communication, are professional, and always win. She’s my first call after any traffic infraction and she has helped family members get worse offense dropped.” — J. Myers

Areas We Serve

We proudly represent clients throughout Pierce County, including:

Lakewood
Tacoma
Puyallup
University Place
Spanaway
Fife
Gig Harbor

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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!”