Tacoma Traffic Ticket & DUI Lawyer
Tacoma Traffic Offenses: What Drivers Need to Know
Tacoma enforces traffic laws aggressively—both infractions and criminal offenses. Some unique local considerations for Tacoma drivers include:
-
Targeted Traffic Patrols & Emphasis Missions: Tacoma Police regularly conduct targeted patrols for speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving, often in high-incident areas.
-
Street Racing & Reckless Driving: Tacoma PD and City Prosecutors take street racing, stunt driving, and reckless driving seriously—recent enforcement actions have led to dozens of charges and vehicle impounds. New state law also allows prosecution for racing and exhibition driving even in parking lots and private property.
-
DUI Arrests on the Rise: DUI enforcement is a high priority in Tacoma, with the police using high-visibility patrols rather than checkpoints (which are not legal in Washington). Tacoma Municipal Court processes hundreds of DUIs each year and closely monitors offenders with conditions like ignition interlock.
-
New Speed Limits: Since 2023, residential streets in Tacoma are 20 MPH by default, with reduced speed limits on many arterial streets. Exceeding these new limits is easy to do and frequently cited.
-
Vision Zero Policies: Tacoma has committed to reducing crashes through enforcement, education, and engineering—resulting in more speed enforcement and red-light patrols citywide.
Why Choose Our Tacoma Team?
Since 1997, The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden has defended thousands of drivers across Tacoma and Pierce County. Our team brings over 100 years of combined experience to every case—traffic tickets, DUIs, CDL violations, suspended licenses, and more. We know Tacoma courts, local prosecutors, and how to get results for drivers facing real consequences.
-
Available 24/7 – Immediate help when you need it
-
Local Experience – Decades practicing in Tacoma Municipal and Pierce County District Courts
-
Full-Service Defense – From civil infractions to criminal traffic charges
Why Choose Our Tacoma DUI Defense?
Local Knowledge
Experience with Tacoma law enforcement, judges, and prosecutors.
Court Appearance for You
Ability to appear in court on your behalf—minimizing your time off work.
Proven Results
10,000+ cases defended and 170+ 5-star reviews.
Dismissals & Reductions
Regularly obtain dismissals, reductions, and amendments to non-moving violations.
Procedural Expertise
Familiarity with local court procedures, virtual hearings, and technical defenses.
About Automated Traffic Enforcement in Tacoma
Tacoma uses automated cameras for:
-
Red-Light Cameras: Installed at several high-accident intersections. Running a red light at these locations will trigger a mailed ticket.
-
Speed Cameras: School zones and East Bay Street are the main hot spots. Our firm has contested—and won—many tickets from the East Bay Street speed camera. Tickets are issued for exceeding the posted limit, especially during school hours.
Key points for camera tickets:
Civil Infractions
These are civil infractions, similar to parking tickets—no impact on your driving record or insurance rates.
Fines & Payment
Fines are typically $124–$145. The city is considering increases and equity-based reductions for low-income drivers.
Not the Driver?
If you were not the driver, you can submit a Declaration of Non-Responsibility.
Contesting Tickets
All photo tickets can be contested or mitigated, often via Zoom hearings.
Tacoma Municipal Court Procedures & What to Expect
-
30 Days to Respond: After a ticket (mailed or handed to you), you have 30 days to respond or request a hearing. Failing to respond results in default, higher fines, and a suspended license.
-
No Hearing by Phone: You must respond in writing, online, or in person; phone requests are not accepted.
-
Mitigation vs. Contested Hearings:
-
Mitigation (admit violation, ask for lower fine): violation stays on your record.
-
Contested (challenge the violation): judge decides based on officer’s written report and any evidence/arguments you provide.
-
-
No Prosecutor Present for Most Infractions: Typically, only the judge and the ticketing officer’s written statement are involved unless you subpoena the officer for in-person testimony.
-
Virtual Hearings Available: Most infractions and camera tickets can be handled by Zoom. Contested hearings with subpoenaed officers are on specific virtual dockets.
-
Legal Representation: You may hire an attorney for infractions. Public defenders are only provided for criminal charges (DUI, reckless driving, etc.).
For criminal traffic offenses (DUI, reckless driving, hit and run, DWLS):
- Cases prosecuted by Tacoma City Attorneys and heard in Tacoma Municipal Court.
- Right to a public defender if you can’t afford counsel.
- Conditions may include pre-trial probation, ignition interlock, or alcohol monitoring.
- Deferred prosecution is available for eligible DUI defendants.
- Some cases may qualify for specialty or therapeutic courts.
Tacoma DUI Lawyer
A DUI arrest in Tacoma can impact your job, finances, and freedom. Whether it’s alcohol, marijuana, or prescription-related, our DUI defense includes:
First and Repeat Offenses
Defense strategies tailored for both first-time and repeat DUI charges.
Under-21 DUI
Specialized representation for drivers under the legal drinking age facing DUI accusations.
Field Sobriety & Breath Test Defense
Challenging field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results for accuracy and procedure.
CDL & Commercial Driver DUIs
Focused defense for commercial drivers whose livelihood is at risk from DUI charges.
Deferred Prosecution & Negotiation
Exploring deferred prosecution and negotiating for reduced penalties when possible.
We handle both Tacoma Municipal Court and Pierce County District Court DUIs. Our attorneys review every detail—police reports, stop legality, breathalyzer results, prior offenses—to build a strong defense and pursue reduced penalties or dismissals.
FAQs About Tacoma Tickets & DUIs
Are Tacoma’s red-light and speed camera tickets reportable to insurance?
- No. They don’t affect your driving record or insurance, but unpaid fines can block car registration renewal.
How do I fight a Tacoma speeding ticket or red-light ticket?
- Contact us before your deadline. We’ll review your ticket, police report, and evidence; we may subpoena officers or camera technicians as needed.
What happens if I miss my court date in Tacoma?
- Fines increase, license can be suspended. Call us immediately for help fixing a missed court date.
Can I get a DUI dismissed in Tacoma?
- Yes, if there are flaws in the stop, testing, or police process. We’ve achieved dismissals and major reductions for Tacoma clients.
Are there new traffic laws or speed limits in Tacoma?
- Yes, the city lowered most neighborhood speed limits to 20 MPH and increased enforcement in safety zones. Know your local speed limits to avoid surprise tickets.
Ready to Get Help? Let’s Talk.
We’re not here to judge — we’re here to defend. Our Lakewood office is minutes from downtown Tacoma. We serve drivers in Tacoma, University Place, Fife, Spanaway, and throughout Pierce County. Fill out our online form or call for immediate help.