Traffic Offense Defense in Western Washington
Traffic offenses never happen at a convenient time.
Whether it’s a speeding ticket or a criminal charge like DUI, these situations are often unplanned, unexpected, and highly disruptive. A single charge can impact your finances, job, insurance rates, and even your ability to drive legally.
At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we focus solely on defending individuals charged with traffic-related offenses, from minor civil infractions to serious criminal charges. Based in Western Washington, we serve clients across Kitsap, Pierce, King, and Thurston counties. Our firm is known for its strategic, informed, and aggressive approach to protecting your rights.
Take a closer look at each of our traffic law focus areas and see where we can go to work for you. Whether you’re facing your first infraction or you’ve been down this road before, we break down your options and help you take control of what comes next:
Our Practice Areas
Full-Service Traffic Defense: Criminal and Civil
Our attorneys handle a wide range of traffic-related cases. Whether you’ve been charged with a criminal traffic offense or received a civil traffic infraction, we have the experience and focus to help.
Criminal Traffic Charges
These are more than tickets—they are criminal charges that can result in jail time, license suspension, or a permanent record:
- DUI Defense: We defend against first-time, repeat, and felony DUIs. Whether you’re facing charges for alcohol or a marijuana DUI, we analyze every aspect of your stop, test results, and arrest procedures.
- Physical Control: Charges for being in physical control of a vehicle while impaired, even if not driving.
- Reckless Driving / Reckless Endangerment: We fight charges that allege a disregard for safety.
- Hit & Run: Whether the incident involved an attended or unattended vehicle, we can help protect your record and driving future.
- Negligent Driving (1st Degree): A criminal misdemeanor with serious consequences if not defended properly.
- Driving While License Suspended (DWLS 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Degree): Often tied to unpaid fines or past offenses, we help restore your driving privileges.
- Habitual Traffic Offenders (HTO): We help those classified as HTOs avoid long-term license revocation and find a path forward.
- Commercial Driver License (CDL) Violations: CDL holders face stricter rules. Our team understands how to protect your career.
Civil Traffic Infractions
These non-criminal offenses may seem minor but can add up to serious consequences for your driving record and insurance rates:
- Speeding (including school zone and construction zone violations)
- Speeding Too Fast for Conditions
- Negligent Driving (2nd Degree)
- Following Too Close
- Failure to Stop, Yield, or Signal
- Unsafe or Improper Lane Changes
- Improper Turn or Overtaking
- HOV Lane and Carpool Violations
- Distracted Driving: Cell phone use or texting while driving
- Open Container Violations
- No Insurance or Proof of License
- Disobeying Signs, School Patrols, or Signalmen
- Passing a Stopped School Bus
- Expired Registration or Equipment Violations
Our job is not only to fight these infractions but to help prevent long-term consequences such as increased premiums or license suspension.
Why Clients Choose Us for Traffic Cases
We understand how disruptive a traffic charge can be. Whether you’re a parent, a commuter, a student, or a commercial driver, our goal is to resolve your case efficiently and protect what matters most.
Every case is unique, and we develop personalized strategies for each client.
We don’t just show up in court. We:
- Review the details of the traffic stop or accident
- Analyze body cam and dash cam footage
- Examine testing procedures and officer reports
- File pre-trial motions to suppress evidence when appropriate
- Work to dismiss or reduce charges where possible
Don’t Let a Traffic Offense Derail Your Life
A traffic infraction shouldn’t make you put the rest of your life on hold. From DUIs to speeding tickets, our team works quickly to understand your situation and take immediate steps toward resolution. The sooner you contact us, the more we can do to protect your license and record.
Traffic Law FAQs
Not sure where your case falls or where to start? You’re not the only one. These FAQs break down the big questions that come up when you’ve decided it’s time to do something about it. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you move forward and fight back.
What’s the difference between a civil traffic infraction and a criminal traffic charge?
A civil infraction (like speeding or failure to signal) usually results in a fine and points on your license. A criminal charge (like DUI or reckless driving) can result in jail time, a permanent criminal record, and license suspension.
Can I fight a traffic ticket without appearing in court?
Yes. In many cases, our team can appear on your behalf—especially for civil infractions.
I have a Commercial Driver License (CDL). Are the penalties different?
Yes. CDL holders are held to higher legal standards. Even minor infractions can impact your ability to work. We offer tailored CDL defense strategies.
Is it worth hiring a lawyer for a traffic ticket?
Absolutely, especially if you’re facing increased insurance rates, a suspended license, or a criminal record. We often secure dismissals or reduced penalties that save clients far more than the cost of representation.
Criminal Traffic Charges and Civil Traffic Infractions
Below is a list of criminal traffic charges and civil traffic infractions that The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden can help you with.
Criminal Traffic
- Physical Control
- Driving While Under the Influence
- Reckless Driving
- Reckless Endangerment
- Racing
- Hit and Run Attended
- Negligent Driving First Degree
- Hit and Run Unattended
- No Commercial Drivers License
- Driving While License Suspended 1st 2nd & 3rd Degree
Traffic Infractions:
- Speeding
- Speeding in a School Zone
- Speeding in a Construction Zone
- Overweight on Axels
- Speeding Too Fast for Conditions
- Negligent Driving Second Degree
- Following to Close
- Failure to Stop
- Failure to Signal
- Failure to Secure Load
- Failure to Yield to an Emergency Vehicle
- Improper Lane Change
- Unsafe Lane Change
- Improper Overtaking of a Vehicle
- Open Container
- Disobey Road Sign
- Disobey Signalman
- Disobey School Patrol
- Passing Stopped School Bus
- Improper Turn
- Expired Registration
- HOV Violations (Carpool)
- Cell Phone use While Driving
- Texting While Driving
- No Seatbelt
- No Valid License on Person
- No Insurance
- All Equipment Violations
Get Experienced Legal Help Now
If you’ve been charged with any kind of traffic offense in Washington, contact The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden today. We are ready to fight for you and your driving future.