Traffic Ticket Mistakes and Myths in Everett and Snohomish County

Last Updated: August 22nd, 2024

Ticket Mistakes and Myths

Traffic tickets are more than just an inconvenience; they can lead to significant fines, increased insurance rates, and even license suspensions. At Merrill Law, we aim to clear up common myths and mistakes surrounding traffic tickets to help our clients in Everett and Snohomish County navigate these challenges effectively.

Common Traffic Ticket Myths

Myth 1: Errors on Your Ticket Lead to Automatic Dismissal

Reality: Minor mistakes, such as the wrong car color or plate number, do not typically result in dismissal. Courts focus on the nature of the violation rather than clerical errors.

Myth: 2 You Can’t Fight a Traffic Ticket

Reality: Many people assume fighting a ticket is futile. However, with an experienced attorney, you can challenge the evidence and potentially reduce or dismiss the charges.

Myth 3: Going with the Flow of Traffic is a Valid Defense

Reality: Speeding is speeding, regardless of whether others are doing it. The posted speed limit is the law.

Myth 4: Officers Must Show You the Radar Gun Reading

Reality: In Washington State, officers are not required to show you the radar or lidar reading at the time of the stop.

Common Traffic Ticket Mistakes

1 – Ignoring the Ticket

Failing to respond can lead to additional penalties, including fines and license suspension.

2 – Paying the Fine Without Question

Paying the fine is an admission of guilt, which can have long-term consequences on your driving record and insurance rates.

3 – Not Hiring an Attorney

Navigating the legal system alone can be challenging. An attorney with local expertise can help you understand your options and build a strong defense.

Local Traffic Laws and Regulations

Understanding local traffic laws in Everett and Snohomish County can be crucial in handling your ticket:

Speed Limits in School and Construction Zones

Speed limits vary, and fines are higher in school and construction zones. Knowing these local specifics can help in contesting tickets.

Red Light Cameras

Snohomish County has several intersections monitored by red light cameras. Being aware of these locations can help you avoid fines.

Local Enforcement Practices

Local police may have different priorities and practices, affecting how tickets are issued and contested.

There are many ways an experienced traffic attorney can fight your ticket for you.

      
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   Shannon Jackson 
 September 6, 2026
 
 
  He’s like Santa for speeding tickets. Anytime someone says they got a ticket, I always tell them “I got a guy”
  
 
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   Nathan Turner 
 September 6, 2026
 
 
  My son got his first speeding ticket. We called these guys and sent them a photo of the ticket. They took care of everything and got the ticket dismissed. Lucky kid. Hope he learned his lesson...
  
 
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   Kymberly Hoyle 
 September 3, 2026
 
 
  I have gone through Merrill Law 3 times now for speeding violations and expired tabs and they are efficient and super easy to work with every time. Reece is fantastic and communicative. I highly recommend them as they have saved me a lot of money in the end.
  
 
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   Jamie Lee Fada 
 September 3, 2026
 
 
  I have used Merrill Law several times from speeding tickets to HOV violations. Everyone has been dismissed. I can't reccomend them enough.
  
 
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   Laura Taylor 
 August 18, 2026
 
 
  Going to Merrill Law was one of the best decisions I could have made. From start to finish, their team was kind, professional, helpful, and excellent at communicating throughout the process. I truly appreciated their support and would highly recommend Merrill Law to anyone in need of their services.
  
 
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   Xavier Hecker 
 August 17, 2026
 
 
  Second speeding ticket in a row dropped, and I never had to step foot in a court room.
  
 
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   Matthew Matyuk 
 August 15, 2026
 
 
  Great experience, big thanks, ticket dismissal went smoothly.
  
 
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   Jordan Cabral 
 August 14, 2026
 
 
  Huge thank you to Reece Merrill for helping me resolve an issue with the Department of licensing. He was so quick to help me fix what seemed to be an overlook on the DOL’s part. I highly recommend him to anyone who needs legal help big or small.
  
 
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   Alex Nelsen 
 July 28, 2025
 
 
  Reliable, Professional, and Effective Big thanks to Merrill Law for getting my ticket dismissed. I’ve used them before after a friend recommended them, and they’ve made the whole process easy and stress-free every time. It’s a huge relief knowing they’re in your corner, fighting for you. Highly recommend to anyone needing a solid attorney
  
 
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 June 14, 2025
 
 
  Fantastic as always 
  
 
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   Marc Calague 
 November 5, 2024
 
 
  Merrill Law is fantastic Got my infraction dismissed and all I did was call them. Saved my record, my time, and my money.
  
 
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   John Miranda 
 October 24, 2023
 
 
  Great Result.  Dismissed speeding Ticket!! I got a speeding ticket that I presented to Mr Merril.  Very easy to process. Excellent communication.    He called me during the process to l ask my opinion.   He felt there may be a chance that my ticket would not be dismissed and wanted to know if I would be willing to pay a fine, to keep the ticket off of my record.  I agreed and was thankful to be included in the process.  Mr. Merrill went to court, fought for me and WON!  my ticket was dismissed!! Great result.
  
 
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   Brian 
 August 17, 2023
 
 
  The Best Legal Team I will begin by saying the professional and courteous manner in which they (the whole practice) treat people is second to none. Not only have they kept my driving record impeccable, the cost is fair and they can be counted on 100%. I cant say enough how grateful i am to have been recommended to these guys, here i am doing exactly the same i recommend them beyond plain recommendations haha Thank you to all the people in your firm Rick!!
  
 
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   Cecilia Jones 
 June 21, 2023
 
 
  Grateful is an understatement! Quick and concise work on the part of the firm, ensuring clear direction of what documentation needed to be submitted in order to dispute. I was given reassurance that once everything was handled id receive an email of the overall outcome of my case. Im happy to say it was a successful favorable outcome and I can continue working without any additional financial hardship thanks to this firm!
  
 
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   Arteom Lupekha 
 April 14, 2023
 
 
  Excellent Experience Reece and his team worked quite quickly and we’re very responsive. They under promise and over deliver. Excellent experience from 3 traffic violations over a few years. Highly recommend!