Here’s the catch: You are pulled over by a highway patrol officer and receive a dreaded traffic ticket. As you drive away, you hear a radio commercial from
The Ticket Clinic, California (“TTCC”), touting how successful their attorneys are at getting traffic cases dismissed, with no points added to your driving record, and no fines or a reduction in your fine. You call them and pay anywhere from $200 to $400
, believing your ticket worries are over. Think again. You’re left feeling that the money you spent for expert representation perhaps wasn’t such a good idea after all when you receive an email or letter stating that you have been found guilty and need to
pay fines and court fees.
If this scenario sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone. Business Consumer Alliance has processed over
30 complaints against TTCC and the company has an F rating. This company, that claims to have resolved over 1 million cases, sometimes doesn’t even bother to respond to issues raised by customers that have paid for services. And even taking into consideration
that some individuals may be guilty, one would still expect to receive better service from a company that boasts that their
experienced lawyers insure their customers get the highest caliber of service and skill, to take the time to address their customers’ issues.
Many who paid TTCC’s fees were informed the company could beat the ticket or find some other type of remedy to their violation, and that their attorneys know the judges and how the courts work, only to meet disappointment when the company doesn’t achieve
the results they claim they can. Others maintain that attorneys neglect to research cases, are ill-prepared, provide a poor defense, and even fail to show up to court appearances. Most complainants have requested refunds.
Kim’s advice: If you find yourself faced with a ticket, before you contact an attorney or hire a company to help you fight the violation, consider the following:
- Don’t rush to get an attorney. Take the time to evaluate the situation and see if you truly need legal representation. Research your rights and options first. You may be eligible for traffic school, or you may find information that will
aid you in representing yourself before the courts, if necessary. Also, check into payment options that may be available.
- Know what you are facing. Understanding the charges against you will better aid you in determining what type of defense you may need.
- Choose an experienced attorney. If you feel you need legal representation, check out the attorney before you retain counsel. Choose an attorney that has plenty of experience in traffic court.
- Avoid paying big fees in advance. Before hiring an attorney to represent you, hire them to thoroughly evaluate your case first and provide you with options that will help you in your case. After they have provided an evaluation, you can
determine if you would like the attorney to represent you or if you can use the information to represent yourself. If possible, try to hire a local attorney who is familiar with the courts’ judges and prosecutors.
- Obtain a reliability report. If you choose to use the services of a company like The Ticket Clinic,
check out the company’s history and reliability. Investigate any complaints and reviews others have reported about the company. Evaluate the responses the company provides, if any, and interview them
prior to paying any fees to see if they are qualified to take your case.
- Speak up. If you experience a problem or the services are not provided as represented, let others know by
filing a complaint, or writing a review about the company or attorney.
There are countless reasons why you may choose to use the services of a traffic attorney or firm that specializes in this field. Perhaps your case is complicated and needs expert representation, you are charged with a serious offense,
or you may not have the time to personally appear in court. The services provided by traffic attorneys can be invaluable; however, it pays to first take the time to do your own research and not rely on the opinions or testimonials of others alone. Also, when
operating a motor vehicle, do not underestimate the power of clear thinking and attentiveness. Doing so could help you avoid those flashing blue lights or even a far worse scenario.
About the Author:
Kim Burge is Business Consumer Alliance’s Vice President of Business Practice. For media inquiries, Kim can be reached by phone at (909) 835-6094.
About Business Consumer Alliance:
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit which started in 1936. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses
and using that complaint information along with other relevant information like customer reviews to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses
whose purpose is to defraud the marketplace. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.