Jon Michael Zimmerman's Answers

Seeking deferred findings for speeding tickets in WA state, procedure for deferred finding under WA state procedure

The procedure can vary greatly from court to court, and even among different judges in the same court. The Legislature allows judges to give certain drivers one deferred finding on a moving violation (like a speeding infraction) and one deferred finding on a nonmoving violation (for example, an expired tabs infraction) in a period of 7 years. However, there is no requirement under Washington law that judges grant deferred findings; rather, judges have discretion. Some judges don't grant...

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How to fight "traffic camera" ticket

In Washington there is no leeway when it comes to turning left on a red, unless you are coming from a one-way street and turning onto a one-way street, although in that scenario you must come to a complete stop and only turn if it is safe to do so. If you turned in the intersection while the light was red, you are technically violating the law, though in practice people do this all the time. Unfortunately, traffic is not a defense. Instead, the law requires that you stay out of the...

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Forced by court to mitigate a traffic infraction that I did not commit and no lowering of fine. Is there anything I can do?

Unfortunately, there is one judicial officer in Lewis County who often does not seem to be helpful, and you might consider asking for review of this action by the presiding district court judge in Lewis County or a full-blown appeal to the Lewis County Superior Court if the commissioner ruled on your case. An appeal will cost you more than $200 but there are several reasons why you should be allowed to have a hearing on the merits in district court. One thing you can do to deal with the...

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What selection should I choose on traffic ticket? Should I mitigate or contest?

Contest the infraction so that you give yourself a chance to keep the ticket off your record and from hurting your deferred.

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Is it legal to ski/snowboard on streets? Does the speed limit apply?

You can ski and snowboard, but you can't impede traffic (if there is any) or violate other traffic laws (e.g., you must stop at stop intersections, you can't violate right of way laws, etc.). Also, police regularly cite pedestrians and bicyclists for infractions, so there is no reason to believe that a person on skis or a snowboard would be treated differently. Have fun but be vigilant!

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I received a ticket for driving with expired license tabs.

It's not incorrect for the officer to check 'traffic' because technically, a tabs violation is part of Washington's motor vehicle code; however, this kind of infraction is a nonmoving violation, meaning that it should not by itself affect your insurance. However, this type of ticket COULD (but won't necessarily) affect a deferred finding but this depends on the type of deferred finding you have and the court in which you took your deferred finding.

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I don't know if I have had a deferred traffic ticket in the last 7 years or not

Ask a court clerk to pull a copy of your DCH - and be prepared to show ID, as info on a DCH is not available to the public but it is available to the named defendants, attorneys, and judges. Note that if your deferred finding was in Seattle Municipal Court, it would likely not show up on a DCH. For complete SMC case history, contact that court directly.

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If the owner of the car wasnt driving and recieved a ticket from a photo enforced light, are they still accountable?

Great question. The most important thing to remember with photo enforcement tickets is that you will be held responsible if you ignore the ticket. Don't ignore it. That said, state law has an out for vehicle owners who were not the drivers. The registered owner - who is the presumptive driver and the person who gets cited under state law - can fill out a piece of paper called a Declaration of Non-Responsibility. Although the forms that courts provide often ask the driver to...

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School Zone speeding ticket, but no children were present.

If you wish to contest the ticket, as in you think you did not commit the infraction, you should check the contested hearing box. The mitigation box is for those people who know the committed the infraction, but wish to explain the circumstances to the judge and ask for a lower fine (and lower fines are not available in school zone infraction cases). If you want to keep the ticket from affecting your insurance premiums, you need to first begin by checking the contested box.

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Under WA state child custody laws at what age can a minor legally decide where and who they want to live

In Washington, a minor 16 years of age or older can petition the court for emancipation, but it's a pretty high standard for the court to grant emancipation. Also, emancipation is often about independence of the minor, not about a minor being adopted or cared for by a nonparent.

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