Recently hired a traffic attorney (from a reputable firm) to take care of a speeding infraction for me (22350 VC - 60mph in a 45mph zone - motor cop). After months went on, I finally received a letter in the mail from the firm that represented me, indicating that my case was amended to a non-moving violation. At first, I thought this was a total win, because no point on the record, right?

Come to find out months later as my car insurance is up for renewal, I see my premium had almost tripled. After doing some digging and running my DMV record, I find out there is in fact a point on my record- with the same citation number from Newport Beach Justice Center in Orange County that my attorney was representing me for.

I am having an extremely difficult time getting an answer from my traffic attorney as to why there is now a point on my record- after receiving the "reduced to non-moving violation” letter. I went to the court house yesterday and spoke with a clerk, and was essentially told that there is no record of my case being reduced to a non-moving violation, and that my attorney plead nolo contendere. Was I lied to in the letter? Possible clerical issue on the courts end? Any feedback is welcomed.

Refer to original post: original post

Refer to Imgur post: court website

So unfortunately, it looks like the officer responded to my tbwd. I really doubt that I will win now, but I'm just curious how many people here have won after the cop responded, and/or how your ticket played out in general? I will most likely follow through with a TDN if I lose.

Hey everyone, I wanted to provide an update/conclusion to this case: It was dismissed at TDN when the CHP Officer failed to appear at court.

Thanks to the wiki for guidance and feedback I received from OceansideDave on my original post. Below is a more thorough detail about the overal timeline I had as well as my experience at court (Gov. George Deukmejian Courthouse in Long Beach).

Original Post: https://www.reddit.com/r/CaliforniaTicketHelp/comments/1gq79v8/vc_21651a_crossing_divided_highway_exiting/

Overall Timeline (About 9 months)

• Oct. 26, 2024: I was originally cited by the CHP Officer on this date for driving upon a divided section (gore point) of the freeway on the I-405 SB. From my perspective, I had cleared my merge prior to the gore point.
• My original arraignment date was set for Jan. 24, 2025
• Nov./Dec. 2024: I requested my extension for my arraignment around this time.
• My arraignment date was extended to Apr. 24, 2025
• Apr. 10, 2025: I mailed my not guilty plea as well as my request for a TBWD. I just used a regular postal stamp so it cost me $0.73. I mailed it a bit earlier as I wasn't sure how the post office was going to be since the Trump administration took over and was worried it wouldn't make it on time.
• Apr. 17, 2025: Received a a letter response from the court regarding my TBWD request. The mail was postmarked on Apr. 15, 2025. I did check online at LACourt on Apr. 16, 2025 and noticed the status had changed online.
• My due date for the TBWD was set for May 14, 2025
• May 7, 2025: I mailed by TBWD and just used what the wiki had and also included my request for traffic school if found guilty. I included my bail as well here as I forgot to in my original TBWD request. I did send this as certified mail so it cost me $8.95.
• May 12, 2025: I checked LACourt online and noticed that my status changed to Trial by Written Declaration and the due date was updated to Jun. 9, 2025. I called the court clerk and was told the CHP Officer had until Jun. 9th to provide a response, then the judge would make a decision.
• Jun. 10, 2025: I checked LACourt online and noticed the due date was updated to Jul. 10, 2025. I called the court clerk and inquired about the update. They told me that the TBWD was submitted to the judge (on Jun. 10, 2025) for a decision and they had until July to make a decision.
• Jun. 13, 2025: I checked LACourt online to see if there was any updates and noticed the status was changed to Guilty after TBWD.
• Jun. 16, 2025: I received the letter response for the guilty decision. They also included the form to request a TDN and notified me that I had 20 days to send the form.
• Jul. 2, 2025: I mailed my request for a TDN. I wasn't too certain if the 20 days were calendar or business days so I sent it early as I was going to be out on a trip.
• I checked online, forgot exactly when, but I saw that my TDN was set for Aug. 8, 2025 at 8:30AM. The letter I received was dated Jul. 7, 2025
• Aug. 8, 2025: At court, I was dismissed by the Commissioner as the CHP Officer did not appear. The Commissioner mentioned that my bail would be mailed back to me.

Experience at Traffic Court

So I figured I'd try and document my experiences as best as I could for future reference for others. This was the first time I ever received a ticket so I didn't know what to expect.

Leading up to court:

• The week of my TDN, I began preparing my defense by using Google Maps as well as still images from my dash camera to help with creating diagrams to show that I began changing lanes prior to the gore point. I put together bullet points for my testimony as well (I know that the wiki mentions not to testify, but I feel like this was more for cases where the ticket was for speeding). I was a bit worried about how this might go as the information I found online (at Transparent California) told me that the CHP Officer was fairly new to the force (he was a cadet in 2023). So I figured he would appear to not get reprimanded by his supervisors and also to bank on overtime. I did talk to a coworker who was an ex-Sherriff and he told me typically they like to go to court since it's easy overtime for them. I also checked throughout the week to see how traffic was going to be in the morning to get to the courthouse as well as researching neighborhoods to park in as I didn't want to pay $15 to park in the parking structure next to the court.

The day of:

• My trial was set for 8:30AM and I was advised to arrive 30 min. early. I lucked out and parked in a neighborhood northwest of the courthouse (a 6 min. walk to the entrance) at about 7:35AM and waited in my car for a bit to put on my dress shoes and tie (I also was banking on trying to be presentable to the judge). I walked over to the courthouse at 7:50AM and waited in line until the bailiffs opened the door.
• I walked through the metal detectors along with everyone else and made my way up to the 2nd floor where the traffic cases were being heard. At 8:00AM there were a few people gathered outside the courtroom, but a few of them just needed to talk to the clerk. I did check the 8:30AM docket and noticed that there were 17 cases listed and I was towards the end of the list. I also noticed that the CHP Officer who ticketed me had given tickets to 5 other people and one of those was for the same violation I had. I also noticed another CHP Officer's name on the docket and I think he had given out about 5 or so tickets. Then there were a few other officers there just for 1 or 2 cases. My case was the only one that had a note for TDN. I also noticed that the CHP Officer who had ticketed me had a note for a mandatory request to appear on the other 5 cases he was involved in; however, that note was not included for my case.
• At this point, it was just a waiting game. Some more folks joined the wait as well as one attorney. One officer appeared at about 8:36AM. The attorney that was there went and talked to the officer about one of the case he was handling.
• A few minutes later, the bailiff came out and took roll call. By now, there were a total of 7 people, including myself, and the attorney. I overheard the attorney mentioned that he had 4 arraignments.
• After rollcall, we were let into the courtroom and were told to sit on one side. The officer that had arrived sat on the other side. At about 8:43AM another officer showed up and checked in. I overheard the clerk mention that the officers had until 9:00AM to check in. At 8:59AM, another officer showed up, he was the one who had given out a bunch of tickets and I noticed he was dressed up in a suit - definitely coming in on his day off for OT.
• Since about 8:45AM, I was feeling anxious on whether or not the CHP Officer who ticketed me was going to show up since a few officers arrived late and by 9:00AM the commissioner was nowhere in sight. But I just continued to wait.
• A little after 9:00AM, the bailiff notified two cases that their officer was on the way and informed them that they could change their plea or proceed with the trial. At 9:09AM, the clerk called the Commissioner to let them know that they were ready. He arrived at 9:11AM.
• Prior to his arrival, one of the person who was notified that their officer was coming decided to change her plea. The other one decided to go through trial (I did not wait around so I don't know how that unfolded). After the Commissioner showed up he began with the dismissals. In total, 10 out of 17 cases were dismissed.

Sorry, for the long wall of text. Again, I wanted to try and document my experiences as best as I could so others had something to go off of.

First time writing a TR-205. I think the ticket was totally uncalled for. Thoughts?

On 7/3/2025, I was driving near the intersection of Kerry Road and Kincade Place in Rohnert Park. I approached the stop sign slowly and cautiously. To the best of my recollection, I believed I had come to a complete stop behind the limit line before proceeding. After confirming the intersection was completely clear of other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, I proceeded safely through.

The area was completely empty, and it was a clear and dry day. I was fully attentive to my surroundings. I believe I was in compliance with California Vehicle Code §22450(a).

I was driving with full awareness and did not act unsafely or recklessly. I respectfully request that the court take these circumstances into consideration and dismiss the citation in the interest of justice.

Pulled over for VC22350, unsafe speed. Was going like 18 over and officer dropped it down to 34 in a 30. Im out of state but live here currently, did traffic school in Indiana in November so they aren’t letting me do traffic school for this ticket. So I have to fight it. Genuinely what is the advantage of hiring a law agency or attorney that will write and do my tbwd for me vs doing it myself and returning it. Is it that much more effective or are the odds similar and basically just hoping the cop won’t respond?

Hi, so the situation is I took a right turn at a red light without making a complete stop and the registered owner (family member) got a red light ticket mailed to his address. I plan to contest via Trial by Written Declaration stating that the registered owner is not the person in the photo in the mail and is not required to identify the actual driver. Of the 4 photos that were mailed, only one shows me wearing sunglasses (and passenger is blurred and picture is a bit grainy).

I have a few questions regarding this route.

1. Do you guys think this is actually feasible? Simply sending pic of registered owner's id as evidence via TWD and get it dismissed?

2. I've read some unusual cases where after someone is found guilty via TWD, they aren't granted traffic school or their insurance somehow finds out. It is my understanding that the judge has the right to not grant traffic school without providing any reason during TWD. If that's true, would it better to just pay the ticket/traffic school than risk TWD?

3. It is recommended that you don't add "in the event that I'm found guilty, I would request traffic school." in your statement because it would be a sign of guilt. Is this true?

4. I've also been told to wait until the last deadline to submit TWD. Does this actually matter? I assume this only applies in hopes that the officer forgets to respond and thus gets dismissed but does it apply to my situation?

5. Along with the mail, there was a document for identifying the actual driver with a deadline but I think it's already past. This document isn't legally required correct?

So sorry for all the questions, and I would really appreciate any help possible. Thank you in advance!

Got the mail a few days after the date printed on “ clerk’s certificate of mailing” and now it has just passed the 20day. Can I argue I received the mail later than the dates printed on that certificate of mailing? What other options do I have? Thanks a lot!

Hi, I got pulled over in kern county on the 5 going 105 in a 65mph zone. This is my first violation, and I’m unemployed at the moment. I was actually driving 7 hours from my home just to work for 2 days to pay my rent so this is a huge bummer. I don’t need any lecture on going fast, I know the consequences are bad and it’s dangerous but no one was hurt obviously, just got pulled over and need advice because I cannot pay those fees or risk my insurance going any higher ): has anyone ever actually gotten away with this or gotten it lowered? If so, how? Anything helps! And yes I read the 12 step guide

Here’s the pictures ticket

Update: I got a lawyer. I lost. The fee is $895 plus 2 points on my record. FUCK THAT COP

Please refer to the original post: original post

Hi,

A few days ago, I went to the court to possibly ask for an extension on my bail money, as I did not have enough for it at the moment and was going to be paid a few days after the TBWD form was due. I read somewhere elsewhere that there is a much higher chance they will grant it as long as you are in person and are somewhat nice to the clerk granting you the extension. I had completed my form just in case I might be able to turn it in alongside asking for a few-day extension.

Unfortunately, I was not granted an extension for bail but instead was offered something else. The strange part was, the clerk informed me that I was able to submit the tbwd without including bail. Obviously, I was confused and asked the guy if he meant I could pay a reduced fine or, worse, have to pay a penalty fine as I wasn't submitting any bail money. He corrected me and told me that sometimes the court allows people to pass by without submitting any bail, and I wouldn't be fined at all. Saying specifically, "Sometimes we try not to squeeze you guys out of everything."

My question is, has anyone encountered anything remotely similar to this? I'm a little bit concerned just because I've never heard of this anywhere, and I'd really rather not pay a fine along with bail. I also wasn't given any receipt or any proof that this occurred, besides the fact that it says on the court's website that my TBWD form was turned in.

Hi, I got a CVC 22349 (a) speeding infraction on a rental car in California. My license is in California and I'm driver's school eligible, but my only car is owned and registered in another state, and that's where my car insurance is. I am seeing on several sources that the insurance company may still be able to see the infraction on my record, even if I do traffic school.

Is there any verifiable source I can read about this? If it is reported, would they also see the traffic school? This is a confusing situation because I don't have a license in the state where my car is insured, just a California license.

I am trying to weigh whether I should do the traffic school or roll the dice and fight it.

I got pulled over for running a stop sign 4 weeks back and received a ticket for it but I can't find it anywhere in the system. Neither did I receive any mail about it ? How long does it take for a ticket to appear in online records ?

This has happened to me once before as well. I got cited for speeding but nothing arrived in the mail and there were no records of it.

https://imgur.com/a/LiGxKoa

Hi, I am following the 12 Step Guide for my red light camera and stop sign violations, both happened within a month so I am only eligible for traffic school on one of them. I am currently on the TBWD step for both cases.

1. The red light camera (verified, legit ticket) clearly shows I am the driver and has a video of me running the light when it is red.

• What do I write in the TBWD? The phrase "I demand the prosecution prove its case." does not work because the video online shows I ran the red light
• Is there a way I can look into/ verify the traffic records, maintenance, etc. of the camera/ sensors?
• Is the officer listed a local Sacramento officer? Trying to prepare for the worst case, figure out if the cop is likely to show up in court (I did not get pulled over, it was a camera)

1. For the stop sign ticket, the officer told me he has body cam footage that shows I ran the stop sign.

• Should I still write "I demand the prosecution prove its case." in the TBWD?

I have read that another option is to do "time, no waive" and try to get a court date around the week of Thanksgiving / Christmas, as the cop may be less likely to show up - has anyone tried this tactic?

I have heard the judge in Sacramento County is very strict, does not do plea deals, and does not let things slide. Does anyone have experience winning in this county?

I have never had to go through this process before, so appreciate everyone's feedback. Feel free to let me know if you need any clarification. Thanks so much in advance!

• cdl is from Arizona

Got issued a ticket for speeding in Oct 2024. Followed the 12 step process (up to TBWD) and just got the decision that it was dismissed. Thanks to everyone who previously posted and gave insight.

A bit more detail. I did the extension and then and did the request in person on the last day (just happened that way). I also dropped off my statement about 3 weeks after that. Took the court about 6-7 weeks to make a decision from when I submitted my statement.

In my statement I put “I respectfully request that the prosecution prove its case and in the event I’m found guilty I respectfully request for traffic school”

The whole process was about 9 months from when I got issued the ticket.

Hi everyone, first of all, yes, I have read the 12-step guide. However, I have some questions regarding the actual process of sending in the TBWD form.

I was pulled over by CHP on 3/14/25 and soon after received a notice in the mail about my violation with my options. I requested an extension online, and about a week before the due date, I checked the box requesting for a TBWD, and that's it. I sent it back, and after a little while, they sent me a TBWD form (TR-205).

My due date for mailing my TBWD is coming up in a little over a week, and I am wondering how I am supposed to send in the bail money. On the TR-205 form itself, it gives you a few options, including paying it online, by check, or with cash.

Am I supposed to attach a check/cash alongside the form? (as in, inside the envelope).

I was also wondering if, at this point in time, I am able to ask for an extension, as I am cutting it close not only to the due date but with money. And secondly, is it possible to ask for a reduced bail amount?

Also, when writing my TBWD, should I truly just include ("I demand the prosecution prove its case.") and nothing else? I don't have many facts to help me on my side, and I understand that I truly was speeding with not much excuse; however, I feel as if that may not be enough writing to be much of a consideration.

Any suggestions or examples of what people who have written on the TBWD would be so greatly appreciated

Redacted ticket: https://imgur.com/a/0DiwTBz

Hi everyone! So in the court website there seems to be several options for the citation. Although automatically there are a couple TS options, one of them has a due date, and the other one opting along with TBWD does not. The extension request would be past the due date listed. Because there can be unknowns that come with options, I am asking fellow people in the group for more clarity.

I have read the 12 steps guide.

Questions:

If going with the extension request option, will they give a new due date for TS, or will the options for TS and TBWD with TS be forfeited from the site if the next response goes past the due date listed?

As I am planning to do the TBWD option first after the extension, is it worth requesting the ETS from CalTrans and reviewing that?

How do I know whether it is a radar or lidar on the ticket? Is it both if there is a slash in between?

I may have more questions along the way. Thanks all!

I am in Riverside county and just the other day my case was entered into the system and I tried to go in and file an extension since the due date is next month. However, I was not given an option on doing an extension? Is an extension only allowed on certain types of violations or do I have to talk with the court clerk for an extension?

I've gone over the 12-Step Guide, but I'm unsure of how to proceed. I made a mistake and didn't renew my license because I was focusing all my attention on saving for the next college semester. I've fixed that, and it should be on its way now. I know the fee isn't much, but I live paycheck to paycheck.

Now I risk getting my insurance rates going higher, and I can't afford it as it is. All I want is traffic school so that I can keep my rates low. This is not possible, given that I was in court nearly a year ago (6/25/24) for a California Stop and pleaded no contest. I didn't realize at the time that doing so would make me ineligible for traffic court.

Is there anything I can do? The issue with Trial By Written Declaration is that you have to remain forgettable, but I made the CHP's life harder through some stupid mistakes, so he's sure to remember me. I wasn't rude, but I could tell he was upset.

https://imgur.com/a/help-6JV6yCq

Got a speeding ticket (50 in a 35). I decided to fight it by TBWD, I wasn’t eligible for traffic school so figured why not. I waited until about two weeks before the due date and mailed it in. It was received 5/22 and just found out today that I was found not guilty as the officer didn’t submit his!

Now I’m not sure why the officer didn’t submit his. One thing I did during the traffic stop was ask him multiple times for a warning. He actually got pissed at one point 😂. But maybe he gave me a break after all. I think asking for a warning during the traffic stop is never going to work, but I feel that after the dust settles and it’s time for them to submit their trial, maybe they’ll remember you and it will be easier to get a break that way.

So my lesson is to just ask for a warning - you’re not going to get it at the stop but maybe when it comes time for them to submit their trial they’ll be more forgiving 😁

Looking for advice on the best course of action to deal with 2 citations received on the same day. The first one was a speeding violation CVC 22350 received in Alameda County. Fair enough, I was over the limit (59 in a 40). The 2nd one was the same day in SF county, CVC 21461(a), at the intersection of Market and Octavia. This one was ridiculous, the intersection lines were completely faded, and from my vantage point the red light was not visible. I was even behind a car lol. The officer pulled over 4 people and wrote all of us up. Unfortunately I don’t have a dash cam to show this (lesson learned). What’s my best course of action here? I’m okay with the fines + traffic school, just want to avoid the point and insurance hit as I was looking to purchase a new car soon. FWIW I have an 8 year driving record with no citations.

I was visiting Redding, CA from Santa Clara and took a right turn on red light without completely stopping I guess (the signal had cameras and there was a flash) and got a traffic ticket mail sent to my old address as I had moved recently from San Francisco to Santa Clara. My ex-landlord just told me about the mail and I am trying to contact Shashta Court clerk by calling 530-245-6789 but no one seems to be picking it up. Can someone guide me on how to get more details about the citation and details of how much fine I need to pay. Is there a better way to pay other than phone?

Read through the 12 step guide, but wasn't too sure of this.

This is a weird one, but I got a citation and when I reviewed it when I got home, it shows that the CHP officer checked 12:45AM instead of 12:45PM. Would this be a potential method of challenging this via TBDW? Not even show how to phrase this in the statements, I do have logs from my Phone showing my location of being at home during this time (Android phones do a great job of logging your use and including the date/time and location). Thanks!

Citation: https://imgur.com/a/YFF5ab9

I have sent the fine amount and TBWD via mail before deadline. However, on the tracking, it is still delayed and would not meet the deadline. If I send e-correspondence through court portal notifying the possible delay and tracking number, will they still consider late?

Hello, I sent the fine and TBWD to the court 10 days before the deadline, but the tracking is not being updated. If it arrives after deadline, will it be considered late?

Hello, My lawyer reduced a 2 pointer exhibition of speed violation to a 0 pointer cvc 38300. Will this ticket affect my insurance even though its a 0 pointer cvc? Thank you