If you’ve received a traffic ticket in Stanislaus County, you’re not alone — thousands of drivers are cited each year for speeding, red light violations, and other moving violations. While it may seem easier to simply pay the fine and move on, doing so can come with long-term consequences, especially when it comes to points on your driving record.
At Scott Mitchell Law, we often recommend that drivers consider setting their traffic case for trial. Here’s why — and what you can expect from the process.
The Stanislaus County Traffic Court Process
Most traffic tickets in Stanislaus County are handled through the Modesto Traffic Division of the Superior Court. Once you receive a ticket, you generally have a few options:
- Pay the fine (bail amount) — This is essentially a guilty plea and will result in points on your driving record.
- Request traffic school — If eligible, this can mask the point, but you’re limited in how often you can use this option.
- Contest the ticket — You can plead “not guilty” and request a trial.
If you choose to fight your ticket, you can schedule a court trial where the citing officer must appear and present evidence. You also have the option to hire a traffic attorney to appear on your behalf.
Why You Should Consider Setting the Case for Trial
In Stanislaus County, it’s often a smart strategy to set the ticket for trial for the following reasons:
- The officer may not show up. If the officer who issued the citation doesn’t appear in court, the case is typically dismissed.
- You may be offered a reduction. In many cases, prosecutors are willing to negotiate a lower fine or a no-point violation before trial.
- Avoiding points can save you money in the long run. Insurance premiums often rise with just one point added to your record. Keeping a clean driving record is crucial.
Even if you’re not sure you have a strong defense, setting the case for trial gives you options — and those options can lead to better outcomes than just paying the fine.
Points on Your Driving Record Matter
Each moving violation in California usually adds one or more points to your DMV record. Accumulating too many points in a short period can lead to:
- Increased insurance premiums
- License suspension
- Loss of employment opportunities (especially for commercial drivers)
By challenging the ticket or working with a Modesto traffic attorney, you may be able to get the charge dismissed or reduced to a no-point infraction.
Get Legal Help for Your Stanislaus County Traffic Ticket
If you want to keep your driving record clean, don’t face traffic court alone. At Scott Mitchell Law, we’ve helped hundreds of clients with tickets throughout Stanislaus County and the Central Valley.
Contact us today to find out how we can help with your traffic ticket — call or text, or send us a message through our website at ScottMitchellLaw.com.
The Stanislaus County Traffic Court (Traffic Division of the Stanislaus County Superior Court) is located at:
2260 Floyd Avenue, Modesto, CA 95355
- Department 20 – Traffic Court
Phone: (209) 530-3100 (option 1) Stanislaus Superior Court+15Stanislaus Superior Court+15MapQuest+15