About John Devendorf, Esq.
John Devendorf is a graduate of UCLA and holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law, where he was a Distinguished Scholar, recipient of the ALI-ABA Scholarship and Leadership Award, and a participant in the Immigrant Workers’ Rights Clinic and special delegation to Haiti.
A licensed attorney for more than a decade, John transitioned to a career as a legal content writer and editor after an externship with the IRS, a judicial clerkship, and practicing at a civil litigation firm in Princeton, New Jersey. John now lives in Portland, Oregon, where he enjoys writing, international travel, and escape rooms.
Articles written by John Devendorf, Esq.
Should I Plead Guilty to a Traffic Ticket?
You can plead guilty to a traffic ticket for a minor ticket without too many license points on your prior record. Weigh the time savings of a fine payment and an insurance increase with an admission of liability against a court appearance to get a plea bargain to reduce the charge to a non-moving violation. A not guilty plea or no contest requires a court appearance, but you can get deferred disposition or traffic school to avoid an insurance increase. In the case of an accident or for CDL …
How Much Does It Cost To Fight a Traffic Ticket?
Fighting a traffic ticket costs the driver a filing fee, bail deposit, attorney fees, time off work, and lost wages. Consider the hourly rate or flat fee of a lawyer to fight the ticket with dismissal savings in comparison to the fine amount, court costs, points costs, and insurance increase. Some drivers can get a plea bargain for a reduced charge by paying a surcharge for attending traffic school. For out-of-state tickets, the travel costs of fighting the ticket in person may be too high to …
How Long Does a Traffic Ticket Stay on Your Record?
The time a traffic ticket stays on your driving record can depend on state DMV laws and differ between non-moving and moving violation points and convictions. The point expiration period for most state DMVs is between three years and five years, but record retention for more serious violations can appear on your permanent record. For example, DUI retention remains on a commercial driver's CDL record permanently. Insurance companies have a separate insurance lookback period where drivers have …
Can You Contest a Traffic Ticket Without Going to Court?
In most jurisdictions, you can contest a traffic ticket without going to court with a mail-in plea or online contest of the citation through the court website. You can submit written evidence and enter a not guilty plea for a trial by declaration by the filing deadline, and appear for a second chance with a trial de novo if you lose your written declaration. Evidence can include diagram submissions, photographs, and dashcam footage to dispute the officer statements. Drivers can also get a …
What Happens if You Ignore a Traffic Ticket?
If you ignore a traffic ticket, the DMV may add late fees to the ticket, put a registration hold on your driving record, and lead to an arrest risk for contempt of court charges. A traffic court judge issues a default judgment for failure to appear, which can lead to a bench warrant and license suspension. Unpaid traffic tickets can come with added surcharges with a credit impact unless you get a payment plan. You may need to file a motion to vacate the default and pay a reinstatement fee to …
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Contesting a Traffic Ticket
Common mistakes to avoid when contesting a traffic ticket include missing the deadline, weak preparation, arguing emotionally, and insulting the officer. Paying the fine is an admission of guilt, and drivers can get a default judgment for a missed appearance or going to the wrong court, and showing up with no evidence will generally lead to an automatic conviction. Do not ignore discovery, which allows you to bring witnesses, request calibration records, and ask for a copy of officer notes. …
Grandparents’ Rights During a Divorce
Grandparents have no legal standing for visitation rights in a divorce or legal custody battle. Grandparents do not have parental rights and can be denied access, even if it is an unreasonable denial. It is up to the custodial parents to allow regular contact or schedule visits with grandparents. Grandparents can file a court petition with the family court for grandparent visitation if they have an emotional bond and a meaningful relationship with their grandchildren. However, a court order …
How To Get a Quick Divorce
In many ways, getting married is faster than getting divorced. In some states, you can show up to the courthouse and get married with a quick ceremony and pay the filing fees. However, a legal divorce takes longer. If you and your spouse can agree on the terms of the divorce, you can get a simplified legal separation that takes between a few weeks and a few months. However, requirements for a divorce depend on your local court. To find out how to get a quick divorce in your state, talk to a …
What To Do If Your Spouse Hides Assets During Divorce
Married couples should have trust in their partner, including trust involving financial matters. Most married couples combine their marital assets during their marriage. When one spouse handles most of the finances, they may try to hide assets in a divorce case. Hidden assets will mean you don't get a fair division of property in a divorce. Your spouse can face criminal charges for financial fraud during a divorce. If you suspect your spouse is hiding money, investments, or real estate, talk to …
How To Handle Social Media During a Divorce
During a complex divorce process, you may want to relieve stress online by sharing your story or looking for advice. Social media activity can help you stay connected with friends and family members. However, your ex-spouse can use your posting to hurt your divorce case. Limit your social media activity during a divorce to protect your reputation. If you have concerns about social media posts, talk to a divorce attorney for legal advice. Legal Implications of Social Media During Divorce Many …
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