My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: WA
My teen son recieved his first moving violation today. He has been driving with a clean record for almost a full year, only shy by 2 weeks. He was cited for negligent driving 2nd degree. From what I can find this usually has a fine starting at 250$, yet his fine is 550$. I not sure why, there is no speed listed on the ticket only a violation code, (10.04.010). I wasn't there but believe the officer thought he was racing as he also pulled over the car in the lane beside him, though slightly behind, a friend of my sons. So my question is, would this be a deferral opportunity? And if so does checking the mitigation hearing box take care of requesting one? Also, would the fact that he is a good student with no prior problems, who volunteers at the jr. high have much impact on a judge? I realize teens drive too fast, and wouldn't have minded the ticket for that, but the charge and the fine are flooring. Thank you for any advice.

