Get to know Off The Record

What Off The Record is Off The Record (OTR) is a marketplace that connects you with the best-suited local attorney for your case—whether that's a traffic ticket, DUI, suspended license, drug possession, or other criminal matter (including misdemeanors and felonies). We are not a law firm. Your attorney is an independent, licensed lawyer who represents you . But your case is managed on OTR from start to finish. With Off The Record, you use one secure place to share documents, chat with your lawyer, and follow your case. Your attorney handles everything, including court appearances on your behalf. Why people use Off The Record Fast matching You don't have to call around or search for lawyers. We help you find an attorney quickly, and your attorney reviews and starts working on your case right away. SmartMatch You get matched to the most suitable attorney for your case—not a random one. We know which attorneys are successful in each court and for each type of violation. This is how we achieve a 97% success rate nationwide. Clear pricing You get an instant quote up front, as soon as you provide a few details about your case. It takes less than a minute. Simple experience Communicate with your attorney and get real time updates right in the app. Track your case from start to finish. Money-back guarantee We pioneered our now-famous money-back guarantee for traffic ticket cases. If your case isn't successful, you get a full refund of your legal fee. Our story Off The Record launched in October 2015 , and we welcomed our first customers the same day. We were founded by Alex Guirguis and Mark Mikhail , two former Amazon engineers who were early members of the Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) team. The idea started after a group of friends all got tickets driving back from a camping trip in Crater Lake, Oregon. Finding the right lawyer was confusing and frustrating— so they built something better . What we've done Each year, we help hundreds of thousands of drivers across all 50 states fight traffic tickets, DUIs, and other misdemeanors. We work with the largest national network of traffic and criminal defense attorneys— over 1,000 vetted lawyers who accept cases every day. We've also helped make legal help more affordable . When OTR launched in NYC, the fee to fight a traffic ticket was often $500 or more. Now, most NYC cases on our platform cost between $99 and $120. Even with our high success rate, we're usually the most competitive option in the markets where we operate. How it works (at a glance) Tell us about your case. Share a few details and your court location. Get matched. We connect you with an experienced, local attorney who handles cases like yours. Work with your lawyer. Chat in the app, upload documents, and get updates. Stay informed. Your attorney handles the legal work and lets you know what to expect. Trust and privacy Your case information and documents are shared only with your attorney and our support team as needed. We keep your data private and handle it with care. (See Privacy and data protection for details.) Ready to start? Create your account, get an instant quote, and let us handle your case.

How Off The Record is different from a law firm

The short answer People ask us this all the time, so let’s make it simple: Off The Record (OTR) is not a law firm. We're a tech company that operates a marketplace for consumer legal services —meaning we help you find, hire, and work with an independent attorney , all in one place. Think of it like this: OTR is “Uber for lawyers”. Uber doesn’t hire full-time drivers. It connects riders with independent drivers through a platform. OTR works the same way—we connect people who need legal help with independent, licensed attorneys who choose to take cases through our platform. But here's what really matters: Uber doesn't connect you with just any driver. It connects you with the driver most likely to get you to your destination quickly and safely. We do the same thing—we connect you with the attorney most likely to win your case, at a competitive price. Our nationwide network includes over 1,000 vetted partner attorneys who accept cases every day—and new attorneys join our network each week after passing our vetting process. Who represents you (and who doesn't) This part matters: Your attorney represents you They're the licensed professional responsible for legal strategy, filings, negotiations, and court work. OTR does not represent you and does not provide legal advice We're the platform that helps you get matched, get booked, and stay organized—plus we support you throughout the process. OTR vs. a traditional law firm Finding and hiring a law firm on your own can be time consuming and hit-or-miss—especially when you're stressed and on a deadline. Why this setup is better for most people You get the “right lawyer” for your case (not just “a lawyer”) OTR has collected 10+ years of data across courts, violations, and outcomes. Our matching system uses that data to help choose the most suitable attorney for your specific situation. That's how we maintain a 97% nationwide success rate. And here’s a truth people don’t love hearing (but it’s real): A lawyer who crushed your last ticket isn’t automatically the best fit for your next one. Different violations and different courts can change everything. OTR matches each case independently so you’re not guessing. You’re not stuck if one lawyer can’t take the case With a typical law firm, if they can’t take your case—or they drop the ball—you’re the one scrambling. With OTR: If a lawyer isn’t available, we can route your case to the next best option If communication breaks down, we can jump in and help get things moving If needed, we can rematch you to a different attorney You get a platform + support team, not just a phone number A law firm is usually built around that one attorney (or a tiny team). OTR is built like a tech company because… we are one. That means: You can track your case from start to finish Your documents don’t disappear into email threads Our Customer Service team is here to help you use the platform, answer questions, and keep the experience smooth. Benefits that law firms typically can’t offer Some perks only work because OTR is a marketplace: Money-Back Guarantee (traffic tickets) This applies to eligible cases booked on the OTR platform . Independent firms typically can’t offer this guarantee on their own. Fastlane membership With Fastlane, you can fight eligible traffic tickets nationwide without paying per ticket. A traditional law firm can’t realistically offer that kind of coverage. What OTR handles for you While your attorney handles the legal work, OTR provides the technology and support that makes the process smoother: Case management: Our platform helps you book your case quickly, and track it from start to finish. You can message your attorney, upload documents, and get real time updates—all in one place, for all your cases. Customer support: Our team is here throughout the process. We answer questions, guide you along the way, and share updates when we have them. We also monitor cases to make sure everything meets our quality standards. Quality assurance: The attorneys in our network are our partners, and they share our high standards. We hold every attorney accountable—if someone isn't meeting expectations, we take action, whether that's additional oversight or removing them from the platform. The OTR money-back guarantee When you book an eligible traffic ticket case through Off The Record, you're protected by our money-back guarantee. If we don't achieve a successful outcome, you get a full refund of your legal fee. This guarantee only applies to cases booked through our platform. Law firms typically don't offer this protection when you hire them directly. Why we're able to offer this: We have a 97% success rate on traffic ticket cases. That's not a coincidence—it's because we're a platform with a large network, and we match every case to the best-suited attorney. An individual attorney or small firm, on their own, typically can't achieve that kind of consistency. Why this matters for you: When you approach a traditional law firm, they may take your case even if the odds aren't great—because they get paid either way. With OTR, our incentives are aligned with yours. You want a favorable outcome, and so do we. If we don't win, you get your money back. Even better with Fastlane If you're a Fastlane member, you can fight all your traffic tickets for free—anywhere in the country, as many as you need, for as long as you're a member. You can also add a co-pilot to your membership at no extra cost. No law firm can offer that kind of coverage. Fastlane members also get priority support and access to exclusive benefits. Learn more about Fastlane membership. A quick note about trust OTR was founded by Alex Guirguis and Mark Mikhail , two former Amazon engineers who built OTR to make legal help simpler, faster, and more predictable—especially for everyday issues like traffic tickets and misdemeanors. We’re not here to “act like a law firm.” We’re here to make it easier to get a great lawyer and stay supported throughout the process. Ready to book? If you’re dealing with a ticket, DUI, or other charge and want a simpler way to hire the right attorney: Get an instant quote and book your case in minutes If you get tickets often, sign up to become a Fastlane Member for broader coverage and long-term savings You handle the few details up front. We’ll help take it from there.

Should you fight a non-moving violation?

What is a non-moving violation? A non-moving violation is a traffic infraction that does not involve the act of driving. It is usually associated with faulty equipment, missing paperwork, or a stationary vehicle — though some non-moving violations can occur while the car is in motion. What separates a moving violation from a non-moving violation is how the court and the Department of Licensing (DOL) treat it. Moving violations (like speeding or running a red light) are reported to the DOL, go on your driving record, carry points, and can increase your insurance premiums. Non-moving violations are generally not reported to the DOL , carry no points , and in many cases are specifically ordered not to be shared with insurance companies. For these reasons, most drivers choose not to fight tickets that contain only non-moving violations. What is a moving violation? For comparison, a moving violation is a traffic infraction committed while your vehicle is in motion. These are the violations that carry real consequences. Common examples include: Speeding Running a red light or stop sign Reckless driving Improper lane changes Following too closely (tailgating) Driving without a valid license DUI / DWI Moving violations are reported to the Department of Licensing, carry points on your driving record, and can increase your insurance premiums for 3 to 5 years. For more serious moving violations like DUI or reckless driving, the consequences can include license suspension, jail time, and a criminal record. This is why fighting a moving violation is almost always worth it — and why OTR exists. For a deeper look at your options for handling a traffic ticket, see How to handle a traffic ticket . Common types of non-moving violations Parking tickets The most common non-moving violation. These are civil infractions issued against the vehicle, not the driver. Includes parking in a red zone, fire lane, or handicapped space without a permit, exceeding meter time, and parking in restricted zones. Expired registration, tags, or inspection Your vehicle's legal documentation is invalid or missing. Also includes failure to carry or present proof of insurance. Equipment violations Broken taillights, headlights, or brake lights. Illegal window tint. Missing license plate (in states that require two plates) or missing mirrors. Seatbelt violations In most states, failure to wear a seatbelt is classified as a non-moving violation. Automated enforcement tickets (camera tickets) In most states, red light camera and speed camera tickets are not reported to the DOL. They do not go on your driving record and do not affect your insurance. However, these tickets often carry higher-than-average fines, which makes them particularly painful. Should you fight a non-moving violation? In most cases, fighting a non-moving violation in court is not the recommended approach since the ticket carries no points and does not affect your insurance. That said, you have options — and some of them are better than others depending on your situation. Option 1: Pay the fine The simplest approach. Since non-moving violations do not carry points, paying the fine does not harm your driving record or raise your insurance. For most low-fine non-moving violations, this is the most practical choice. Option 2: Request a mitigation hearing If your state allows mitigation hearings, this is usually the best approach for non-moving violations. In a mitigation hearing, you admit to the violation (remember, it carries no points) but explain the circumstances to a judge and ask for a reduced fine. This works especially well for correctable violations — things like expired registration, a broken taillight, or not having your insurance card on you. If you can show the judge that you have already fixed the problem, courts will often reduce the fine significantly. Some states also have a formal fix-it ticket process for correctable violations. In states like California, you can fix the issue (replace a broken light, renew your registration), show proof to law enforcement or the court, and pay a small dismissal fee — often much less than the original fine. This is different from a mitigation hearing and is typically the easiest and cheapest path when available. Check your ticket for instructions on whether a fix-it option applies. Option 3: Fight the ticket on principle You always have the right to contest any ticket. If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly or incorrectly, you can fight it on principle — as long as you understand that it may end up costing you more than just paying the fine. If you choose to fight a non-moving violation on principle, OTR can help. Book a case through the booking wizard like any other ticket. Once you are matched with a lawyer, send them a message in the case chat letting them know that you understand this is a non-moving violation but would like to contest it. Here is a message you can copy and send: Your lawyer may be able to get the ticket completely dismissed or negotiate a reduced fine. However, cases booked to fight a non-moving violation on principle are not eligible for the money-back guarantee , since the ticket already carries no points and does not affect your record. When fighting a non-moving violation is worth it There are situations where the fine is high enough that hiring a lawyer makes real financial sense: HOV violations Some states charge $500–$1,000 for driving in the HOV lane without a qualifying passenger. Automated camera tickets Speed camera and red light camera fines can be $200–$500+ depending on the jurisdiction. Other high-fine non-moving violations Some equipment or registration violations carry steep penalties, especially for commercial vehicles. In these cases, even getting the fine reduced by half could save you more than the legal fee. The risk is that your lawyer is unable to get any reduction at all, and you end up paying both the original fine and the legal fee. But when fines are this high, many drivers decide the potential savings are worth the risk. What if your ticket includes both moving and non-moving violations? This is common. Many tickets list a moving violation (like speeding) alongside a non-moving violation (like expired registration) from the same traffic stop. If your ticket includes both, book a case and fight the ticket . Moving violations are the ones that carry points, affect your record, and raise your insurance. When you book a case for a ticket with both types, your attorney handles everything together — both the moving and non-moving violations. These cases are typically eligible for the money-back guarantee . A note for CDL holders If you hold a commercial driver's license (CDL), be aware that the consequences of any violation — moving or non-moving — may be different for you than for a regular driver. Some non-moving violations that would be minor for a standard license holder can have more serious implications for CDL holders, including potential impacts on your commercial driving privileges. If you are a CDL driver and have received any type of ticket, it is worth talking to an attorney before deciding how to handle it. How do I know if my ticket is moving or non-moving? If you are not sure how your ticket is classified, here are a few ways to find out: Enter your ticket in the OTR booking wizard When you enter your ticket details, we classify the violation and show you the relevant information. Look at the ticket itself Many tickets indicate the violation type, a statute number, and whether points are associated with the charge. Check your state's DMV or DOL website Most states publish a list of violations and their point values. If your violation carries 0 points, it is likely a non-moving violation. Do not ignore a non-moving violation Even though a non-moving violation does not carry points, ignoring it can still cause real problems: Escalating fines Late fees can double or triple the original amount Registration hold The issuing agency can block you from renewing your vehicle registration until all fines are paid Collections Unpaid fines may be sent to a collections agency, which can affect your credit Vehicle booting or towing In some states, accumulating multiple unpaid tickets can result in your vehicle being booted or impounded A non-moving violation will not put you in jail, but ignoring it can make your life more difficult and more expensive. Pay it, mitigate it, or fight it — but do not let it sit. Ready to check your options? If you want to see what it would cost to fight your ticket, visit our booking wizard . Enter your ticket details and get an instant quote. If a lawyer can help, we will match you with the right one.

What you get when you book with Off The Record

97% success rate across 500,000+ cases Since 2015, OTR has handled over 500,000 cases with a 97% favorable outcome rate nationwide. That means the vast majority of clients who book with OTR walk away with a better result than the original charge. By comparison, going to court yourself results in a favorable outcome about 50% of the time — essentially a coin toss. Hiring a lawyer on your own brings that number to about 75–80% . With OTR, it is 97%. SmartMatch finds the right attorney for your case When you book with OTR, you are not randomly assigned a lawyer. Our SmartMatch system uses over 10 years of case data to match you with the attorney most likely to win your specific case in your specific court. The attorney you are matched with is always local, licensed, experienced, and vetted . They know your court and they handle cases like yours every day. When you hire a lawyer on your own, you are locked in to that one attorney — whether or not they have a strong track record for your type of case in your assigned court. SmartMatch removes that guesswork. Money-back guarantee OTR pioneered the concept of a money-back guarantee for traffic tickets on a nationwide scale. If your eligible traffic ticket case does not end with a favorable outcome, you get a full refund of your legal fee. This guarantee is unique in the industry. Most law firms do not offer anything like it. When you book with OTR, you know your money is protected. You will be told whether your case is eligible for the guarantee at the time of booking. Cancel anytime within 1 business day Not sure you want to move forward? No problem. OTR's cancellation policy lets you cancel your case for a full refund within 1 full business day of booking — no questions asked. This means you can book with confidence, ask your attorney questions, and still change your mind if it does not feel right. Support from start to finish We do not just match you with a lawyer and disappear. OTR's customer service team manages your case from the moment you book until it is resolved. If you run into a problem with your attorney — slow communication, unanswered questions, or anything else — our team can step in, help resolve the issue, and get your case back on track. You always have someone in your corner. Competitive legal fees OTR works with a large network of partner firms, and each firm sets its own fees. This creates healthy competition, which means OTR often offers the most competitive legal fee in any market we serve. And if you find a lower fee for the same service somewhere else, we will price match it. You can see your fee instantly by entering your case details in our booking wizard . A modern app for managing your case OTR is a tech company , not a law firm. When you book with OTR, you are represented by a real, local attorney — but you manage everything through our website or a modern app available on iOS and Android . From your phone, you can: Book your case and get an instant quote Chat with your attorney Upload documents and photos Get real-time updates on your case status No phone calls to a law office. No waiting on hold for an update. Everything is in one place, on your schedule. One place for all your legal needs Whether you get a traffic ticket at home, a speeding ticket on a road trip, or a more serious charge in another state, OTR handles it all. We operate in all 50 states and cover traffic tickets, DUIs, suspended licenses, drug charges, theft, and other misdemeanors. You do not need to search for a different lawyer in every city. OTR is your one-stop shop for legal help, no matter where the charge happens. Clear pricing and no surprises With OTR, you see your legal fee before you book . There are no hidden costs or surprise bills. You know exactly what you are paying and what you are getting. Your privacy is protected Your case details and documents are shared only with your attorney and our support team as needed. We handle your information with care and keep it private. Why OTR beats the alternatives Here is a quick look at how your options compare: Book with OTR 97% success rate, SmartMatch attorney matching, money-back guarantee, cancellation policy, competitive fees, app-based case management, and dedicated customer support. Hire a lawyer on your own 75–80% success rate. You pick one attorney and hope for the best. No guarantee. No support team if things go sideways. Go to court yourself About 50% success rate. No legal knowledge, no courtroom experience, and the outcome often depends on factors outside your control. Do nothing The charge goes on your record. Your insurance may go up. Future tickets may carry harsher penalties. A small ticket today can cost much more over time. Ready to get started? Visit our booking wizard to enter your case details, get an instant quote, and see your region's success rate — all before you commit.

Traffic school vs. fighting your ticket in California

Before you decide If you are eligible for California's traffic school program, you already have a guaranteed way to keep the infraction point off your driving record. So why would you fight the ticket instead? Because fighting could get it dismissed entirely or reduced to a non-moving violation — a better outcome that preserves your traffic school eligibility for the future. But fighting comes with a risk: you might not get traffic school back if you lose. Read on to understand both paths so you can make an informed decision. Not sure if you qualify? See California traffic school eligibility explained first. If you are not eligible for traffic school for any reason, contesting your ticket with OTR is a great option — book a case and let your attorney fight for the best outcome. Option 1: Take traffic school (the safe option) If you are eligible for California's traffic school program, completing an approved course keeps the infraction point off your driving record. This is the guaranteed outcome — no uncertainty, no risk. Here is what it involves: You pay the full fine imposed by the court You pay an additional traffic school fee (the course itself, typically $20–$99 online) You complete an approved traffic school course The point stays off your record The downside is cost: you pay the full fine plus the course fee, and you use up your traffic school eligibility. In California, you can only use traffic school once every 18 months . If you get another ticket within that window, traffic school will not be available. Option 2: Fight the ticket (the potentially better outcome) Many drivers who are eligible for traffic school choose to fight their ticket anyway. Here is why: Your attorney may get the ticket completely dismissed — no fine, no point, no traffic school needed Your attorney may get the charge reduced to a non-moving violation — no point, and often a reduced fine In either case, you preserve your traffic school eligibility for a future ticket when you might really need it Less time and hassle — traffic school is typically an 8-hour course that you must pass for it to count. Fighting your ticket with OTR takes a few minutes to book, and your attorney handles everything from there. No course, no exam, no wasted weekend. Fighting the ticket gives you a shot at a better outcome than traffic school can provide. But it comes with a risk. The risk of fighting: traffic school is no longer guaranteed This is the trade-off you need to understand clearly. When you choose to fight a ticket in California, you are pleading not guilty and going to trial. If you lose at trial, the question of whether you can still take traffic school is up to the judge's discretion . Here is what the law says: a judge cannot categorically deny you traffic school simply because you chose to exercise your right to a trial. But a judge is not required to provide a reason for granting or denying traffic school after a trial conviction. In practice, judges grant traffic school reinstatement in the majority of cases — but it is not guaranteed. Your attorney will fight for the best possible outcome — a dismissal or a reduction to a non-moving violation. Here is what can happen: How OTR's money-back guarantee applies If you choose to fight your California ticket with Off The Record, here is how the money-back guarantee works for this specific situation: Ticket dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation This is a win. No refund — your attorney earned the fee by getting you a better outcome than traffic school. Traffic school granted after trial This is also considered a win at OTR. Here is why: you took a shot at a better outcome — a dismissal or reduction — and your attorney put in the work to make that happen. When the court said no, your attorney fought to get traffic school back on the table, and succeeded. The attorney did their job. While it may feel like you are right back where you started, the reality is that you took a calculated risk, your attorney worked the case, and they were able to preserve your fallback option. The legal fee reflects that effort. It is worth noting that attorneys are often able to get your fine reduced when traffic school is granted — so you may still come out ahead financially. Court refuses to dismiss, reduce, AND does not grant traffic school This is a loss. You receive a full refund of your legal fee. If the court will not give you any favorable outcome — including the traffic school option — you get your money back. So which should you choose? It comes down to your risk tolerance and your priorities. Choose traffic school if: You want the guaranteed outcome with zero risk You do not mind paying the full fine plus the course fee You have not used traffic school recently and are comfortable using it now You want this resolved quickly and simply Choose to fight if: You want a shot at a dismissal or reduction (no fine, no point, no course) You want to preserve your traffic school eligibility for a future ticket You are comfortable with the small risk that traffic school may not be reinstated You are a frequent driver who may need traffic school again within 18 months Ready to decide? If you want to take traffic school, follow the instructions on your ticket or contact the court directly. Not sure if you qualify? See California traffic school eligibility explained . If you want to fight your ticket, visit the OTR booking wizard to get an instant quote. Your attorney will fight for a dismissal or reduction — and if the court will not budge, the money-back guarantee has you covered.

Is OTR available in my area?

We operate in all 50 states OTR is a nationwide service. We launched in Washington state in 2015 and have grown to cover the entire country. When you book a case, we match you with a local, experienced attorney in the area where you received your ticket or charge. Your attorney knows the local courts and handles cases like yours every day. Got a ticket out of state? Because we operate everywhere, you can use OTR even if your ticket is far from home. Whether you received a ticket on a road trip, during a vacation, or while driving through a new state, we can connect you with an attorney near the court where your case is filed. This is also why CDL truck drivers who drive long distances trust and prefer OTR. No matter where the ticket happens, we can help. Check availability for your case The quickest way to find out if we can help is to tell us about your ticket or charge in our booking wizard . It takes less than a minute. The booking wizard will do one of two things: Show you an instant quote — the legal fee for your case, so you can decide if you want to move forward. Let you know there is no availability — this means we do not currently have a partner attorney who can take your case. Why might there be no availability? Even though we operate in every state, there are still some gaps — especially in more remote areas. Here are a few reasons you may see "no availability": There are no partner attorneys near that court yet. All partner attorneys in the area are at full capacity. No available attorney handles your specific charge type (for example, DUI cases require attorneys with specific experience). Your court date or due date is very close. Attorneys need enough time to review your case and prepare, so a near-term deadline can shrink the pool of available attorneys. This is one more reason to book as early as you can. Your case is more complex. Cases involving an accident, a failure to appear, multiple violations, or a CDL require specific experience, so fewer attorneys may be available to take them. No availability? Check back soon Our attorney network is always growing. New attorneys and law firms join OTR each week, and availability changes often. If there is no coverage for your case right now, check back in a few hours or over the next couple of days . Just because no one is available today does not mean your case will not be covered tomorrow. Know an attorney? Refer them to us If you know a lawyer who might be a good fit for our network, you can refer them to us. If they are not already part of our network and they join the platform, we will give you $250 . Ready to check your case? Visit our booking wizard to see if we can help. Enter your ticket or charge details and get an instant answer.