If you want to talk about something that has affected Californians of any social bracket, it has to be traffic tickets. Whether you are a traffic attorney or the average Jack or Jill, one thing is sure in California, you will get a traffic ticket. It is an inevitable part of living in this state.
Basic Types of Traffic Tickets
The most common types of traffic tickets are those relating to failure to stop at a red light or stop sign. Under the law, there are two different categories of traffic violations. These are:
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Infraction Traffic Tickets
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Misdemeanor traffic tickets
In either instance, you will receive a ticket which, if not taken care of, will continue to increase. Fees will accrue and, if the ticket remains unpaid, you may find you have your license suspended. This is not unheard of. A study found that approximately 5 million Californians from 2006 to 2015 have had their license removed for not paying traffic fines.
Infraction Traffic Tickets
The most common traffic violations fall into this category. As a traffic attorney, I handle many cases for these minor violations of
- Speeding
- Running a stop sign
- Driving without your driver’s license
- Driving with a vehicle registration that has expired
- Driving a vehicle with a broken taillight
Your options when receiving such a ticket include:
- Paying the fine
- Attend and finish traffic school: This allows you to avoid any points going on your CA driving record (only applicable for specific moving violations)
- In some cases, you can correct the problem e.g. broken taillight and provide evidence that you have
- Fight the ticket on your own or by hiring a qualified and experienced traffic attorney such as myself
Remember, if you let the fine stand, the cost of your car insurance will increase. If you are speedingat least 15 mph over the limit, it will go up by approximately 15.22%.
Misdemeanor Traffic Tickets
The other category of traffic tickets for which you may want to consider hiring a traffic attorney is misdemeanor traffic tickets. Examples of this type of ticket are:
- Driving a vehicle while holding an invalid license
- Driving under the influence (DUI) – either drugs or alcohol
In either case, you will require going to court. It does not make any difference whether you intend to pay the fine or not. As a ticket attorney, I can explain your rights and let you know the specifics including:
- The total amount you will be fined
- What payment methods are acceptable
- How many points are involved
- Whether your sentence may include jail time
- The mandatory defensive driving course
Contact a Traffic Attorney and Fight your Ticket
If you decide to contest your traffic ticket, you will need to arrange for a trial. This requires contacting the appropriate county court. You can do so in person or mail in such a request. In either case, particularly if the charge is a serious one, it is in your best interests to contact a traffic attorney at our office before you proceed.