Traffic Tickets

Attorney Helping Residents of Southern California Fight Moving Violations

Many people view a traffic ticket as a minor inconvenience and will plead guilty and pay the associated fine rather than fight the ticket in court. While pleading guilty to a traffic ticket may save time, it can hurt you in the long term, since it can cause you to accrue points on your license, which can affect both your insurance rates and your right to drive. If you have recently received a traffic ticket, you should speak with a knowledgeable Riverside County traffic ticket lawyer as soon as you can to discuss the circumstances that led to your receiving the ticket and your potential defenses.

Shaffer T. Cormell is an experienced criminal defense attorney with over two decades of experience helping defendants seek to avoid the penalties and fines associated with traffic tickets in California courts. Mr. Cormell assists people in the areas around Blythe, Banning, Riverside, Murrieta, Indio, Palm Springs, Coachella, Joshua Tree, Hemet, San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Victorville, Barstow, Brawley, El Centro, Winterhaven, and other cities throughout Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial Counties.

Penalties for Traffic Tickets Under California Law

The California Vehicle Code (the Code) contains the laws imposing duties on drivers regarding the use and operation of a vehicle. The Code also establishes the penalties that may be imposed on drivers found guilty of traffic violations. Violations are classified as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies based on their severity. The penalties imposed for traffic violations include fines ranging from $50 to $1,000, imprisonment, and points on the driver’s license.

For less severe violations, such as driving over the posted speed limit, failing to obey traffic control devices, and failing to yield to pedestrians, a driver will be assessed one point. For violations that are deemed more severe, such as reckless driving or driving with a suspended license, two points will be assessed. It becomes especially important to consult a traffic ticket attorney in Riverside County if you are facing a two-point violation. One-point violations typically remain on a driver’s record for three years, while points for more significant offenses can stay on a driver’s record for 10 years. If a driver receives too many points within a specific time frame, this can result in the driver being deemed a negligent operator, which can lead to the suspension of his or her license. Points on a driver’s license are likely to increase insurance premiums as well.

Traffic Court Procedures

While sometimes it can be beneficial for the defendant in a criminal case to plead guilty, when it comes to traffic tickets, it is usually better to plead not guilty. A plea of not guilty may allow the driver to avoid points and fines. A driver can enter a not guilty plea on the date of his or her arraignment and request a trial date, advise the court of the not guilty plea in writing and request an arraignment and trial on the same day, or request a trial by written declaration. A Riverside County traffic ticket attorney can explain these options in more detail.

A driver may only request a trial by written declaration if the ticket is for a traffic violation, the ticket does not require a court appearance, and the due date has not passed. If a driver proceeds to a hearing, he or she will be able to present evidence suggesting that he or she was erroneously cited. If you have received a traffic ticket, it could result in significant penalties that may adversely affect your liberties if the ticket is not appropriately handled. Thus, you should speak with an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible to discuss how you should proceed.

Discuss Your Traffic Ticket with a Knowledgeable Attorney

Traffic tickets are more than just a nuisance; they can impair your right to drive and can cause financial harm. Shaffer T. Cormell is experienced in helping drivers in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Imperial Counties try to avoid the fines and points associated with traffic tickets. He can provide you with an aggressive and thorough defense, and he is proud of his record of favorable results. To speak with a traffic ticket lawyer in Riverside County about your case, you can reach us at (888) 922-5051 or via the online form.