Traffic Defense in San Bernardino

The Power of an Experienced Traffic Attorney in California

Let’s face it – most of us will deal with a traffic ticket at some point in life. While many will pay the fine and move forward with little thought of the long-standing implications, hiring an experienced traffic attorney can go a long way in reducing your insurance costs, protecting your ability to find and maintain gainful employment, and ensuring you do not lose your privilege to operate a motor vehicle within the State of California.

Although paying a traffic ticket may save time, it results in a finding of guilt and, in many cases, adds points to your DMV driving record. While you may be able to maintain your license with a point or two on your driving record, it is likely that your insurance rates will rise, and the DMV may even suspend your ability to drive within California.

If you have received a traffic ticket in Southern California, you should speak with a knowledgeable traffic attorney as soon as possible to discuss the likely outcomes of your case, the possible defenses, and the possible outcomes of your case. Call the Law Offices of Vincent Hughes in San Bernardino today to schedule an initial consultation.

Criminal Traffic Offenses Commercial Driver Infractions Suspended License Reckless Driving

What happens if you ignore a traffic ticket?

Traffic tickets might seem like minor offenses, but if you ignore them or fail to respond to your ticket, the matter will only get worse. As a result, your fine could increase, and you will likely face additional penalties. Failure to pay the fine could result in:

A civil assessment of up to $300 could be added to your fine
You may not be able to renew your vehicle’s registration
Your case could be submitted for collection
The court would issue an arrest warrant for you
The court would charge you with an infraction or misdemeanor

In the event that you receive a civil assessment, but you have a valid reason for not paying your fine or appearing in court, it is crucial to ask the court in a timely manner if you are eligible to have it canceled.

Man giving his license to a police officer

How traffic tickets could affect your insurance premiums

Although it probably seems easier to pay for your ticket, this could have a substantial impact on your insurance premiums. If you are under the age of 40, you will likely see an even more significant increase in your premium than drivers over the age of 40. Regardless of age, if your insurance carrier regards you as a reckless driver, you could end up shelling out hundreds of dollars more every year due to your traffic tickets, which is why it is essential to hire a lawyer to dispute it.

Types of traffic violations

Depending on the nature of your violation, one or two points could be added to your driving record. Here is a breakdown of this point system:

One-point violations

One point could be added to your driving record for speeding, making an improper lane change, running a red light, or for being at fault in an accident.

Two-point violations

If you were driving more than 25 miles per hour above the speed limit, drove recklessly or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, committed a hit-and-run, or drove while your license was either suspended or revoked, this could add two points to your driving record.

If you accumulate too many points on your record, your license could be suspended. If you receive four points during a 12-month period, six points during a 24-month period, or eight points within a 36-month period, your license could be suspended for six months. As you can see, these matters should not be taken lightly.

Schedule a consultation with our experienced traffic defense attorney today!

If you find yourself charged with a traffic offense, Vincent S. Hughes will use his extensive legal knowledge and experience in handling traffic matters to help you obtain the most positive resolution for your case. The law provides for the ability to negotiate with the court or the citing officer to amend the charges against you for a lesser penalty. Doing so could be highly beneficial when you find yourself charged with a moving violation and you have recently taken traffic school or had points added to your DMV driving record.

In addition to the possibility of negotiating lesser charges with the court or citing officer, if we take your case to trial, Mr. Hughes has extensive traffic court experience, which includes an understanding of the burden the officer must meet, what he needs to meet this burden, and the defenses that could help defend your case. Reach out to our law office today to schedule a consultation with our experienced and compassionate attorney to get started.