Bakersfield Ticket Attorneys Defend Trucking Violations in Yolo County
Many new CDL holders do not recognize how troublesome trucking violations can be to them and their career. They believe, sometimes incorrectly, that it’s just an infraction; they can pay the fine and keep trucking. Employment options and insurance rates are substantially affected by convictions that lead to Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) and/or Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) points. Both will stay on your record for a minimum of three years, serious violations as long as ten years.
Minor trucking violations are infractions, which usually get resolved by paying a fine. Others are more severe than that; misdemeanors are common for truckers, especially those who transport hazardous cargo and explosives.
Do Not Pay a Fine Without Consulting an Attorney
But, when a trucker or any CDL holder simply pays a fine to resolve a ticket, they are in fact, pleading guilty. There is no chance of attending Traffic Violators School with a trucking violation. Therefore, the conviction will get reported to your insurance company, placed on your motor vehicle driving record (MVR) if you are a licensed CA driver and your Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report. Likewise, a conviction for a misdemeanor offense will become a part of your criminal record.
As a CDL holder, you must report any conviction to your employer within 30 days. Don’t make the mistake of believing you can get away with not reporting it to your employer. There is also the Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program in CA, the Driver’s License Compact (DLC), and a failure to appear (FTA) in most states (including CA) is now a misdemeanor offense, which could get reported to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
CA Vehicle Code (CVC) 40508, Release Upon Promise to Appear states, “A person willfully violating his or her written promise to appear…is guilty of a misdemeanor…” Therefore, even ignoring a cell phone ticket in CA and returning to your home in Nevada or Oregon could lead to a misdemeanor for an FTA.
Furthermore, a notification of that trucking violation could get sent to the Safety Measurement System (SMS) for assessment of CSA severity points, and a possible $2,175 civil penalty.
Experienced & Knowledgeable Assistance with Trucking Violations in Yolo County
When you need assistance with any traffic ticket, contact us. We can provide you with the legal support you need to resolve:
- Speeding
- Overweight
- Permits
- Bad equipment
- Cell phone tickets
- Following too closely
- Suspended license
- Reckless driving
- Hit and run
- Red light tickets
- Stop sign tickets
State has the burden of proving guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Don’t make their job easier, give us a call, and exercise “your right to remain silent.” When your record and reputation is at risk, contact us.
Consult a CDL Ticket Attorney Who Practices in Woodland Traffic Court
To talk with an experienced traffic attorney who handles tickets in Woodland, Yolo County, call Bigger & Harman (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755. We assist drivers throughout Central and Northern CA, protect their rights.
We are always working for a dismissal, but our main concern is avoiding points. The driver might have to pay the fine, but when no points get assessed, sometimes, that’s the best you can hope for depending on the situation.
Send us an email, attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The 2018 CA Commercial Driver Handbook .pdf
The Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program
The Driver’s License Compact (DLC)
The National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
CVC 40508, Release Upon Promise to Appear