Traffic tickets can be a hassle and a burden, especially when you have to go to appear in Fresno County Traffic Court.
In California, the county where you received the traffic ticket retains jurisdiction until the ticket is resolved. That means when you get a speeding ticket on I-5 or Highway 99, you must dispute it in Fresno County Traffic Court.
However, with the right strategies and knowledge, it is possible to successfully dispute a traffic ticket and avoid having to pay fines or incur points on your driver's license. In this blog post, we will discuss tips for preventing traffic tickets and strategies for disputing them in California Traffic Court if you receive one.
Preventing Traffic Tickets
The best way to avoid having to dispute a traffic ticket in California Traffic Court is not to get one in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing traffic tickets:
#1— Always obey traffic laws. This might seem obvious, but preventing a traffic ticket is the most crucial method. Make sure you are aware of the speed limit, traffic signals, and any other laws that apply to the area where you are driving.
#2— Keep your vehicle in good operating condition. Make sure your brakes, headlights, and taillights are in working order. Not only will this help you avoid getting a ticket, but it will also make you a safer driver. A law enforcement officer (LEO) might ignore a few mph over the limit, but if your taillights are not working, chances are they will stop you.
#3— Stay aware of your surroundings. Watch for reduced speed in construction, school zones, and other areas where traffic laws may be different or more strictly enforced. California enforces the nationwide “Slow down, move over” campaign with a “double fine” for speeding in these areas or when there is an emergency vehicle, Caltrans, or tow truck in the adjacent lane, you must move over if possible or slow down.
#4— Avoid distractions while driving. This includes using your phone, eating, or applying makeup. Distracted driving is a significant cause of accidents and can lead to a traffic ticket. The CA Assembly has clamped down on cell phone use with AB-47. A second cell phone conviction within three years of the first will lead to the DMV assessing a negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) point, which could lead to a $600 or $700 annual increase in your auto insurance premium if you are not eligible to keep it confidential with attendance at an approved traffic violator’s school (TVS). Always consult a traffic attorney before deciding to plead guilty and attend TVS.
Disputing Traffic Tickets in California Traffic Court
If you receive a traffic ticket, there are a few strategies you can use to dispute it in California Traffic Court.
These are five tips for disputing your traffic ticket:
- Gather evidence. Take pictures or videos of the scene. This could be particularly essential when you are charged with running a red light or failing to stop at a stop sign when the LEO might not have had a good view from their position.
- Interview witnesses. Talk to people who may have witnessed you stopping; often, these are people riding in your vehicle. Do not discount them because they are family. Their testimony could be crucial. If they’re not family, get their contact information so they can testify on your behalf.
- Attend TVS. As stated above, always ask an attorney. Attendance is never cut and dry. There are several circumstances when you’re not eligible. For example, if you have two tickets pending. TVS will have no financial benefit in this case since you will only get credit with DMV for one ticket.
- Hire a traffic attorney to represent you in court. Hire a traffic attorney to represent you in court. A traffic attorney can help you navigate the court system, get the charges reduced or dismissed, and the right traffic attorney is almost always cheaper than the fine and increased auto insurance premium.
- Represent yourself in court. If you decide to represent yourself in California Traffic Court, make sure you are well-prepared. Research the law, gather evidence, and be ready to present your case in court. This tip is listed last because hiring an attorney is almost always the wisest. They know the law and how it applies to your case. They know how and when to ask for a negotiated plea deal or dismissal. They know many of the LEOs, and they’ll know if they are not in the courtroom and can ask for immediate dismissal.
In conclusion, traffic tickets can be a nuisance, but with the right strategies and knowledge, it is possible to dispute a traffic ticket in California Traffic Court successfully. By obeying traffic laws, keeping your vehicle in good condition, staying aware of your surroundings, and avoiding distractions, you can prevent getting a traffic ticket in the first place. However, you should consult an attorney before you dispute a ticket or plead guilty and accept TVS.
Asking a knowledgeable and experienced traffic attorney could save you money and time.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Disputing Your Ticket in Fresno County Traffic Court
Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300, or fill out our user-friendly contact form to request a free, no-obligation consult.
We have the knowledge and experience required to resolve your ticket in traffic court. We’ve been asked to get a resolution for more than 20,000 traffic tickets. Yours could be next.
Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Email: attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The 2021 CA Driver Handbook English y Español
CVC 23123.5, Driving Offenses, and AB-47, Distracted Driving.
The Bankrate article, Average cost of car insurance in California for 2022.