When navigating the complex world of California traffic law, preventing a misdemeanor traffic ticket conviction is crucial. A vital piece of advice is to invoke your “right to remain silent,” immediately and make no statement without the presence of an attorney.
At Bigger & Harman in Kern County, we understand the challenges drivers face when dealing with these offenses, and we are here to provide valuable insights on how to prevent misdemeanor traffic ticket convictions.
In this blog post, we'll examine the consequences of a typical misdemeanor traffic ticket conviction and explain why it's essential to remain silent, consult, and hire a traffic attorney to help resolve this criminal charge in Delano Courthouse in Kern County, CA.
Understanding Misdemeanor Traffic Offenses
Misdemeanor traffic offenses encompass a range of violations, including reckless driving, speed contests, hit-and-run accidents with property damage (injuries or deaths are a felony), driving with a suspended or no driver's license, exhibitions of speed, and more.
These offenses can result in serious legal repercussions, emphasizing the importance of responsible and law-abiding driving practices.
How to Possibly Prevent Misdemeanor Traffic Ticket Convictions
Preventing a misdemeanor traffic ticket could be your best hope. However, even the safest drivers make mistakes and have accidents.
Use these tips and possibly prevent the ticket, but always consult Bigger & Harman when prevention fails:
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of California traffic laws and regulations to ensure compliance and minimize the risk of committing misdemeanor traffic offenses.
- Remain Silent: If pulled over or questioned by law enforcement, exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you, so avoiding self-incrimination is essential. This is wise advice for any traffic stop.
- Consult a CA Traffic Attorney: Count the long-term cost of getting convicted. Good legal counsel knows that the State has the “burden of proof,” meaning the State must prove you did it, not you who must prove you didn’t. They can walk you through what your best actions will be to avoid this effecting your job, immigration, your right to drive, or insurance costs.
Hiring a knowledgeable traffic attorney with trial experience is your best hope for a favorable resolution to avoid a permanent scar on your record for a misdemeanor traffic ticket conviction.
The Consequences of a Misdemeanor Traffic Ticket Conviction
A typical misdemeanor traffic ticket conviction can have severe consequences, including:
- A base fine of up to $1,000. What’s crucial to note about the “base fine” in CA is that it is only a fraction of what you will actually pay after the court adds the mandatory surcharges, penalties, and assessments allowed by CA law.
- The potential additional costs, such as impound fees, could total $1,500 or more. An experienced attorney can get those fees dismissed if there’s no conviction.
- The DMV will assess two Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points, potentially leading to doubled or tripled auto insurance premiums for up to ten years.
- A permanent criminal record.
- Possible county jail time or probation for up to a year.
These consequences can be overwhelming and life-changing, making it crucial for drivers to take proactive steps to prevent misdemeanor traffic ticket convictions.
When facing a misdemeanor traffic ticket in Delano Courthouse in Kern County, CA, consulting and hiring a traffic attorney is not just a wise choice — it's crucial.
Contact Bigger & Harman
Preventing misdemeanor traffic ticket convictions requires knowledge, caution, and the guidance of an experienced traffic attorney. At Bigger & Harman, we are committed to helping drivers protect their driving records, future finances, and freedom. Don't let the fear of high costs or legal jargon deter you from seeking professional representation. Contact us today to ensure your rights are safeguarded, and your misdemeanor traffic ticket is resolved with the best possible outcome.
The legal professionals at Bigger & Harman simplify the legal process, protect your rights, and, in many cases, can persuade the judge to reduce the charges to an infraction or dismiss them entirely.
When facing a possible misdemeanor traffic ticket conviction in Delano Courthouse in Kern County, contact Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Use the contact form to schedule a consultation, or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2023.