The Chatsworth Courthouse traffic division falls under the North Valley Judicial District in Los Angeles County. However, the name was recently changed to Valencia/Chatsworth Courthouse, so if you’re expecting a court reminder, the return address may or may not reflect that change.
Many commercial drivers receive speeding tickets on the LA County side of the Grapevine due to the reduced speed limits there due to grade.
Of course, there are other traffic citations that may need to be resolved in Valencia/Chatsworth Courthouse, such as:
Overweight vehicles
Logbook violations
Unsafe lane change
Hazardous material violations
Following too close
Non-emergency stops
Passing scales
Hours of Service (HOS) violations
Many of these could be initially charged as misdemeanors, especially hazardous material (HM) violations.
However, many California judges are hesitant to charge commercial drivers with a criminal offense for doing their job when approached by a knowledgeable and experienced traffic attorney.
If you received a commercial speeding ticket while driving on the job, it could be a significant issue.
Many commercial drivers mistakenly assume they can simply pay the fine and move on.
Unfortunately, this is rarely the case because moving violations are reported to the DOT FMCSA by the CA DMV.
For commercial drivers, speeding tickets (per VC Sections 22406(a), 22406.1, and 22407) carry stricter penalties and more severe consequences.
What Are the Penalties for a CDL Speeding Ticket?
A fine of up to $550 for a minor infraction.
1.5 points added to your driving record.
Higher insurance premiums, both personal and fleet insurance.
Potential job loss due to license restrictions.
Drivers cited in the Valencia/Chatsworth areas often seek help from experienced traffic attorneys.
Primarily, these tickets occur along the I-5 in the Tejon Pass.
The Grapevine is a 40-mile stretch of I-5 that connects Los Angeles to the Central Valley. It's a crucial road that's used by over 80,000 vehicles every day. The Grapevine is known for being treacherous and can be closed by the California Highway Patrol due to severe weather, icy conditions, and heavy traffic.—The Guardian.
When drivers get a commercial speeding ticket there, they must resolve it in either Lamont Courthouse in Kern County, or Valencia/Chatsworth Courthouse in LA County.
A commercial speeding ticket doesn’t have to ruin your career. Working with a skilled attorney could make all the difference.
Why Is a Traffic Attorney Essential?
Commercial drivers have more at stake than non-commercial drivers.
Traffic courts in Valencia/Chatsworth or Lamont, CA, can be complex and intimidating.
Legal representation can often reduce fines and penalties or result in dismissal.
Why You Should Hire a Traffic Attorney
A knowledgeable traffic attorney can help develop a defense strategy tailored to your case.
They may know when to negotiate with the judge. But more likely, they will use the Vehicle and Evidence codes and all relevant case law to give you the best chance of getting a dismissal and avoiding the point.
Protecting your driving record and livelihood is critical. Hiring an attorney could be the best decision you make after receiving a commercial speeding ticket.
Act now and secure experienced representation to protect your commercial driving future.
Consult Bigger & Harman, APC, about a Speeding in a Commercial Vehicle Ticket in Valencia/Chatsworth Courthouse in LA County
If you’ve been charged with a commercial speeding ticket that needs to be resolved in Valencia/Chatsworth Courthouse in LA County, call us at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Alternatively, you can email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our convenient contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
References:
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.