Top Burlingame, CA Traffic Violation Lawyers Near You

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Traffic Violations

Traffic violations range from parking tickets to speeding tickets and reckless driving. Failing to pay a traffic ticket can result in additional fines, a suspended license, and potential arrest for failing to show up to court. Drivers who have many violations are at risk of increased fines, higher insurance rates, and loss of their driving privileges.

Common Traffic Violations to Fight

Some traffic violations are civil violations which include points on your driving record and a fine. Traffic violations include moving violations (related to driving) and non-moving violations (related to the vehicle or where the vehicle is parked). Moving violations include speeding, running a red light, running a stop sign, or failing to signal a lane change. More serious traffic violations can be charged as a misdemeanor. Driving violations that can be criminal charges include drunk driving, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or driving without a license.

Do I Have to Go to Court for a Traffic Ticket?

When you get pulled over by the police and given a ticket, the ticket will usually indicate your court date and where in Burlingame the courthouse is located. Drivers generally have the option of pleading guilty and paying the fine without showing up the court. However, if drivers want to fight the ticket, they usually have to show up in person. If you can’t make your court date, you have to contact the court to reschedule the appearance before the date on your ticket. If you fail to show up for your court appearance, the judge can find you guilty and may even issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

How Do I Fight a Traffic Ticket?

Fighting a traffic ticket involves showing the judge that you did not violate the traffic laws based on state or local traffic codes. If you really want to fight a traffic ticket you have to do some work, including gathering any evidence in support of your case and research. If you show up with only your statement that you didn’t break the law, the judge may not be very moved.

How Long Does a Traffic Violation Stay on Your Record In California?

The time a traffic violation stays on your record is generally determined by the state. California has its own traffic laws and licensing requirements. Some less serious offenses may only stay on your record for a limited time, such as two to five years. However, more serious offenses or repeated traffic violations can be permanent marks on your California driving record or criminal record.

How Much Will a Traffic Ticket Cost?

The fines associated with a traffic ticket generally depend on the type of offense and the driver’s record. A minor non-moving violation like overstaying a parking meter may be less than $100. A more serious moving violation like drunk driving (DUI/DWI) can cost up to $1,000, and even include jail time. In some cases, the cost of the traffic violation will be shown on the traffic ticket. Some traffic tickets have greater charges (and penalties) depending on the degree of the violation. For example, driving 5 miles over the speed limit is generally a lesser ticket compared to driving 20 miles or more over the speed limit. For some drivers, the traffic court will offer traffic school and a fine as a way to keep the points off your record. In that situation, you’d have to pay the fine and pay for traffic school. Traffic school is a class you attend where there is a presentation on traffic safety, traffic accident dangers, and California traffic laws.

How Long Do You Have To Pay a Traffic Violation in California?

The amount of time you have to pay a traffic violation depends on a few factors. Generally, California law provides the time limit for paying a traffic ticket. Some citations indicate the due date on the ticket itself. You may also need to factor in how the payment is made. Online payments may be more immediate than sending a check in the mail or trying to pay the fine in person at the courthouse. If you need more time to pay a ticket, contact the court to see if you can get an extension so you don’t get hit with additional fines or end up with a warrant for your arrest.

Can a Traffic Ticket Lawyer Fight the Violation?

In most cases, a traffic ticket attorney can represent you in municipal court to fight the charges. Legal representation can be a lot of help because the defense lawyer understands local traffic codes and California traffic law. With legal advice from a defense attorney, you may be able to get the violation dismissed, keep points off your record, keep your driver’s license, and keep your insurance premiums down.

How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney can often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. You should seek out an attorney whose practice focuses on the area of law most relevant to your issue.

How to Prepare for Your Initial Consultation

Prepare for your consultation by writing down notes of your understanding of the case, jot down questions and concerns for the attorney, and gather your documents. Remember that you are trying to get a sense of whether the attorney has your trust and can help you address your legal issues. Questions should include how the attorney intends to resolve your issue, how many years he/she has been practicing law and specifically practicing in your area, as well as how many cases similar to yours the attorney has handled. It can also be helpful to broach the subject of fees so that you understand the likely cost and structure of your representation by a specific attorney and/or legal team.

Types of legal fees:

Bill by the hour: Many attorneys bill by the hour. How much an attorney bills you per hour will vary based on a number of factors. For instance, an attorney’s hourly fee may fluctuate based on whether that hour is spent representing you in court or doing research on your case. Attorneys in one practice area may bill you more than attorneys in a different practice area.

Contingent fee: Some lawyers will accept payment via contingent fee. In this arrangement, the lawyer receives a percentage of the total monetary recovery if you win your lawsuit. In sum, the lawyer only gets paid if you win. Contingent fee agreements are limited to specific practice areas in civil law.

Flat fee: For “routine” legal work where the attorney generally knows the amount of time and resources necessary to complete the task, he/she may be willing to bill you a flat fee for services performed.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.