Top South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco 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.

What to Expect from an Initial Consultation

• Seek to determine whether the attorney can represent you. There is no one-size-fits-all legal solution and it may turn out your needs are better served by an attorney in a different specialization.
• It’s important to find a legal ally who is both competent in the law and someone you can trust to protect your interests.
• Discuss how the practice’s billing works and discuss possible additional charges or fees that may arise during or after the resolution of your case.

An attorney consultation should provide you with enough information so that you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with legal help.

How will an attorney charge me?

A reputable attorney will be very upfront about how he/she will charge you. The three most common fee structures that attorneys use to charge for their services are:

• Bill by the hour
• Contingent fee agreement
• Flat fee agreement

Depending on your specific legal situation, it’s possible that only one type of fee structure is available. For instance, criminal defense attorneys almost always bill by the hour. In a flat fee arrangement, an attorney accepts a one-time payment to help you resolve your issue. With a contingent fee agreement, the client pays little to nothing upfront and the attorney receives a percentage of the money recovered if you win your case.

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.