Fresno Traffic Ticket Lawyer

18+ Years of Experience in Criminal Defense

When you are pulled over by law enforcement after a traffic offense, your first thought may be to drive away or to panic. It is very important that you remain calm, as police officers may ask a variety of questions of you or try to pressure you into a confession.

Stay silent and speak with our Fresno traffic ticket attorney from The Law Office of Brian C. Andritch right away. We are here to ensure your rights are not violated in or out of the courtroom.

Types of Traffic Offenses in California

Traffic offenses in California can generally be classified into three categories: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. While infractions are the least severe, misdemeanors and felonies can carry harsher penalties and serious long-term consequences.

Infractions

Traffic infractions are the least serious type of traffic violation in California. Common infractions include speeding, running a red light, stop sign violations, failure to yield and illegal parking.

While infractions are relatively minor, they can accumulate points on your license if not addressed properly. This is where a Fresno traffic ticket lawyer can help—by challenging the citation or finding ways to reduce or eliminate the points added to your record.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanor traffic violations are more serious than infractions and can result in criminal penalties. Common traffic misdemeanors include reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, driving under the influence (DUI) and Hit-and-Run.

If you are charged with a misdemeanor traffic violation, you could face criminal penalties such as jail time, probation, or community service. Additionally, a conviction could result in increased insurance premiums, a permanent criminal record, and potential issues with employment. A Fresno traffic ticket attorney can provide a strong defense to minimize these consequences.

Felonies

Felony traffic offenses are the most serious type of violation. These offenses often involve an element of intent, such as driving with the purpose of committing a crime or causing severe harm. Common felony traffic offenses include vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence with injury (DUII) and felony Hit-and-Run.

Felony convictions can result in extended jail sentences, significant fines, and permanent loss of driving privileges. If you are facing felony traffic charges, it’s crucial to have a traffic offenses attorney in Fresno who can provide a robust defense to protect your future.

What are the Consequences of a Traffic Offense?

Being charged with a serious traffic offense can be stressful and have lasting effects on your life. In addition to any criminal penalties you may face, such as time in jail or legal fines, you may find that your ability to drive is at risk.

Many traffic offense convictions may lead to the revocation or suspension of your license. Additionally, receiving a ticket can lead to points on your license and your insurance cost going up.

The penalties for traffic violations in California vary depending on the severity of the offense. While infractions typically result in fines and points, misdemeanors and felonies can carry more severe consequences.

Here’s an overview of the potential penalties:

Infractions

• Fines: The most common penalty for traffic infractions is a monetary fine. The amount can vary depending on the type of violation, but it typically ranges from $100 to $500 per citation.
• Points on Your Driving Record: Points will be added to your driving record for most traffic infractions. Accumulating too many points in a short period can result in a suspended or revoked license.
• Insurance Premiums: Traffic violations, especially those resulting in points on your record, can lead to an increase in your auto insurance premiums.

Misdemeanors

• Fines: Misdemeanor traffic violations can result in higher fines, sometimes in the range of $500 to $1,000 or more.
• Jail Time: For certain misdemeanor offenses, such as reckless driving or DUI, you may face up to 6 months in county jail.
• Probation: In some cases, a judge may impose probation, which could include restrictions on your driving, community service, or mandatory classes (such as DUI education).
• License Suspension: In some cases, a misdemeanor violation can result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.

Felonies

• Lengthy Jail Sentences: Felony traffic violations can result in significant prison time. For example, vehicular manslaughter or DUI with injury can lead to 1 to 10 years in prison, depending on the circumstances.
• Fines: Felony traffic offenses often carry substantial fines, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.
• License Revocation: A felony conviction can lead to a permanent or long-term revocation of your driver’s license.

How Are Points Added to Driving Records?

The California DMV assigns points to your license if you violate a traffic law. Accumulating a certain number of points within a given timeframe will result in the agency classifying you as a negligent operator and will suspend or revoke your driving privileges.

A Class C driver is categorized as a negligent operator if they accumulate points as follows:

• 4 or more points in 1 year
• 6 points or more in 2 years, or
• 8 points or more in 3 years

Class A and B drivers are allowed 2 additional points per period; however, a traffic violation committed by these license holders while driving a commercial vehicle results in 1½ times more points than a Class C driver.

For minors, their driver’s license could be restricted if they accumulate 2 points in 1 year, or it could be suspended if they accumulate 3 points in 1 year.

Various traffic offenses lead to different point assessments. A few are as follows:

• Disobeying a traffic officer or firefighter: 1 point
• Loading a vehicle unsafely: 1 point
• Exceeding the posted speed limit: 1 point
• Failing to stop for a school bus: 1 point
• Drinking alcohol while driving: 1 point
• Following too closely: 1 point
• Driving recklessly: 2 points
• Driving on the wrong side of the road: 2 points
• Participating in street racing: 2 points
• Driving under the influence and causing bodily injury or death: 2 points

How Long Do Points Stay on Driving Records?

The severity of the traffic offense determines how long a point will stay on your driver’s license. In general, points remain for 3 years, 3 months. However, it can be up to 13 years before a point drops from your record for more serious offenses, such as DUI.

Get a FREE Consultation with a Fresno Traffic Ticket Lawyer

We offer representation for the following common traffic offenses:

• Reckless driving
• Driving without a license
• Driving on a suspended license
• Fleeing a crime scene
• Eluding the police
• Speeding
• DUI

Our Fresno traffic attorney is a former prosecutor with extensive experience in the courtroom. We want to ensure you are aware of your rights and options and we are dedicated to keeping you updated every step of the way. You can count on us to provide you with all of the necessary information about your charges so you can make the best decisions, taking an active role in your case.