Traffic Ticket Attorneys | Glendale Los Angeles, CA 91205
How to Request the County Seat and Fight Your California Traffic Ticket
We all know traffic tickets can be a hassle. Not only that, but they can be costly and sometimes unwarranted. For instance, imagine you’re driving in an unfamiliar place, and you get lost, ultimately making a wrong turn. As you try to reroute yourself, an officer pulls you over and is unforgiving of your distressing situation, ending in a traffic citation. Normally, if you want to contest the citation, you’ll have to travel miles away from your home to the area you got your ticket to fight the case. Luckily, in California you can ask for your case to be relocated to a better location by requesting the county seat at the time of conviction. This gives you the chance to contest the ticket in a more centralized location and may help dismiss your case altogether. But what is the county seat? The county is classified as the governmental center of a particular county and is typically located in the downtown area of large cities. Thus, if your home or place of employment is closer to the county seat courthouse rather than where you were cited, you can ask for your case to be heard at the county seat instead, […]
We all know traffic tickets can be a hassle. Not only that, but they can be costly and sometimes unwarranted. For instance, imagine you’re driving in an unfamiliar place, and you get lost, ultimately making a wrong turn. As you try to reroute yourself, an officer pulls you over and is unforgiving of your distressing situation, ending in a traffic citation. Normally, if you want to contest the citation, you’ll have to travel miles away from your home to the area you got your ticket to fight the case. Luckily, in California you can ask for your case to be relocated to a better location by requesting the county seat at the time of conviction. This gives you the chance to contest the ticket in a more centralized location and may help dismiss your case altogether. But what is the county seat? The county is classified as the governmental center of a particular county and is typically located in the downtown area of large cities. Thus, if your home or place of employment is closer to the county seat courthouse rather than where you were cited, you can ask for your case to be heard at the county seat instead, according to section 40502(b) of the California Vehicle Code. This can be helpful in large counties such as Los Angeles that can stretch for thousands of miles or in areas where you are unfamiliar with the court proceedings. Why You Should Request the County Seat Besides moving your case to a better location, you even have a chance of getting the case dismissed and here’s why: The county seat may be far from where the officer cited you—meaning the officer will have to take time away from their regular patrol duties to drive all the way to where your case is being held to contest the ticket. This makes it more likely for the officer to not show up, easily dismissing your case. The police officer may also not be familiar with the county seat’s court procedures or policies, making it more difficult for them to contest the ticket. If the county seat is in your immediate area, the judge may be more lenient on you because you’re a local resident, giving you an immediate advantage. How to Request the County Seat If you want to ask for the county seat, you must do it at the time you are being cited. Once you feel the officer that stopped you will issue a citation, ask for your case to be heard at the county seat. If the police officer writes your ticket without telling you first, still request the county seat and make a note saying “requested the county seat” next to your signature when asked to sign the ticket. This way, even if the officer refuses your request, it can still help build a defense for your case dismissal. Keep in mind that after you ask for a change in venue, the officer will know you are contesting the ticket and may make more detailed notes for the judge about the incident. Also, be sure to let the police officer know you live closer to the county seat as a valid reason to change the location. What You Should Do Next So, you requested the county seat and are back home, anxiously awaiting your court date. Now what? Best course of action is to contact a traffic expert, such as a traffic ticket attorney, and discuss the possibilities of winning your case with them. Many tickets are dismissed because the police officer fails to appear or doesn’t remember the case well enough in court—and this is where an attorney comes in handy. With the help of a traffic ticket attorney, you can get your case dismissed without ever having to step foot in courtroom—so you can rest easy while they do all the heavy lifting. Traffic ticket attorneys help guide you through the process—filing necessary paperwork, appearing in court on your behalf, speaking with the judge, and updating you in real-time on how your case is coming along. For a free consultation, contact the law offices of Scott Desind & Klijian, a long-standing traffic ticket firm that specializes in Los Angeles cases. Call (310) 455-6810 today to speak to a traffic expert and get your case dismissed. Counties & County Seats in California: Alameda County | Oakland Alpine County | Markleeville Amador County | Jackson Butte County | Oroville Calaveras County | San Andreas City and County of San Francisco | San Francisco Colusa County | Colusa Contra Contra County | Martinez Del Norte County | Crescent City El Dorado County | Placerville Fresno County | Fresno Glenn County | Willows Humboldt County | Eureka Imperial County | El Centro Inyo County | Independence Kern County | Bakersfield Kings County | Hanford Lake County | Lakeport Lassen County | Susanville Los Angeles County | Los Angeles Madera County | Madera Marin County | San Rafael Mariposa County | Mariposa Mendocino County | Ukiah Merced County | Merced Modoc County | Alturas Mono County | Bridgeport Monterey County | Salinas Napa County | Napa Nevada County | Nevada City Orange County | Santa Ana Placer County | Auburn Plumas County | Quincy Riverside County | Riverside Sacramento County | Sacramento San Benito County | Hollister San Bernardino County | San Bernardino San Diego County | San Diego San Joaquin County | Stockton San Luis Obispo County | San Luis Obispo San Mateo County | Redwood City Santa Barbara County | Santa Barbara Santa Clara County | San Jose Santa Cruz County | Santa Cruz Shasta County | Redding Sierra County | Downieville Siskiyou County | Yreka Solano County | Fairfield Sonoma County | Santa Rosa Stanislaus County | Modesto Sutter County | Yuba City Tehama County | Red Bluff Trinity County | Weaverville Tulare County | Visalia Tuolumne County | Sonora Ventura County | Ventura Yolo County | Woodland Yuba County | Marysville Photo: https://www.canva.com/
As Cell Phone use becomes more prevalent in our everyday lives, it is no wonder traffic laws are being implemented to regulate the safe use of Electronic Devices. Studies show that a majority of people use a Cell Phone or Electronic Device while driving and the number of distracted drivers on the road has increased with our continued reliance on these devices. Whether you’re making your local commute or running commonplace errands, be wary of sending that last text because it could result in a traffic violation and possibly a point on your driving record. Since distracted drivers first became a concern in California, restrictions on Electronic Device use (while driving) have skyrocketed. According to existing California law, using a wireless Cell Phone while driving that is not “specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and/or talking” is prohibited while operating a motor vehicle. This includes texting, scrolling through social media, checking emails and other uses that can distract drivers. Current law also prohibits Cell Phone or Electronic Device use while driving unless it has “voice-operated and hands-free operation” as part of its key functions. This means even touching or holding your Electronic Device while driving could get you […]
<img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-4113" src="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Podcast-Facebook-Post-300x251.jpg" alt="" width="273" height="228" srcset="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Podcast-Facebook-Post-300x251.jpg 300w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Podcast-Facebook-Post-768x644.jpg 768w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Podcast-Facebook-Post.jpg 940w" sizes="(max-width: 273px) 100vw, 273px" />As Cell Phone use becomes more prevalent in our everyday lives, it is no wonder traffic laws are being implemented to regulate the safe use of Electronic Devices. Studies show that a majority of people use a Cell Phone or Electronic Device while driving and the number of distracted drivers on the road has increased with our continued reliance on these devices. Whether you’re making your local commute or running commonplace errands, be wary of sending that last text because it could result in a traffic violation and possibly a point on your driving record. Since distracted drivers first became a concern in California, restrictions on Electronic Device use (while driving) have skyrocketed. According to existing California law, using a wireless Cell Phone while driving that is not “specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and/or talking” is prohibited while operating a motor vehicle. This includes texting, scrolling through social media, checking emails and other uses that can distract drivers. Current law also prohibits Cell Phone or Electronic Device use while driving unless it has “voice-operated and hands-free operation” as part of its key functions. This means even touching or holding your Electronic Device while driving could get you pulled over. For young drivers (18 years of age or younger), the law is even more restrictive. California Drivers, 18 years of age or younger, are prohibited from using their Cell Phones at any point while driving. This applies even if they’re Cell Phones are equipped with hands-free technology. Existing law had previously stated that hands-free violations under Vehicle Code Sections 23123 (a) & 23123.5 (a) were exempt from receiving points on your driving record, but that all changed when Assembly Bill-47, was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newson on July 1, 2021. This new law specifies that repeat Electronic Device violations that occur within a 36 month period will now result in points on your Motor Vehicle Record. It is important to remember that if you get 4 points in one year, 6 points in two years or 8 points in three years your Driver’s License may end up getting suspended or even revoked altogether. Luckily, we have been in the business of helping people fight traffic tickets for over 25 years. If you’re concerned about your driving record in accordance with the new bill or other traffic tickets, we are always here to help! Contact us today at (310) 455-6810 or submit your information through our website. Photo: https://www.canva.com/
Ever since the California Vehicle Act of 1914 created the laws pertaining to vehicles and driving, the California Vehicle Code has slowly evolved into what we know today. Before 1969, traffic violations were handled as criminal misdemeanor offences. You could actually demand a jury trial for any sort of traffic violation: (e.g., Speeding, Red Light, etc.). The law was amended on January 1, 1969 which created the “Infraction.” To this day, traffic matters in California are still handled as criminal proceedings which means that you are innocent until proven guilty. However, many people are under the impression that they need to fight the ticket, or attend traffic school, to remove the conviction from their driving record. This is incorrect. You are fighting the ticket to prevent the conviction or points from going on your driving record. The California Department of Motor Vehicles uses a point system to determine the driving capabilities of each driver. For example, if you accumulate the following: *Four points within 12 months *Six points within 24 months *Eight points within 36 months You will (most likely) lose your Driver’s License or the privilege of driving in the great state of California. Each traffic infraction, that is […]
<img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4066 alignleft" src="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Untitled-design-4-300x169.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="169" srcset="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Untitled-design-4-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Untitled-design-4.jpg 560w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Ever since the California Vehicle Act of 1914 created the laws pertaining to vehicles and driving, the California Vehicle Code has slowly evolved into what we know today. Before 1969, traffic violations were handled as criminal misdemeanor offences. You could actually demand a jury trial for any sort of traffic violation: (e.g., Speeding, Red Light, etc.). The law was amended on January 1, 1969 which created the “Infraction.” To this day, traffic matters in California are still handled as criminal proceedings which means that you are innocent until proven guilty. However, many people are under the impression that they need to fight the ticket, or attend traffic school, to remove the conviction from their driving record. This is incorrect. You are fighting the ticket to prevent the conviction or points from going on your driving record. The California Department of Motor Vehicles uses a point system to determine the driving capabilities of each driver. For example, if you accumulate the following: *Four points within 12 months *Six points within 24 months *Eight points within 36 months You will (most likely) lose your Driver’s License or the privilege of driving in the great state of California. Each traffic infraction, that is identified as a moving violation, consists of one or two points on your driving record. For example, if you plead guilty, or are found guilty, of a Basic Speed Law violation (e.g., 50-mph in a 35-mph zone), or a Stop Sign violation, you will receive one point on your driving record. If you plead guilty, or are found guilty, of Speeding in Excess of 100 mph. you will receive two points on your driving record. If you have a non-moving violation, (e.g., Broken Taillight, Tinted windows, etc.), you will not receive a point on your driving record. An attorney can help you differentiate between these two. These convictions (points)tare amassed by the violation date. That is, the date that you received the traffic ticket. Most people wrongly assume that it goes by the conviction date. This is incorrect! It is important to note that these points typically stay on your driving record for seven years. However, they only affect your insurance rates for three years. Most Traffic Attorneys give free consultations and can often help you litigate your traffic ticket with great results. It may be worth it to take advantage of their expertise. Contact us today if you need help. We have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets and helping people reinstate their license. Photo: https://www.canva.com/
5 Ticket Errors To Help You Avoid A DUI Ticket
If you have ever left a party after a few drinks, perfectly capable of driving, and been pulled over by law enforcement, you have probably been issued a ticket for DUI, or driving under the influence. DUI tickets become more common as states strengthen their driving laws. However, you may have a good chance at fighting your ticket if you identify one of these five law enforcement mistakes. Use of a Breathalyzer to Determine Alcohol Level Breathalyzers are problematic when it comes to sealing an impaired driving conviction. Because concentrated alcohol can stay in the mouth of the test taker, it is often unknown whether the reading is accurate or simply reading high because of the direct contact with alcohol. The machines often malfunction or are misused by an officer who was not correctly trained to administer the testing. Further, medical conditions can impact breathalyzer readings. Individuals who experience gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, experience a backflow of stomach acid that reaches as far as the top of the esophagus. GERD is triggered by alcohol, and having backflow present at the time an individual is breathalyzed often presents a falsely high reading. Delayed Blood Alcohol Content Testing Those who […]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4032 alignleft" src="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/elevate-755076-unsplash-300x215.jpg" alt="" width="216" height="156" srcset="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/elevate-755076-unsplash-300x215.jpg 300w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/elevate-755076-unsplash-768x550.jpg 768w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/elevate-755076-unsplash-1024x733.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 216px) 100vw, 216px" />If you have ever left a party after a few drinks, perfectly capable of driving, and been pulled over by law enforcement, you have probably been issued a ticket for DUI, or driving under the influence. DUI tickets become more common as states strengthen their driving laws. However, you may have a good chance at fighting your ticket if you identify one of these five law enforcement mistakes. Use of a Breathalyzer to Determine Alcohol Level Breathalyzers are problematic when it comes to sealing an impaired driving conviction. Because concentrated alcohol can stay in the mouth of the test taker, it is often unknown whether the reading is accurate or simply reading high because of the direct contact with alcohol. The machines often malfunction or are misused by an officer who was not correctly trained to administer the testing. Further, medical conditions can impact breathalyzer readings. Individuals who experience gastro esophageal reflux disease, or GERD, experience a backflow of stomach acid that reaches as far as the top of the esophagus. GERD is triggered by alcohol, and having backflow present at the time an individual is breathalyzed often presents a falsely high reading. Delayed Blood Alcohol Content Testing Those who refuse a field sobriety test are taken to a hospital emergency room to have blood drawn to test their blood alcohol content. Emergency rooms triage vital cases first, so a healthy individual waiting for a blood draw would be less of a priority than a car crash, stroke, or gun shot wound. That individual is likely to wait until all urgent cases are treated before having their blood drawn. Alcohol does not immediately enter the blood stream. The body must break it down into simple sugars before it is detected in the blood. Because of the delay in the emergency room, an individual’s blood alcohol content can read significantly higher than it would have at the time of arrest. Mishandled Blood Testing Blood is drawn and tested by hospital staff following their chain of custody procedures, not law enforcement’s. Improper storage of blood, as well as lab contamination, could account for a higher blood alcohol content. Additionally, if blood is drawn and allowed to sit before being tested, the alcohol in the blood will ferment, producing a higher blood alcohol content. Lack of Miranda Rights While the reading of the Miranda rights is necessary for any arrest, it does not necessarily happen. If the law enforcement agent performing the arrest on a suspected inebriated driver forgets to inform them of their Miranda rights, or, in a haste does not state them properly, the arrest and all subsequent charges are void. Paperwork Mishandling Errors in paperwork are most commonly caught by the lawyer representing the accused. The lawyer examines the entire arrest record, searching for inconsistencies. The initial field documentation, testimony of the arresting officer, and any depositions are scanned. Even the smallest inaccuracy leaves room for doubt in the eye of the law. The lawyer also looks for outright fabrications. If these are found, the case will be immediately dismissed. Those pulled over after drinking do not need to fear that a DUI will leave a mark on their permanent record. Field sobriety tests that include a breathalyzer are often inaccurate, especially if the individual has a medical condition. Blood draws to determine blood alcohol content are often delayed, indicating false readings, or even inappropriately handled by hospital staff. Law enforcement agents do make mistakes, be it forgetting to Mirandize a suspect at the time of arrest or simply fudging paperwork. There is hope that the charge will be overturned. Contact us today if you need help. We have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets and helping people reinstate their license. Photo: https://www.unsplash.com/
Imagine leaving your gym after an intense morning workout and driving to your favorite café for a large latte with almond soy milk. After convincing yourself its worth the almost $5.00 to satisfy your craving for a caffeinated post-workout treat, you leave the café and return to your car to find a $60.00 parking ticket under your windshield wiper. Shocked at what you see, the savory taste of your latte suddenly seems sour, and emotions of anger start to rage inside of you. After calming down, you read that your ticket is for a street cleaning violation and that the fine must be paid by a certain date to avoid additional late fees. Although you see other cars with a ticket, you notice that the street cleaning sign is bent and it’s nearly impossible to see the days and times the street sweeper person is supposed to arrive. Whether the damaged sign is the result of bad weather or vandalism, you decide to challenge a parking ticket you feel is not your fault by taking out your phone and searching “How to get out of paying a parking ticket” on Google. Surprisingly, you discover parking ticket apps that can be […]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4029 size-medium alignleft" src="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/jordan-300359-unsplash-1-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" srcset="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/jordan-300359-unsplash-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/jordan-300359-unsplash-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/jordan-300359-unsplash-1-819x1024.jpg 819w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px" />Imagine leaving your gym after an intense morning workout and driving to your favorite café for a large latte with almond soy milk. After convincing yourself its worth the almost $5.00 to satisfy your craving for a caffeinated post-workout treat, you leave the café and return to your car to find a $60.00 parking ticket under your windshield wiper. Shocked at what you see, the savory taste of your latte suddenly seems sour, and emotions of anger start to rage inside of you. After calming down, you read that your ticket is for a street cleaning violation and that the fine must be paid by a certain date to avoid additional late fees. Although you see other cars with a ticket, you notice that the street cleaning sign is bent and it’s nearly impossible to see the days and times the street sweeper person is supposed to arrive. Whether the damaged sign is the result of bad weather or vandalism, you decide to challenge a parking ticket you feel is not your fault by taking out your phone and searching “How to get out of paying a parking ticket” on Google. Surprisingly, you discover parking ticket apps that can be download to your phone, with support staff experienced in getting tickets like yours dismissed. Armed with your new app, you no longer feel like you paid $65 for a latte. The Parking Ticket App Option The above scenario is indicative of people who dispute parking tickets they feel are unjustified and are intent on doing something about it. The convenience of using parking ticket apps is that they are a more favorable option compared to physically going to court to dispute a case. By simply using your phone to take a picture of your parking ticket and sending it to the staff of your chosen app, there’s a good chance of getting your ticket dismissed. Below, are popular parking ticket apps that people can download to their phone, along with key features and services offered by each. Fixed – Featured on the popular Shark Tank show. Customers send in a photo of their parking ticket and are matched with an attorney who will review the ticket for potential “mistakes and errors” to see if the case can be argued for dismissal. Customers reported an average rating of 1.5 in the Google App Store (https://play.google.com), citing lack of ease in using app features and unreliable customer service. Off the Record: The key features of this app include customers being matched with an attorney who meets their specific budget and needs, and the ability to communicate via online chat to discuss the parking ticket. Customers reported an average rating of 4.5 stars on iTunes (www.iTunes.apple.com), citing getting favorable results from their case, easy use of app features, and good customer support. WinIt: Primarily a New York based service, WinIt allows customers to send in a picture of their parking ticket to a legal team who will review it. Instead of paying a fee upfront, the customer only pays until after a legal adviser wins the dispute. An added feature is the ability to dispute both traffic and parking tickets. Customers report an average of 4 stars for app features and quality of service on TrackingMore (www.trackingmore.com). GetDismissed: Primarily California based, customers can send in a picture of their ticket and driver’s license, along with explaining circumstances of their case. This information is used to produce the customer’s “defense documents” that is completed on the app, which is then submitted to the court without the customer having to appear. Customers report an average rating of 4 stars on Trustpilot (www.trustpilot.com) related to app features and quality of service. Still the Best Option, Hire a Traffic Ticket Attorney While parking apps provide some level of convenience in having access to a ready-made service that you download to your phone, they may be inefficient in other important ways. For example, customers may not be able to talk to a person when they have a question that needs to me answered and instead are forced to send an email and wait 24 hours for a response. Another issue is that customers can’t really know if the attorney assigned to them has enough experience or is going to show enough interest in truly representing their case. These are reasons why meeting with an attorney in person to see if she/he has experience in fighting parking ticket cases and has a winning track record is the better option. Below are 5 reasons why going the traditional route and hiring an attorney could be the best way to fight a bothersome parking ticket: Attorneys know the ins-and-outs of the law on how to fight parking tickets An attorney can decide the best way to represent you in court If not completely dismissed, and attorney can at least get your parking ticket reduced An experienced attorney may be able to get points dismissed from your driving record An attorney could be a considerably cheaper option than using the services of a parking app Getting a parking ticket is not a pleasant experience and taking a proactive stance to challenge it is an important first step. Instead of using an app to work on your ticket, hiring an attorney who has the experience, charges an affordable fee, and demonstrates a commitment to being on your side, could be the most efficient and cost-effective way to rid yourself of that pesky parking ticket. Contact us today if you need help in fighting a traffic or parking ticket. We have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets and helping people reinstate their license. Photo: https://www.unsplash.com/
Owning a car can be a great convenience. But that convenience does come with some drawbacks, including parking problems. It can be difficult to find a legal parking place, especially in crowded cities such as New York City. Over 11.7 million parking tickets were issued in the Big Apple alone during 2018. Parking tickets are a source of municipal revenue, but also of driver confusion, and there are many misconceptions about illegal parking. Here are some common parking ticket myths: Myth: No matter who owns the car, the person who was driving it at the time is the one responsible for the parking ticket. Fact: Legally, the owner of the vehicle is responsible. Even if the owner didn’t know someone else was using the vehicle (for example, if a family member borrowed the keys without permission), the owner still has to pay the ticket. The exception is if the vehicle was stolen. In that case, the owner needs to present a police report. Myth: Receiving a parking ticket will cause the owner’s auto insurance rate to go up. Fact: Insurance companies do not increase rates for parking tickets and some other minor violations. However, traffic tickets for more severe violations, […]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-4014 size-medium alignleft" src="http://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/matt-alaniz-360988-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/matt-alaniz-360988-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/matt-alaniz-360988-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/matt-alaniz-360988-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Owning a car can be a great convenience. But that convenience does come with some drawbacks, including parking problems. It can be difficult to find a legal parking place, especially in crowded cities such as New York City. Over 11.7 million parking tickets were issued in the Big Apple alone during 2018. Parking tickets are a source of municipal revenue, but also of driver confusion, and there are many misconceptions about illegal parking. Here are some common parking ticket myths: Myth: No matter who owns the car, the person who was driving it at the time is the one responsible for the parking ticket. Fact: Legally, the owner of the vehicle is responsible. Even if the owner didn’t know someone else was using the vehicle (for example, if a family member borrowed the keys without permission), the owner still has to pay the ticket. The exception is if the vehicle was stolen. In that case, the owner needs to present a police report. Myth: Receiving a parking ticket will cause the owner’s auto insurance rate to go up. Fact: Insurance companies do not increase rates for parking tickets and some other minor violations. However, traffic tickets for more severe violations, such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license, can absolutely cause rates to jump. Myth: If the driver is standing right by the car, the parking officer can’t give him a ticket. Fact: The car’s location is what matters, not the driver’s. Even if the driver is still sitting inside the car, if the car is parked illegally, it can be ticketed. Myth: Illegal parking is not really a crime and could never result in jail time. Fact: Some people would call anything against the law a crime, but the more precise term for a parking violation is “civil offense.” Civil offenses are legally very different from crimes such as reckless driving, burglary, assault, or grand larceny, but a parking ticket can still be a serious matter. Unpaid parking tickets can result in a judge issuing a bench warrant for the owner’s arrest. In addition, some states consider certain parking violations to be misdemeanor crimes, such as unauthorized parking in handicap spaces. Myth: If I get into my car before it’s towed, the tow truck driver can’t tow it away, and he’ll have to unhook it. Fact: While it’s true that a vehicle cannot legally be towed with someone inside, that doesn’t mean the owner – or the car – is off the hook. If the owner refuses to get out of the car, the tow truck driver can call the police. The police can forcibly remove the owner, who will then be facing additional charges besides just the parking issues. Myth: Parking laws are basically the same everywhere. Fact: Some parking regulations are similar from state to state. Parking in a handicap spot without the proper placard, plate, or permit is always illegal; however, the penalties for doing so can differ. Other laws, such as how far away you must park from a fire hydrant or intersection, can vary, even from city to city. Tickets are based on the laws in the area where the car currently is, not where it came from. Drivers need to be aware of the parking laws anywhere they go. One solution to the problem of finding parking is to use public transportation. Often the cities with the most challenging parking situations, such as New York, San Francisco, or Chicago, also have robust public transportation systems. But when driving and parking are necessary, knowing the truth about parking tickets can go a long way toward reducing parking headaches. Contact us today if you need help in fighting a traffic or parking ticket. We have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets and helping people reinstate their license. Photo: https://www.unsplash.com/
Prepare to Fight a Speeding Tickets, It Is Financially Prudent
Receiving a speeding ticket is never pleasant. Moreover, between the cost and inconvenience associated with paying a ticket off, it’s easy for anyone—particularly those who hadn’t previously received a moving violation—to become frustrated. However, what many don’t know is that fighting a speeding ticket in court (as opposed to simply paying the corresponding fine) is effective in a surprising number of instances; those who successfully undertake the process of disputing a speeding ticket clear their name and driving record, save a substantial sum of money immediately, and save an even greater amount of money in the long term by preventing a rise in insurance rates. To maximize the chances of successfully disputing a speeding ticket and to help make this process as simple and straightforward as possible, here are some ultra-useful tips! Be Polite to the Responding Officer This tip will prove useful for those who’ve already received a ticket (useful in future instances, that is) and those who’re reading to gain an advantage should they be pulled over by police at a later time. Being polite to the responding officer is more than common courtesy; it’s an acknowledgement that this law enforcement professional has a difficult and frequently taxing […]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-4004 size-medium" src="http://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/jordan-300359-unsplash-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" srcset="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/jordan-300359-unsplash-240x300.jpg 240w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/jordan-300359-unsplash-768x960.jpg 768w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/jordan-300359-unsplash-819x1024.jpg 819w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 240px) 100vw, 240px" />Receiving a speeding ticket is never pleasant. Moreover, between the cost and inconvenience associated with paying a ticket off, it’s easy for anyone—particularly those who hadn’t previously received a moving violation—to become frustrated. However, what many don’t know is that fighting a speeding ticket in court (as opposed to simply paying the corresponding fine) is effective in a surprising number of instances; those who successfully undertake the process of disputing a speeding ticket clear their name and driving record, save a substantial sum of money immediately, and save an even greater amount of money in the long term by preventing a rise in insurance rates. To maximize the chances of successfully disputing a speeding ticket and to help make this process as simple and straightforward as possible, here are some ultra-useful tips! Be Polite to the Responding Officer This tip will prove useful for those who’ve already received a ticket (useful in future instances, that is) and those who’re reading to gain an advantage should they be pulled over by police at a later time. Being polite to the responding officer is more than common courtesy; it’s an acknowledgement that this law enforcement professional has a difficult and frequently taxing job, and that he or she deserves a break. Answer questions politely and respectfully, use a kind tone of voice, and avoid making quick movements (ask for permission to reach into the glove compartment to receive registration information) to render this officer’s job as painless as possible. Doing so may even prompt him or her to “go easy” and replace a speeding ticket with a warning. Moreover, the alternative—being nasty, rude, and/or inconsiderate to a police officer—can produce additional legal charges and, more likely than that, prompt this officer to defend against the charges made by appearing in court. The latter greatly reduces the chances of a ticket being successfully disputed. Gather Evidence Prior to the Defense Date For those who intend to beat a speeding ticket in court, last-minute evidence gathering won’t cut it. Long before the established trial, all manner of pertinent evidence, including the time of the day that the ticket was issued, the approximate speed one was traveling at when pulled over, the shape and style of the nearby road (be sure to mention hills and/or ice that may have increased the speed of the vehicle), should be compiled, memorized, and neatly summarized in a single document. Other arguments, including those pertaining to the accuracy of the radar gun used to measure speed, should also be researched and supported with statistics. Practicing answers to potential questions (those relating to speed, rate of travel, and the overall defense) is also a very good idea. Photograph (or Draw) the Section of the Road Where the Ticket Was Issued Speaking of “the hill down the street from the Mountain View Hotel” probably won’t be enough to convince a judge that a speeding ticket was unjustly issued. A good rule of thumb is that if a family member or friend can’t envision one’s defense without diagrams and/or pictures, a judge will likely have difficulty doing so—and difficulty overturning the ticket. Instead, defenders should photograph, record, and/or draw the section of the road where the ticket was issued, with an emphasis on how this information will impact the defense argument itself. As was said, nearby hills, ice, less-than-clear speed limit indicators, and more are valuable supporting points to any speeding defense. It should also be noted that images of the road in-question enhance the professionalism of the defender and make it look like he or she has a legitimate case; both of these points bode well for the verdict. There’s nothing fun about receiving a speeding ticket, but getting a ticket doesn’t necessarily mean one has to get stuck with a ticket. These tips should make defenses as solid and success-oriented as possible. Hopefully the desired results will be achieved. Contact us today if you need help in fighting a traffic ticket. We have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets and helping people reinstate their license. Photo: https://www.unsplash.com/
Everyone talks about the dangers of texting and driving, but most people don’t think about the potential penalties of driving and texting if they happen to get caught. There are many fines and punishments that can be imposed for violating this law, but there are also ways to beat the laws in some cases. California is one of the many states that is cracking down on the use of smartphones while driving, creating stricter laws and punishments for drivers of all ages. Statistics Point to Stricter Laws Studies done have shown that 1 of every 8 drivers is using a smartphone while driving, and giving it as much as attention as they are giving the road. It has been estimated by safety officials that 80% of crashes in California involve some kind of distracted driving. Lately, it has been predominantly distraction due to cell phone use. The law was designed to cover all types of smartphone use, including social media, music applications, video chats, and other features that are completely unnecessary while driving. As of 2017, the state made it illegal for drivers to hold a cellphone, for any reason, while they are driving a vehicle. Allowing for exceptions made […]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-4000 size-medium" src="http://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/adult-blur-bokeh-230557-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/adult-blur-bokeh-230557-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/adult-blur-bokeh-230557-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/adult-blur-bokeh-230557-1024x684.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /> Everyone talks about the dangers of texting and driving, but most people don’t think about the potential penalties of driving and texting if they happen to get caught. There are many fines and punishments that can be imposed for violating this law, but there are also ways to beat the laws in some cases. California is one of the many states that is cracking down on the use of smartphones while driving, creating stricter laws and punishments for drivers of all ages. Statistics Point to Stricter Laws Studies done have shown that 1 of every 8 drivers is using a smartphone while driving, and giving it as much as attention as they are giving the road. It has been estimated by safety officials that 80% of crashes in California involve some kind of distracted driving. Lately, it has been predominantly distraction due to cell phone use. The law was designed to cover all types of smartphone use, including social media, music applications, video chats, and other features that are completely unnecessary while driving. As of 2017, the state made it illegal for drivers to hold a cellphone, for any reason, while they are driving a vehicle. Allowing for exceptions made it difficult for law enforcement to know when to stop drivers for illegal phone use, so that is no longer an issue. Of course, those who are utilizing a GPS feature on their phone, for example, might be able to beat a citation in court. There are other exceptions, including: Making emergency calls Operating an authorized emergency vehicle Operating a vehicle on private property Those who were using speakerphone or were parked while using the device should also not be cited under the new law. No Exceptions for Minors Any driver under the age of 18 is not allowed to operate a vehicle with a cellphone or any other device in their hands, at all. Unlike adult drivers, teens have less experience on the road. Lawmakers felt that drawing the line for exceptions at the age of 18 was wise to increase driver safety and help teens develop safe driving habits. Citations and Fines According to the vehicle code that the new law falls under, someone cited for driving and texting could face an initial fine of up to $150, depending on the situation in which they were caught using a cellphone. Typically, a base fine of $20 is charged for the initial offense. Subsequent offenses will start with a base fine of $50. These amounts do not include any additional fines for additional violations, court costs associated with fighting or paying the ticket, or other fees that may be assessed. Those charged with this citation should ask the officer the amount of the fine. If they cannot provide it at the time of the traffic stop, they will advise the driver on how to find out what the fine is going to be. At the officer’s discretion, some citations may be issued with a required court appearance in lieu of a straightforward fine, but this is rare. How to Avoid Citations In order to avoid a citation for driving and texting, drivers must be using the device in a hands-free manner. Aside from the exceptions listed above, the phone cannot be in the driver’s hands at any time. Many people rely on the use of voice-activated features and car audio integration, where they can access the phone’s necessary controls from the radio dials or the steering wheel controls found in most cars these days. Although the law goes into further detail stating that a driver can only touch the phone once without being cited, it is unlikely that will be easy for law enforcement to track. Phones must be mounted on the vent, console, dashboard, or windshield of the car, and cannot block the line of sight for the driver. Following these guidelines will prevent driving while texting citations in California. Contact us today if you need help in fighting a traffic ticket. We have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets and helping people reinstate their license. Photo: https://www.pexels.com/
How To Avoid A Moving Violation On A Motorcycle
Motorcyclists who want to clear their driving history can attend personalized traffic schools to circumvent insurance fees or license suspension. For even more ways to avoid a moving violation on a motorcycle, check out the following points. Taking a Short Ban Instead of Points You can see if the court will offer a short disqualification rather than authorizing penalty points to your license. You’ll want to find someone who will drive you throughout this ban on driving. Educational Safety Courses The updated law, known as Assembly Bill 1932 and passed by Governor Jerry Brown during September, permits state-sanctioned safety classes to serve as moving violation curriculums with the support of the DMV. “Traffic courses are not intended for motorcycles in the slightest,” mentioned a teacher at the Honda Rider Center for Education in Colton, Nadalie Logan. “They are geared more towards traditional vehicles.” R-Big Bear Assemblyman Jay Obernolte proposed this bill earlier in the year. The mayor of Big Bear Lake in earlier times described how the updated bill would give those who receive a moving violation on a motorcycle the alternative of going to a traffic course customized for bi-wheeled vehicles. This would contribute to the general safety of […]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-3991 " src="http://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/adult-adventure-asphalt-969679-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="169" height="112" srcset="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/adult-adventure-asphalt-969679-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/adult-adventure-asphalt-969679-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/adult-adventure-asphalt-969679-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/adult-adventure-asphalt-969679.jpg 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 169px) 100vw, 169px" /> Motorcyclists who want to clear their driving history can attend personalized traffic schools to circumvent insurance fees or license suspension. For even more ways to avoid a moving violation on a motorcycle, check out the following points. Taking a Short Ban Instead of Points You can see if the court will offer a short disqualification rather than authorizing penalty points to your license. You’ll want to find someone who will drive you throughout this ban on driving. Educational Safety Courses The updated law, known as Assembly Bill 1932 and passed by Governor Jerry Brown during September, permits state-sanctioned safety classes to serve as moving violation curriculums with the support of the DMV. “Traffic courses are not intended for motorcycles in the slightest,” mentioned a teacher at the Honda Rider Center for Education in Colton, Nadalie Logan. “They are geared more towards traditional vehicles.” R-Big Bear Assemblyman Jay Obernolte proposed this bill earlier in the year. The mayor of Big Bear Lake in earlier times described how the updated bill would give those who receive a moving violation on a motorcycle the alternative of going to a traffic course customized for bi-wheeled vehicles. This would contribute to the general safety of California roadways and help riders avoid these situations in the future. Motorcycle Safety Program in California The Honda Education Center teaches and certifies around 1,000 bikers each year with its safety classes. It is one of numerous California Highway Patrol-supported safety courses for motorcyclists in the entire state. It’s also been required for a long time now in new bikers under 21. Logan stated how the two-day classes aid riders in developing confidence by applying a mix of riding practice and in-class training. Though the teaching facilities will need to sign up to be considered a traffic school and the state will establish a bit of the rubric, Logan explained that it’s a great idea for biking veterans to lead the courses. “The courses would be a lot more effective than conventional traffic school,” mentioned the 20-year motorcyclist. “We plan on applying skills and reviewing different maneuvers. Getting to ride is always a plus.” Why You Need to Avoid Moving Violations on a Motorcycle California riders charged with a moving violation suffer “points” through the DMV depending on how serious the crime. Disobeying signs, driving in a bicycle lane and the majority of speeding cases will mean a single-point will be added to your license. Various other violations like a DUI or reckless driving could justify two points. Those who experience four points in a single year or eight points in three years will undergo a license suspension for a minimum of half a year. Riders without points are typically granted rebates with insurance policies for how safe they drive. Before the bill was approved, a few motorcyclists had the ability to avoid points being added to their license if they went to a normal traffic school. California DMV fixes the regulations and rules for these privately-operated schools, but people said that the curriculum had a bias towards automobile safety instead of the safety of motorcycles. DMV spokeswoman, Jaime Garza, stated that licensed traffic schools are going to be required to offer standard curriculum for the time being, “but they have the choice to include additional coursework explicitly to the lawful and safe use of a motorcycle.” The director of CHP’s Motorcyclist Safety Curriculum, Sgt. Larry Starkey, mentioned how more than 1 million people have attended the program since 1987. The yearly attendance rate has grown times ten throughout that time. Contact us today if you need help in fighting a traffic ticket. We have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets and helping people reinstate their license. Photo: https://www.pexels.com/
Many law enforcement officials have taken steps to increase numbers of red light cameras that are placed at intersections. They are intended to help drivers avoid running a red light. It is believed this will help lower numbers of deaths caused by accidents. Whether or not this is true, is a topic of serious debate in many cities around the country. Red Light Tickets When a vehicle goes over a sensor at an intersection and the light is red, a red light camera is triggered. It is designed to take a picture of the diver and the license plate of the vehicle. A ticket is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. It will contain a citation showing the dollar amount of the fine that must be paid and a copy of the photo evidence. The ticket will also include information on how to challenge the citation. Driver Not Registered Owner It is possible a vehicle owner’s friend or family member was driving the car. Should a driver use this to challenge their ticket, a judge may ask the vehicle owner to identify the individual in the photograph. This could cause a ticket to be dismissed. Law enforcement […]
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-3985 " src="http://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/arrows-blue-sky-clear-sky-190448-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="177" height="118" srcset="https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/arrows-blue-sky-clear-sky-190448-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/arrows-blue-sky-clear-sky-190448-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.thetrafficticketattorneys.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/arrows-blue-sky-clear-sky-190448-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 177px) 100vw, 177px" />Many law enforcement officials have taken steps to increase numbers of red light cameras that are placed at intersections. They are intended to help drivers avoid running a red light. It is believed this will help lower numbers of deaths caused by accidents. Whether or not this is true, is a topic of serious debate in many cities around the country. Red Light Tickets When a vehicle goes over a sensor at an intersection and the light is red, a red light camera is triggered. It is designed to take a picture of the diver and the license plate of the vehicle. A ticket is then mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle. It will contain a citation showing the dollar amount of the fine that must be paid and a copy of the photo evidence. The ticket will also include information on how to challenge the citation. Driver Not Registered Owner It is possible a vehicle owner’s friend or family member was driving the car. Should a driver use this to challenge their ticket, a judge may ask the vehicle owner to identify the individual in the photograph. This could cause a ticket to be dismissed. Law enforcement will then be responsible for identifying the driver and sending them the citation. Not Properly Working It is the responsibility of law enforcement to prove a red light camera device was in proper working order when a ticket is issued. It is possible to obtain evidence that clearly demonstrates a red light camera wasn’t in proper working order when a ticket is issued. If this can be proven, a ticket may be dismissed. Avoiding Greater Harm Or Accident It is possible for a person to tell a judge they ran the red light so they could avoid being involved in an accident. It is also possible they did this to avoid experiencing significant harm to themselves or another person. If a judge believes a person ran the red light out of necessity, they may find a person not guilty of a traffic violation. Unclear Image It is often possible for a person to challenge the clarity of the photo used to issue a ticket. Some drivers have successfully argued the evidence provided by the red light camera is not enough to prove their guilt. Many things can affect the clarity of the photograph provided by the red light camera. This includes weather conditions and more. An unclear image isn’t able to show the individual or vehicle that ran a red light. This means guilt can’t be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Constitutional The topic of the constitutionality of red light cameras is an ongoing discussion. The use of them to issue tickets has been banned in more than 25 states. In California, a judge hearing the recent court case of People v. Goldsmith ruled red light traffic tickets are constitutional in that state. No Accident Decrease A television station in California looked at all the accidents at intersections where red light cameras were placed. They reviewed six months of accident statistics. Out of the 32 intersections where the cameras were placed, accidents increased at 20 of them. Nine intersections experienced decreases and three remained statistically the same. The Chicago Tribune also commissioned a study of red light cameras. Those study results clearly showed the city’s red light camera program was not resulting in a decrease in accidents at intersections. Many cities around the country are not installing red light cameras or are thinking about removing the ones they have installed. The frustration for these devices is not just from drivers who can be forced to pay large fines. There are now judges who are dismissing thousands of these tickets. Many government inspectors are discovering significant flaws with this equipment. Proponents of red light cameras state they are not trying to give tickets. The goal is to try and get motorists to stop at red lights. Contact us today if you need help in fighting a traffic ticket related. We have over 25 years of experience fighting traffic tickets and helping people reinstate their license. Photo: https://www.pexels.com/