Traffic Tickets and Charges We Defend

Infractions Carry a Fine and Often a Point

Most Vehicle Code violations are infractions (Vehicle Code § 40000.1). An infraction is punished with a fine, not jail time (Los Angeles Superior Court), and a conviction for a moving violation usually adds one point to your driving record (Vehicle Code § 12810(f)).

• Speeding Tickets — driving faster than is safe for conditions, or over the state’s maximum speed limit (Vehicle Code § 22350, § 22349).
• Red Light Camera Tickets — red light tickets (Vehicle Code § 21453), including tickets issued by an automated camera system (Vehicle Code § 21455.5).
• Stop Sign Tickets — failing to stop at a stop sign (Vehicle Code § 22450).
• Open Container — an open container of alcohol in your possession while driving (Vehicle Code § 23222(a)).
• Clean Driving Record — how points reach your record, and how we work to keep them off it.

Misdemeanors Can Carry Jail Time

A misdemeanor is a criminal charge. It can be punished with up to a year in jail and a fine, and its base fine is higher than an infraction’s (Los Angeles Superior Court).

• Suspended License — driving while your license is suspended or revoked, punishable by county jail (Vehicle Code § 14601, § 14601.1).
• Reckless Driving — driving with willful or wanton disregard for safety, punishable by county jail and counted as 2 points (Vehicle Code § 23103, § 12810(c)).
• DUI — driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; a first conviction is punishable by county jail (Vehicle Code § 23152, § 23536).
• Failure to Appear — willfully missing a court date you promised to attend is a misdemeanor, whatever happens to the original ticket (Vehicle Code § 40508(a)).
• Hit and Run — leaving the scene of an accident. When only property is damaged it is a misdemeanor (Vehicle Code § 20002); when someone is hurt it can be charged as a felony (Vehicle Code § 20001).
• Exhibition of Speed — showing off speed on a road or in a parking facility, punishable by county jail (Vehicle Code § 23109(c)).
• Speed Contest — racing another vehicle, a clock or a timing device on a road or in a parking facility, punishable by county jail (Vehicle Code § 23109(a)).

Commercial Drivers Face Heavier Point Counts

A violation in a vehicle that needs a Class A or Class B license counts as one and a half times its usual points when the DMV decides whether a commercial driver is a negligent operator (Vehicle Code § 12810.5(b)). We take CDL cases anywhere in California.

• CDL Tickets — tickets and charges for commercial drivers, in a commercial vehicle or a personal one.

We Fight Other Moving and Non-Moving Violations

Beyond the tickets above, we handle all other types of moving and non-moving violations. Our attorneys have over 45 years of combined experience in fighting traffic tickets. Contact us about your ticket.

What Does a Lawyer Cost?

The fee depends on your citation, your court and whether the charge is an infraction or a misdemeanor. See how our fees are set.

What’s the Difference Between an Infraction and a Misdemeanor?

An infraction is the lesser charge: it is punished with a fine, not jail, and you are not entitled to a court-appointed lawyer (Los Angeles Superior Court). A misdemeanor is a criminal charge that can bring up to a year in jail and a higher fine, and in Los Angeles County it is heard in the Superior Court’s Criminal Division (Los Angeles Superior Court). Either one can add points to your driving record.

My Ticket Isn’t Listed. Can You Help?

Yes. We handle all other types of moving and non-moving violations, anywhere in California. Call (310) 455-6810 or send us your ticket details for a free consultation.