Is it a ticket or a crime?
Most traffic tickets are infractions. An infraction can mean a fine and a point on your driving record, but not jail.
A traffic misdemeanor is different. It’s a criminal case, and it can mean jail, probation, fines, and a record that shows up on background checks. If your ticket or court paper says “misdemeanor,” or you were arrested, treat it as a criminal case and call me before your court date.
Traffic crimes I handle
- Driving on a suspended or revoked license
- Reckless driving
- Hit and run
- Exhibition of speed and street racing
- Driving without a license
- DUI
Hit and run that only damages property is a misdemeanor. If someone was hurt, it can be charged as a felony. Driving without a license is now usually an infraction for a first or second time, but it can still be charged as a misdemeanor in some cases.
In almost every misdemeanor case, I go to every hearing for you, and you never have to go. I get the reports and any video, and I look for problems with the stop and the evidence. I also help you show the prosecutor and judge who you are and what you’ve done since. For a suspended license charge, that often starts with working on getting your license back.
Every case is different, and I can’t promise a result. These are the outcomes I work toward: charges dropped or dismissed, a lower charge (sometimes down to an infraction), no jail time, and a record you can clear later. How I handle misdemeanors.
I charge flat fees, so you know the cost before you hire me. See my fees.
Got a regular traffic ticket?
I take a traffic ticket only when a license suspension or another penalty beyond a fine is at stake. For other tickets, call me anyway, and I’ll tell you your options. Here’s some general advice to start.
Don’t ignore it
Deal with the ticket by the date on your notice. If you miss it, the court can add an extra fee, and the full amount can be sent to collections. Willfully missing a court date you promised to appear for is a separate misdemeanor.
Pay it, or contest it
Paying the ticket ends the case, but it counts as a conviction, and it’s reported to the DMV. You can contest it instead, either in court or in writing.
Contest it in writing
For most traffic infractions, you can ask for a trial by written declaration (Vehicle Code 40902). You send the court your side in writing, and the officer sends a statement. You pay the fine up front, and you get it back if you win. If you lose, you can usually ask for a new trial in court, but not always, so read the court’s instructions first.
Ask about traffic school
For many one-point tickets, traffic school keeps the point off your DMV record, so insurance companies don’t see it. You usually can’t use it again if you went to traffic school for another ticket in the last 18 months. It doesn’t apply to misdemeanors, tickets involving alcohol or drugs, or tickets in a commercial vehicle. Your court notice will usually say whether you qualify.
Can’t afford the fine?
Ask the court for an ability-to-pay review. The court can lower the fine, give you more time, set up payments, or let you do community service instead. You can ask online through the court’s MyCitations site where it’s available, or with form TR-320.
Points and your license
Most moving violations add one point to your DMV record. Some, like hit and run or DUI, add two. If you get 4 points in 12 months, 6 in 24 months, or 8 in 36 months, the DMV can put you on probation and suspend your license.
If your license is suspended, don’t drive until it’s fixed. Driving on a suspended license is a misdemeanor, and a new charge makes things harder. If you’ve already been charged, call me.
Questions
Do I have to go to court?
For a traffic misdemeanor, in almost every case, no. I go to every hearing for you. For an infraction, you can often handle it by mail, online, or in writing. Check your court notice.
Should I just pay my ticket?
Maybe. Paying is fast, but it counts as a conviction and usually puts a point on your record. If you qualify for traffic school, or you think the ticket is wrong, look at those options first.
Can I go to jail for a traffic ticket?
Not for an infraction. An infraction can’t be punished with jail. A traffic misdemeanor, like driving on a suspended license or reckless driving, can mean jail.
Will you take my speeding ticket?
Only if a license suspension or another penalty beyond a fine is at stake, for example if the points could cost you your license. Otherwise, call me anyway and I’ll tell you your options.