Many Los Angeles County residents assume that a traffic violation is a minor issue. In reality, however, these charges can bring consequences that will have a major impact on your life ranging from getting back and forth to work to transporting your children to school or extracurricular activities.

Common Criminal Traffic Violations in Los Angeles County

A Valencia resident can be charged with many different types of moving and non-moving criminal traffic violations including:

• Speeding

• Running a red light or stop sign

• Driving Under the Influence

• Leaving the Scene of an Accident / Hit and Run

• Driving without insurance[1]

• Expired Vehicle Registration

• Driving While License Suspended

• Drag Racing

• Seat belt/child restraint violations

Traffic offenses can range from very minor to very serious. Most minor traffic offenses are considered infractions, and they are not criminal violations of the law. Usually, these types of violations carry relatively minor penalties, such as fines, and/or a point on your driving record. Depending on the violation, a California traffic ticket[2] conviction can result in:

• Fines;

• Points on your driving record;

• Suspended license;

• Increased auto insurance rates.

More serious traffic offenses, such as reckless driving, driving under the influence[3], or manslaughter, are charged as crimes and a conviction can involve penalties such as:

• Large fines

• Victim restitution

• Drug or alcohol treatment

• License revocation

• Incarceration.

Contact an Experienced Valencia Criminal Defense Attorney

A criminal traffic violation is a double edged sword as it can damage your driving record as well as your personal criminal record. If you have been arrested or charged with a California criminal traffic violation, a full investigation into your case can reveal the defense strategy most appropriate for your situation as well as determine if your rights have been violated in any way.

When it comes to California traffic laws, it is important to understand that there are numerous ways that the violation you received may not be your fault. Most criminal traffic violations are based on the proof that the officer on the scene of the crime provides. Many times, the officer does not have sufficient proof. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime, it is important to speak to a skilled Los Angeles County criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Contact the Kann California Defense Group today for a free consultation. Call our toll-free number 888-744-7730 today.

References

[1] https://www.dmv.com/ca/california/state-automobile-insurance

[2] http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/.html/veh_table_of_contents.html

[3] http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=veh