Why Fight Your Traffic Ticket

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Erik_Friis]Erik Friis
It happens to everyone at some point in time. They are driving along calmly until they see lights flashing in their rear-view mirror. What seemed like a pleasant day takes a turn for the worse as you are pulled over by the police in a routine traffic stop. Oftentimes breaking a traffic law happens entirely by accident. Maybe you were driving in a new area and didn't see a posted speed limit sign, or perhaps you accidentally blew through a stop sign that you didn't see until it was too late.
Being pulled over by the police can be a nerve-racking experience for the average person, not to mention humiliating. After receiving a ticket, most people think they have no other choice but to pay the fine. What most people don't realize is that by paying their traffic ticket, they are automatically admitting guilt. The truth is, people have the right to fight their traffic tickets in court, and sometimes they can win!
Some people have a lot to lose by having another ticket hit their driving record. The California DMV can add points to a driver's driving record for certain violations, which can result in a driver's license suspension, and increased insurance premiums. This is especially true if the driver has accumulated too many points within a specific amount of time.
Demerit Points for Traffic Violations in California
Every traffic offense has a different point value, and the DMV may assess these demerit points depending on the specific violation that has occurred. The Department of Motor Vehicles may suspend the license of a driver who has accumulated 4 or more points in 12 months, 6 points in 24 months or 8 points in 36 months.
The following are the point values of common traffic offenses in California:
Red light violation - 1 point
Improper lane use - 1 point
Following too closely - 1 point
Illegal passing - 1 point
Failure to yield right-of-way - 1 point
Improper u-turn - 1 point
Speeding - 1 point
Driving too slowly - 1 point
Reckless driving - 2 points
Hit and run causing injury or property damage - 2 points
Speeding over 100 miles per hour - 2 points
Racing - 2 points
DUI (driving under the influence) - 2 points
The state of California takes traffic tickets very seriously. In fact, by ignoring your traffic tickets, you could be facing possible arrest if you have too many traffic tickets that have not been paid. When people ignore their traffic tickets, or when they fail to appear in court, a bench warrant may be issued for their arrest. It is never a good idea to put off paying traffic tickets, it is absolutely imperative that you seek legal assistance from a qualified attorney before you automatically make an admission of guilt.
Fortunately, even with the worst traffic ticket cases you can always do something about it. Running from the law will only land you in more trouble. Having a seasoned lawyer by your side in traffic court will give you the greatest opportunity to fight your traffic tickets. If nothing more, they may be able to effectively negotiate with the courts on your behalf so your penalties can be more bearable. Your attorney may be able to help you retain your driver's license and reduce the monetary penalties that you are facing, which can have a huge impact on your ability to drive and how much money you have to come up with in the long run.
Whether you have received a traffic ticket for a red light violation, running through a stop sign, improper passing, speeding, following too closely, racing, reckless driving or failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, you may still be able to experience enormous benefits by having an experienced attorney fight your traffic ticket/s. So please, contact a criminal defense lawyer to start doing what you can to retain your driving privileges!
The Superior Law Center has been representing clients throughout San Diego County for more than 10 years. Their criminal defense firm has successfully represented over 1000 clients who were facing criminal charges. If you choose to go with their firm, they will do everything they can to unearth any mitigating circumstances that might to serve to get the charges against you reduced or dropped altogether. No matter how large or how small your case is, they will give your case the attention and tenacity that it deserves. They will stop at nothing to fight your charges tooth and nail in an effort to help you achieve a better outcome in your case. To discuss your case in a private consultation, contact a [http://www.sandiegocriminaldefenselawfirm.com/]San Diego criminal defense attorney from the firm at (888) 258-6185.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-Fight-Your-Traffic-Ticket&id=6616861] Why Fight Your Traffic Ticket