Getting a traffic ticket is an extremely common occurrence for drivers throughout California, and that is why everyone that has a license should understand precisely how these charges will affect them. With some of the most common charges costing tens of thousands of dollars in the long runs, drivers that have recently received an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony should contact a local lawyer as quickly as possible in order to lower or completely remove the huge penalties associated with traffic misdemeanors.
One of the most common charges that is handed out on the road is the misdemeanor. These are directly above infractions with enhanced penalties, yet they do not come with the penalties associated with felonies. For the majority of misdemeanors, this will involve the driver being ticketed for engaging in activities that could result in injuries, death, or damage to property. This is in comparison to traffic infractions that are issued for minor violations such as issues with registration or some of the mechanical elements of the vehicle.
Nearly all misdemeanors come with their own unique penalties and each county in California has slight variations on these penalties. For the average misdemeanor, such as a basic speeding or red light ticket, there will be an immediate fine as well as a point placed on the driver's license. These fines can vary from just a few hundred dollars to well over $1,000 in the case of repeat offenders.
Along with the initial fine, these points that are placed onto the driver's record will affect their ability to legally drive as well as their car insurance. With as little as 4 points being placed on the driver's record in a 12 month period, the DMV will suspend the driver's license for a minimum of 4 months. Insurance businesses will also have access to the amount of points placed on the driver's record as well. With each point, they will increase the rate of their premiums for as long as 10 years.
For more serious misdemeanors, the penalties will be slightly different when compared to other moving violations. Any DUI or DWI convictions will come with an immediate suspension of the driver's license as well as the possible for time in jail. Based on the circumstances surrounding the arrest as well as the driver's record, there may be a license revocation for as long as 10 years. Individuals will also be required to attend sobriety classes and will be required to file for special insurance coverage that could cost $15,000 or more over the course of 10 years.
All individuals that have recently been charged with a misdemeanor should contact a local traffic ticket attorney immediately to begin the process of protecting their record and their finances. Individuals that allow these charges to go through will immediately be under threat of losing their driver's license for six months or longer.
Visit 4MrTicket.com to learn more about traffic misdemeanors and their penalties.