If you have recently been pulled over and issued a traffic citation, we strongly recommend contacting a skilled Ontario traffic lawyer right away. Simply accepting the ticket and paying the fines could result in points on your DMV record, higher auto insurance premiums, and depending on the circumstances, may even result in a suspension of your driving privileges.
At the Law Offices of Scott Henry, we understand how important a clean driving record can be. If you are a commercial driver, it is necessary in performing the duties of your job. Our criminal defense attorneys have handled thousands of traffic violations cases and typically obtain reduced or dropped charges. We can advocate aggressively on your behalf to minimize penalties and preserve your driving privileges.
Types of Traffic Violations
Traffic tickets typically result in expensive fines and negative points on your DMV record. In more serious cases, you may have your driver’s license suspended or revoked, making the simplest tasks extremely challenging. Some of the traffic violations that our lawyers in Ontario have handled include:
- Speeding
- Red light violations
- Evading a police officer
- Street racing
- Carpool or HOV violations
- Hit and run
- Reckless driving
- Use of a cell phone while driving
What is Reckless Driving?
One of the most serious traffic offenses is reckless driving. Under California Vehicle Code 23103 VC, reckless driving is defined as driving willfully in a manner that disregards the safety of people and property. It includes a broad range of behavior and often accompanies other criminal charges, such as driving under the influence.
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Penalties may also include the impoundment of your vehicle for 30 days. The court can additionally suspend your driving privileges for 30 days for a first offense, 60 days for a second offense, and up to six months for a third or subsequent offense. A lawyer in Ontario could help you prepare a defense if you have been accused of this type of traffic offense.
Carpool/HOV Lane Tickets
California is well-known for its bumper-to-bumper traffic. The frustration of having to fight traffic or a need to get someplace quickly causes some drivers to unlawfully enter a carpool or HOV lane. Carpool lanes were developed to reduce the number of cars on local freeways by only allowing vehicles carrying two or more occupants to enter. Other vehicles that can legally use the carpool lane include motorcycles, mass transit vehicles, and vehicles that meet California emissions standards and display CAV decals. No points will be added to a driver’s DMV record for a carpool violation, but it can result in a fine of approximately $500.
Speak with an Experienced Ontario Traffic Attorney
Our experienced Ontario traffic lawyers understand how embarrassing and frustrating it can be to be pulled over and issued a ticket. Fortunately, there are several legal avenues our skilled legal team could pursue to resolve the citation favorably. We could advocate aggressively to have your traffic ticket dismissed or reduced to a lesser infraction, helping you avoid hefty fines and the possible loss of your driving privileges. Contact our offices today for a free consultation. At the Law Offices of Scott Henry, we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and securing what is in your best interests.