Receiving a traffic ticket is an extremely typical occurrence for individuals throughout California, and that is why everyone that has a driver's license should understand exactly how these charges will affect them. With some of the most typical charges costing tens of thousands of dollars in the long runs, individuals that have recently received an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony should contact a local attorney as quickly as possible in order to minimize or completely remove the huge penalties associated with traffic misdemeanors.
One of the most typical charges that is handed out on the road is the misdemeanor. These are directly above infractions with enhanced penalties, still 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 problems with registration or some of the mechanical components of the vehicle.
Almost all misdemeanors come with their own unique penalties and each county within 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 auto 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 companies 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 severe misdemeanors, the penalties will be rather 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 potential for time in jail. Depending 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. Drivers 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 drivers that have recently been charged with a misdemeanor should contact a local traffic ticket lawyer right away to start the process of protecting their record and their finances. Those that allow these charges to go through will immediately be under threat of losing their license for six months or longer.
Visit 4MrTicket.com to learn more about traffic misdemeanors and their penalties.