If you've been charged with a traffic violation, you may be wondering whether a Long Beach, California traffic ticket lawyer is worth the expense.
The cost of your traffic ticket depends greatly on the severity of the offense. Minor offense like running a red light (if the violation doesn't result in an accident) or a seat belt ticket usually result in the offender being assessed fine and court costs. Bigger charges, such as hit and run or DUI, may carry steeper fines, jail time, mandatory driving or alcohol education, community service, or restitutions. Depending on the nature of your offense, a traffic ticket conviction may also result in increased insurance premiums for up to five years. However, for most traffic violations, the biggest cost is the potential loss of driving privileges.
If you are convicted of a traffic violation in California, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV-CA) will assess "points" against your driving record. If you incur too many points against your license, your driving privileges may be suspended or revoked.
The number of points on your record and the length of time during which you receive these points will determine whether your driving privileges are suspended. For example, if you accrue four points within one year, six points in two years or eight points in three years, you will lose your driving privileges. Driving records are not cleared of points more than a year old, despite rumors to the contrary.
If you are facing charges stemming from a traffic violation, consider meeting with a Long Beach, California traffic ticket lawyer before pleading guilty to the charges. A Long Beach traffic ticket lawyer may be able to save you time and money by handling your case.