If you received a traffic ticket in California, it’s essential to understand the type of offense you have been accused of. There is a significant difference between a traffic ticket for speeding and a misdemeanor traffic violation. No driver wants to have points added to their driving record or pay a speeding ticket. However, an infraction will disappear from your driving record over time. In contrast, a misdemeanor traffic violation is a criminal act.
With the assistance of an accomplished California traffic defense attorney, there is still hope for beating a traffic misdemeanor. Contact the Santa Barbara misdemeanor traffic violations attorneys at the Aron Law Firm to discuss a solid defense strategy for your case. Please note that we do not handle speeding tickets.
Traffic Infractions vs. Misdemeanors in California
In California, there are two types of traffic offenses: infractions and misdemeanors. There are notable differences between the two types, so it’s essential to understand the seriousness of each. Traffic infractions are more common than misdemeanors and typically carry penalties that may include fines and points on your driving record.
Misdemeanor traffic violations may involve increased penalties while impacting your criminal record. In addition to a substantial fine, you may face a lengthy jail sentence if found guilty of a misdemeanor violation. A criminal matter such as a misdemeanor traffic charge may impact several aspects of your life beyond your driving record.
Which Offenses Constitute Misdemeanor Traffic Violations?
Below are common traffic offenses that are charged as misdemeanor traffic violations in the State of California:
Driving without a Valid Driver’s License
California Vehicle Code 12500(a) prohibits any driver in California from operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license. For a driver’s license to be considered valid, it must be legitimate for the state where you live and the type of vehicle you are driving.
If you are pulled over and charged with a misdemeanor traffic violation for driving without a valid license, you may face potential penalties that include:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to six months in jail
- Impoundment of your vehicle for up to 30 days
Illegal Use of a Handicap Placard
California Vehicle Code 4461 forbids anyone from using a disabled license plate or parking placard that is invalid or belongs to another person. Anyone who violates this law may be charged with misdemeanor misuse of a handicap placard. If you are caught in any of the following circumstances, you may face this criminal charge:
- You deliberately allowed someone who is not authorized to use a disability placard
- You let someone who is not authorized borrow your validly issued disability placard
- You used a disability placard that was canceled, revoked, or given to someone else
- You drive someone else’s vehicle with a legitimate disability placard and parked in a reserved accessible parking space
If you are found guilty of misuse of a handicap placard, you may encounter the following penalties:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to six months in jail
Fleeing from an Officer
Per California Vehicle Code 2800.1, you may face charges for a misdemeanor crime of evading a police officer if, while operating a vehicle, you deliberately try to flee from a pursuing police officer in a motor vehicle or bicycle. If you are found guilty of this misdemeanor crime, you may face the following penalties:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Suspension of driver’s license for up to six months
- Vehicle impoundment for up to 30 days
Reckless Driving
California Vehicle Code 23103(a) considers anyone who drives a vehicle on a highway in deliberate or wanton disregard for others’ safety or property to be guilty of misdemeanor reckless driving. If a court finds you guilty of reckless driving, you may be subject to the following penalties:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Up to 90 days in jail
- Suspension of driver’s license
The length of a driver’s license suspension depends on whether it’s a first or repeat offense for reckless driving. A first offense may involve a 30-day suspension, a second conviction may lead to a 60-day suspension, and any subsequent conviction may result in a six-month driver’s license suspension.
Hit-and-Run Causing Injury or Death
California Vehicle Code 20001–20004 makes it unlawful for any person to flee the scene of an accident without first identifying themselves to all other people affected in the collision. If someone is injured or fatally wounded in the crash and you leave the scene, you face far more severe penalties.
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run that causes injury or death, you may be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor hit-and-run causing injury or death may be subject to the following penalties:
- Fines up $10,000
- Up to 364 days in jail
- Up to one-year suspension of driver’s license
If you are charged with a felony hit-and-run causing injury or death, you may face the following penalties:
- Fines up to $10,000
- Up to four years in prison
- Up to one-year suspension of driver’s license
Each of these traffic violations involves mandatory court appearances. If you fail to show up at your court date, you may face additional misdemeanor charges and a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
How May I Fight a Misdemeanor Traffic Violation in California?
All traffic offenses should be handled promptly and effectively to prevent the assessment of points to your driver’s license, increased insurance premiums, and suspension of your driving privileges. When the traffic violation is a misdemeanor charge, the potential repercussions may be more severe than those of an ordinary traffic ticket.
Ignoring a misdemeanor traffic offense may lead to jail time and a permanent mark on your criminal record. Obtaining legal counsel for challenging a California misdemeanor traffic ticket may make a significant difference in the result of your court appearance.
When you are charged with a criminal act, you have the advantage of necessary legal principles, including that:
- You have the right to a fair trial by jury
- You have the right to a court-appointed attorney
- You are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
- The government has the burden of proving that you have committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt
However, note that the viable legal avenues may vary significantly by case, and a skilled attorney may help you build a strategy built for your specific circumstances.
Consult a Seasoned Santa Barbara Traffic Defense Attorney
If you have been indicted with a misdemeanor traffic violation in California, do not delay consulting an experienced traffic attorney. At the Aron Law Firm, our Santa Barbara misdemeanor traffic ticket lawyers have extensive experience defending people accused of criminal offenses. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, your attorney may have several options for providing a robust defense to your misdemeanor to possibly dismiss the criminal charges along with potential penalties.
Led by former California Deputy District Attorney, William M. Aron, you may be confident in the Aron Law Firm misdemeanor traffic violation lawyers to evaluate your case in careful detail to devise a strong defense. To schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced Santa Barbara criminal defense attorneys, call today at (805) 500-0483 or fill out our online contact form.
