Traffic Ticket Defense at The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi

Receiving a traffic ticket for violations like speeding, reckless driving, or running a red light in Los Angeles can have serious implications for your driving record and insurance premiums. In California, the point system assigns points for each traffic violation, which can accumulate and result in license suspension or revocation. It is vital to understand this system and how to navigate it to protect your driving privileges and maintain a clean record.

At The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi, we have been defending California residents since 2003. With over 20 years of experience, Attorney Arash Hashemi is committed to challenging traffic tickets and minimizing their impact on your record. He promptly reviews your case, identifies any procedural errors, and builds a strong defense to safeguard your rights.

If you or someone you know has received a traffic ticket in Los Angeles, seeking experienced legal counsel immediately is crucial. Contact our office at (310) 448-1529 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case. Our Attorney is here to provide the legal defense you need to effectively fight traffic violations.

How Traffic Tickets Affect Your Driving Record and Insurance

Receiving a traffic ticket in Los Angeles can significantly impact your driving record and insurance premiums. Each traffic violation adds points to your driving record, which are tracked by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Accumulating too many points can lead to serious consequences, including higher insurance rates and potential license suspension.

• Driving Record: Points from traffic violations stay on your record for varying lengths of time. Minor infractions, like speeding, typically remain for three years, while more severe offenses, such as DUIs, can stay for ten years. These points can make it difficult to maintain a clean driving record.
• Insurance Premiums: Insurance companies review your driving record when determining your rates. Accumulating points from traffic tickets indicates risky driving behavior, leading insurers to increase your premiums. Even a single ticket can cause a significant hike in your insurance costs.

Potential Legal and Financial Consequences

• License Suspension: Accumulating too many points within a specific time frame can lead to license suspension. This can severely impact your ability to commute, work, and fulfill daily responsibilities.
• Fines and Penalties: Traffic tickets come with fines that can vary depending on the severity of the offense. Additionally, there may be court fees and other related costs.
• Traffic School: For certain violations, you may be required or given the option to attend traffic school. While this can help reduce points on your record, it also involves additional time and expense.
• Criminal Record: Serious traffic offenses, such as DUIs or hit-and-runs, can result in criminal charges. This can lead to more severe penalties, including jail time, substantial fines, and a permanent criminal record.

California Point System

California uses a point system to monitor and penalize drivers for traffic violations. Points are added to your driving record for each infraction, and accumulating too many points can result in the suspension or revocation of your license.

Points Assigned for Common Traffic Offenses:

• Speeding: 1 point
• Running a Red Light: 1 point
• Unsafe Lane Change: 1 point
• Reckless Driving: 2 points
• Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License: 2 points
• Hit-and-Run Accident: 2 points
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): 2 points

Consequences of Accumulating Points:

• 4 points within 12 months
• 6 points within 24 months
• 8 points within 36 months

The Difference Between License Suspension and Revocation

• License Suspension: This is a temporary loss of your driving privileges for a specific period. After the suspension period ends, you can typically have your driving privileges reinstated by meeting certain conditions, such as paying fines or completing a defensive driving course.
• License Revocation: This is a more severe penalty where your driving privileges are completely canceled. To regain the ability to drive, you must go through the process of reapplying for a new license after the revocation period has ended, which may include retaking driving tests and fulfilling other DMV requirements.

Consequences of Accumulating Points

• 4 Points in 12 Months: May result in a license suspension.
• 6 Points in 24 Months: May result in a longer suspension period.
• 8 Points in 36 Months: Can lead to a license revocation.

Process of Fighting a Traffic Ticket

1. Reviewing the Citation: Carefully examine the details of the ticket to understand the specific charges and any evidence against you.
2. Filing a Contest: Formally contest the ticket by notifying the court of your intention to challenge the citation.
3. Gathering Evidence: Collect any evidence that supports your case, such as witness statements, photographs, or video footage.
4. Court Appearance: Attend the scheduled court hearing to present your case before a judge. This may involve questioning the officer who issued the ticket and presenting your evidence.
5. Verdict and Appeal: If the verdict is unfavorable, you may have the option to appeal the decision, depending on the specifics of your case.

Role of a Defense Lawyer in the Process

• Case Evaluation: Thoroughly reviewing the details of your ticket and identifying any procedural errors or inconsistencies that could be used in your defense.
• Evidence Collection: Gathering and analyzing evidence to build a strong case, including obtaining witness statements and examining traffic camera footage.
• Court Representation: Representing you in court, presenting your case effectively, and cross-examining the officer who issued the ticket.
• Negotiation: Negotiating with prosecutors to potentially reduce charges or penalties, aiming to minimize the impact on your driving record and insurance.
• Appeals: If necessary, filing an appeal and representing you in higher courts to challenge an unfavorable verdict.

How Points Can Be Removed from a Driving Record in California?

1. Traffic School: For minor infractions, you may be eligible to attend a state-approved traffic school. Successfully completing the course can prevent the point from appearing on your public driving record, though it will still be visible to the DMV and your insurance company.
2. Time Passage: Points are automatically removed from your driving record after a certain period, provided you do not accumulate additional points.
3. Legal Challenges: Successfully contesting the traffic ticket in court can prevent the point from being added to your record in the first place.

The duration that points remain on your driving record varies depending on the severity of the offense:

• Minor Offenses (e.g., speeding, running a red light): Points remain on your record for 3 years.
• Major Offenses (e.g., reckless driving, hit-and-run): Points stay on your record for 10 years.
• DUI Convictions: Points from DUI offenses also remain on your record for 10 years.
• Failure to Appear in Court: This remains on your driving record for 5 years.

Common Defense Strategies Used by Traffic Ticket Lawyers

1. Challenging the Officer’s Observations: Questioning the accuracy and validity of the officer’s observations and the circumstances under which the ticket was issued. This may involve scrutinizing the conditions at the time of the alleged offense, such as weather, visibility, and traffic conditions.
2. Procedural Errors: Identifying any procedural mistakes made during the ticketing process. This can include errors in how the citation was issued, mishandling of evidence, or failure to follow proper legal protocols.
3. Technical Defenses: Using technical aspects of the law to your advantage. For example, disputing the calibration and accuracy of speed detection devices or the proper maintenance and functioning of traffic cameras.
4. Presenting Evidence and Witnesses: Providing evidence and witness testimony that supports your case, such as dashcam footage or statements from passengers and bystanders.

Every traffic violation case is unique, and a one-size-fits-all defense approach is rarely effective. Tailoring the defense strategy to the specifics of your case is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome. This involves:

• Case Evaluation: Thoroughly examining the details of your case to identify the most effective defense strategy. This includes reviewing the citation, gathering evidence, and understanding the context of the violation.
• Personal Circumstances: Considering your personal driving history and circumstances, such as the necessity of maintaining a clean driving record for employment purposes.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Arash Hashemi?

When facing traffic tickets and potential penalties, you need a defense attorney with extensive experience and a proven track record. Attorney Arash Hashemi has been an active member of The State Bar of California since December 2002. On his second day as a lawyer, Arash was already in court, participating in a bench trial. Over the years, he has handled a wide variety of criminal cases, from simple traffic violations to complex felonies, including murder.

Arash has also represented thousands of Californians accused of violating their probation or parole and has argued cases before the California Court of Appeals. He is admitted to practice before all California State Courts and the United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Central, and Southern Districts of California. Attorney Hahsemi brings a wealth of knowledge, dedication, and a deep understanding of California’s criminal justice system to every case he handles.

Contact a Los Angeles Traffic Ticket Defense Attorney & Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’ve received a traffic ticket, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. With over 20 years of experience in criminal defense, Attorney Arash Hashemi and his team are dedicated to providing professional, effective legal representation. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We are conveniently located in the Westside Towers in Los Angeles, near Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, and close to the Expo/Bundy Station. We offer flexible hours and weekend appointments.

Schedule a Consultation:

• Phone: (310) 448-1529
• Email: Contact@hashemilaw.com
• Address: 11845 W Olympic Blvd #520, Los Angeles, CA 90064
• Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with flexible scheduling options available, including weekend appointments.