All You Need to Know About Driving Violations in Los Angeles
Getting stopped while driving is never a pleasant experience but it can become easier to deal with when you know what to expect. Here is all you need to know about driving violations Los Angeles.
You Can Get Stopped
A police officer can stop you anytime for violating driving rules or based on suspicion. However, unlike what most people think this does not necessarily mean arrest. The police officer will ask you for driving-related documents which is normal procedure to make sure that everything is in place. The 3 documents that you should always have with you while driving are driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. If you fail to produce any of these when asked, that means trouble.
Types of Driving Violations Los Angeles
There are 3 types of driving violations; infractions, misdemeanor, and felony.
- Infraction: An infraction is the lightest driving offense speeding, running a red light, or DUI for individuals under 21 with a BAC under a .05.
- Misdemeanor: A misdemeanor is more serious than an infraction. This includes driving without a license, excessive speeding, or a first, second, and third DUI offense.
- Felony: A felony is the most severe of all driving violations. In most felony charges, a driving violations attorney Los Angeles will make a plea to reduce the charges to a misdemeanor.
Penalties for Driving Violations Los Angeles
Penalties for Infractions:
Speeding
- One or Two points on the driving record
- 1st offense: fine of up to $500 with a 30-day license suspension
- 2nd offense within 3 years: fine of up to $750 and 6-month license suspension
- 3rd offense within 5 years: fine of up to $1,000 and a year of license suspension
Driving while using a cellphone
- 1st offense: $20 fine
- 2nd offense: $50 fine
Not Following Child Safety Protocols
- 1st offense: $100 fine
- 2nd offense: $250 fine
Penalties for Misdemeanors:
Driving after license suspension
- 1st offense: Up to 6 months jail time and $300-$1,000 fine
- 2nd offense within 5 years: Up to a year jail time (30 days mandatory) with $500-$2,000 fine
Manufacture or sale of fraudulent drivers’ licenses
- $250-$1,000 fine with 24 hours of community service, or
- Up to a year in county jail with a fine of up to $1,000
Speeding in a contest on a highway
- License suspension for up to 6 months
- 1st offense: $355-$1,000 fine and up to 90 days jail time
- 2nd offense within 5 years: $500-$1,000 fine and up to 6 months jail time
What to do When Charged with Driving Violation in Los Angeles?
If you are charged with a driving violation of any sort, it is best to not take matters into your own hands and consult an expert lawyer. Even if it’s just a ticket, you will have to appear in court and your best bet in such a scenario is to have a driving violation attorney Los Angeles who can guide you on how to approach the case and how to present yourself in court.
If you want to know more about driving violations law, then get in touch with veteran attorney C. Robert Brooks, who specializes in such cases. Call (310) 994-7989 now for a free consultation. Visit our website to know more about us.