Criminal traffic violations are common in San Diego, but you may be able to fight your charge with the help of an experienced San Diego traffic lawyer. At McElfresh Law, we handle a variety of criminal traffic cases — ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Many of our clients have never had to deal with the legal system before, but there is hope. Know what your options are if you have been charged with a minor or serious traffic offense. We will ensure your rights are protected and defended.

Listed below are a few of the more common traffic offenses and moving violations our San Diego traffic defense attorneys at McElfresh Law can help you fight:

  • Driving on the Wrong Side of the Road — Being caught for driving on the wrong side of the road can result in a ticket. Perhaps you made a mistake or you took an illegal U-turn. We’ve all made mistakes while driving, but you have every right to fight your traffic ticket.
  • Driving Without a License — If you receive a ticket for driving without a license, you can avoid tarnishing your driving record, fines, and probation when you call a San Diego traffic attorney as soon as possible.
  • Driving Without Insurance — If you were unable to show proof of insurance to a police officer and receive a ticket, what might seem like a minor infraction can end up costing you thousands of dollars when you have to pay the base fine, state fees, penalty assessments, and impound costs.
  • Felony Evading the Police — Anyone caught avoiding a cop by trying to drive away from an officer is a crime. Whether or not someone other than the driver was hurt, the driver will have points added to their license. However, if others are hurt as you’re fleeing, it can be considered a felony.
  • Felony Hit and Run — If you do not stop after being involved in an accident that causes injury or death, you can be prosecuted for a felony hit and run. The penalty for this crime can depend on the circumstances of the accident and the defendant’s criminal record.
  • Misdemeanor Evading the Police — Evading the police is a serious issue. If you are caught attempting to avoid a police office by driving away, it could be considered misdemeanor offense.
  • Misdemeanor Hit and Run — If you do not stop after hitting and damaging someone’s property, you can be convicted for a hit and run. It might not seem like a big deal that you hit someone’s mailbox, but under California law, a prosecutor can charge you with a crime.
  • Reckless Driving — Often times reckless driving is connected to other traffic offenses. Due to the harm that could be caused by reckless driving, it can be a serious offense, especially is someone was hurt.
  • Street Racing — It may seem like fun at the time, but if you’ve been caught and charged for street racing on San Diego streets, contact a California criminal defense attorney immediately to minimize the potential consequences.
  • Throwing Objects at a Moving Vehicle — It is considered a crime to throw objects out of your car that is capable of doing harm, and it may be charged as a felony if an object was thrown with the willful intent to injure another person.
  • Why Fight a California Traffic Violation — Perhaps you found this website while figuring our how to pay your traffic ticket, or how to defend yourself in court. You may even be wondering if it’s worth the hassle to fight a ticket and instead simply pay it. However, a traffic charge can always be fought in order to avoid points being added to your driver’s license and avoiding increased insurance premiums.
  • Collateral Consequences to Traffic Offenses — In addition to the fines associated with a traffic offense, each moving violation adds a point or two to your license. These points stay on your record and lead to additional consequences, such as losing your license for a period of time. Depending on why the point was accumulated, it can stay on your record anywhere from 3 to 10 years. Additionally, your auto insurance rates will increase along with the number of points.

Cited for a Moving Violation in San Diego?

Every moving violation comes with a fine. The exact amount for each offense varies because California also charges offenders numerous fees and surcharges. The state of California charges a 20 percent surcharge on all traffic tickets. Other fees differ based on the county. Whatever your fine for the offense, the additional fees could triple or quadruple your final payment. If you have had previous moving violations charges, the base fines for the violation can increase before surcharges and additional fees are added.

How a San Diego Traffic Lawyer Can Help You Today

A traffic offense can result in points on your license to severe criminal convictions that can have devastating effects in the future, which is exactly something an experienced San Diego traffic attorney will help you avoid. If you’ve been ticketed or criminally charged and aren’t sure what to do, call San Diego traffic attorney Jessica McElfresh at (858) 756-7107 or contact us online to learn more about your options.

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