Los Angeles Traffic Defense Attorney

Common Types of Traffic Violations

California Vehicle Code violations cover a wide range of conduct. Some of the most common traffic violations we handle in Los Angeles include:

• Speeding Tickets: Speeding is one of the most frequently issued citations in California. This includes basic speeding, excessive speeding, and violations in school or construction zones.
• Reckless Driving: Reckless driving involves operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for safety. This is typically charged as a misdemeanor and can result in jail time.
• Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License: Driving while your license is suspended or revoked is a serious offense that can lead to additional suspension, fines, and possible incarceration.
• Failure to Obey Traffic Signals or Signs: Running a red light, ignoring stop signs, or failing to yield can all result in points and fines.
• DUI-Related Traffic Violations: While DUI cases are more complex, related traffic violations—such as refusal to submit to chemical testing—can also carry severe penalties.
• Illegal Turns and Lane Violations: Unsafe lane changes, improper turns, and failure to signal are common but still add points to your driving record.
• Commercial Driver Violations: CDL holders face enhanced consequences for traffic violations, even for offenses committed in a personal vehicle.

Penalties for Traffic Violations in California

The penalties for traffic violations in California vary depending on the severity of the offense, prior driving history, and whether the violation is classified as an infraction or misdemeanor.

Potential Consequences Include:

• Fines and court costs (often hundreds or thousands of dollars)
• DMV points added to your driving record
• Increased auto insurance premiums
• License suspension or revocation
• Traffic school requirements
• Probation
• Jail time for misdemeanor offenses such as reckless driving

Accumulating too many points within a certain period can result in a negligent operator designation and loss of driving privileges. A Los Angeles traffic defense lawyer can work to reduce or eliminate these penalties whenever possible.

Legal Defense to Traffic Violations

Every traffic case is unique, and an effective defense strategy depends on the facts. At , we analyze every detail to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

Common Defense Strategies May Include:

• Challenging the officer’s observations or conclusions
• Questioning radar or speed detection accuracy
• Improper traffic stop or lack of probable cause
• Clerical or procedural errors on the citation
• Insufficient evidence
• Violation of constitutional rights

In many cases, tickets can be reduced to non-moving violations or dismissed entirely. Our firm focuses on protecting your record while minimizing time spent in court.

Traffic Violation FAQs

Should I fight a traffic ticket or just pay it?

Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt and can add points to your record. Fighting the ticket may help avoid long-term consequences.

Will a traffic violation affect my insurance?

Yes. Most moving violations increase insurance premiums for several years.

Can a lawyer appear in court for me?

In many Los Angeles traffic cases, your attorney can appear on your behalf, saving you time.

How many points can I get before losing my license?

California may suspend your license if you accumulate too many points within 12, 24, or 36 months.

Are traffic violations criminal offenses?

Most are infractions, but some—like reckless driving or driving on a suspended license—are misdemeanors.

How Our Attorneys Handle Traffic Cases

When you meet with our team, we start by listening. We review your citation or criminal complaint, ask about what happened, and look at your driving history and goals. Our attorneys then evaluate the strength of the evidence, which may include the officer’s report, any available video, and potential witnesses. From there, we work with you to outline a defense strategy that fits your situation.

That strategy may involve challenging the basis for the stop, questioning how speed or other alleged violations were measured, or raising issues about identification or intent. In misdemeanor traffic cases, we may examine whether the prosecution can prove each element of the charge. Throughout this process, our traffic attorney team focuses on how different approaches could affect both the court outcome and DMV consequences.

Because we regularly appear in Los Angeles County criminal and traffic courts, we are familiar with local procedures and how certain types of cases are often handled. We use that knowledge when negotiating with prosecutors, working to seek outcomes such as reduced charges, amended violations, or resolutions that may lessen the impact on your record when that is appropriate. If a case cannot be resolved fairly, we are prepared to proceed to trial and present your defense to the court.

We also believe in candor. During your consultation and as the case moves forward, we explain the options available, the risks involved, and the potential benefits of each path. Our goal is to give you the information you need to decide how to move ahead, without false promises about results.

To discuss your case with our team, call (213) 481-6811.