Many truck drivers ask us, Can I reduce the charges on my commercial vehicle ticket in Woodland Courthouse in Yolo County, CA?
Although there are no guarantees, the answer is often yes. We can often negotiate a non-moving charge for many tickets or get a diversion program to keep your record clean. We know how important it is for you to get the help of a traffic attorney familiar with Yolo County courts and get a good result.
That means that since there is no assessment of negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points, neither the DMV nor the DOT FMCSA is notified.
This reduction could save you significant fines and Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points.
Likewise, it could save your carrier from higher percentiles on their Safety Measurement System (SMS) record due to those CSA severity points and time-weighted multiples.
Carriers with a percentile above 74 are subject to more frequent roadside inspections and in-house inspections of policies and procedures.
Many fleet managers will terminate a commercial driver that causes a rise in their fleet insurance premium, regardless of their previous driving record and hire a recent graduate from driving school because they have no points.
No Prosecutor for Traffic Infractions
For traffic infractions, such as basic moving violations, prosecutors don’t usually get involved.
That means negotiating directly with the traffic court judge is the only path to a reduced charge or no-point conviction.
While every case is different and results can’t be guaranteed, a local traffic attorney can present evidence, explain the circumstances, or employ procedural strategies to advocate for a more favorable outcome.
Misdemeanor Charges Need a Traffic Attorney with Trial Defense Experience
Misdemeanor charges are more serious, and negotiating with the court or prosecution becomes vital.
What’s more, the better the attorney’s reputation for obtaining reduced charges and acquittals, the better their chances are in negotiations.
Speeding 15 MPH over the Statewide 55
For example, if you are caught speeding 70 mph on I-5 in a commercial vehicle—where the statewide limit is 55 mph—you face a misdemeanor offense in California and, if convicted, a “serious offense” at FMCSA.
A second conviction within three years leads to a mandatory 60-day driver disqualification.
A knowledgeable traffic lawyer may be able to reduce that to a non-serious infraction and save your driving career.
Overweight Loads Can Be Misdemeanors
A load that is 4,501 pounds or more over the legal limit is classified as a misdemeanor.
Convictions could result in a substantial fine (typically $1.00 for each pound over), a permanent criminal record, and potential jail time or probation.
However, a traffic attorney might be able to negotiate that down to an infraction, keeping your record clean and your reputation intact.
And then possibly get the charges dismissed if the ticketing law enforcement officer doesn’t show up for trial or another technicality many drivers are not aware of.
HAZMAT Violations Carry Severe Penalties—More Than 350 Are Misdemeanors
Hazardous Material (HM or HAZMAT) violations also carry high risks.
Even something as simple as taking a coffee break in an unauthorized location or failing to carry a CHP-approved map could result in a $4,000 fine and two NOTS points.
These are also severe FMCSA offenses, potentially leading to immediate disqualification. Legal representation can often mean the difference between a career-ending conviction and a manageable fine.
If you received a ticket while passing through Woodland, CA, on I-5 coming from Oregon or Nevada, don’t go it alone.
Our Yolo County traffic attorney knows how to work with the court. They could get the charges reduced or dismissed, protecting your CDL, your reputation, and your future.
Many fleet managers won’t hire a commercial driver who has a misdemeanor record.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Ask Bigger & Harman Can I Reduce the Charges on My Commercial Vehicle Ticket in Woodland, CA
Contact Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300 or se habla Español 349-9755 to schedule a free consultation without obligation.
We routinely appear in Woodland Courthouse to resolve traffic tickets on behalf of commercial drivers.
Use our friendly online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
References:
CA VC Section 31602, Transportation of Explosives.
CA VC Section 35784, Permits and Agreements.
Cornell Law School LII WEX Definitions: Misdemeanor.
CA VC Section 23103, Reckless Driving.
CA VC Sections 22406 & 22406.1, Speed Laws.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.