A CDL traffic attorney could make the difference between keeping a clean Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) record and damaging your ability to negotiate better pay and benefits.
Many fleet managers prefer to take a chance with a recruit straight out of driving school, as they have no moving violations on their PSP.
For commercial drivers in Santa Barbara County, a ticket means more than just paying a fine.
Why It Pays to Work with a CDL Traffic Attorney
A CDL traffic ticket attorney helps you protect your income and your future.
Convictions stay on your record for years and affect your CSA score and SMS percentile.
Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) points in California and Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) severity points at the DOT FMCSA threaten your livelihood.
Your carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile is also affected by CSA points and time-weight multiples.
That’s why experienced representation is crucial when your CDL and livelihood are on the line.
Local Roads Bring Unique Challenges
Highway 101 is the lifeline for commercial freight along the central and southern California coast.
It links Santa Barbara County with Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Truckers often use State Route 154 as a bypass when Highway 101 gets congested. But the steep San Marcos Pass makes this route dangerous, especially for fully loaded semis.
Tickets here are common. A citation on U.S. Route 101 or State Route 154 can quickly put a career at risk.
Drivers who call us want answers fast, and we make sure they get them.
Traffic Violator School Doesn’t Apply to CDL Drivers
Commercial drivers cannot use Traffic Violator School to hide points from their employers. In fact, unlike non-commercial drivers, they are required to notify their employer in writing within 30 days of any moving violations in their commercial motor vehicle (CMV) or privately owned vehicles.
But our attorneys could potentially negotiate to reduce charges to a no-point or non-moving violation.
That can mean the difference between a clean record and a career setback. We understand how to protect drivers from both CA DMV penalties and FMCSA impacts.
What a CDL Attorney Can Do for You
Our attorneys understand the pressure drivers face every day on the road. We can:
- Seek dismissals or reduced charges.
- Negotiate for no-point violations whenever possible.
- Work to lower misdemeanors, such as speeding 15 mph over the statewide limit for commercial vehicles or hazmat violations, to infractions.
- Protect your CDL from driver disqualifications.
- Keep your driving record clean.
Court appearances are stressful and take time off the road. When you hire us, you avoid those courtroom hassles, keep moving loads, and making money.
How to Find the Right CDL Traffic Attorney
Drivers often ask, “Where can I find a CDL traffic attorney near me?”
The answer is simple—work with attorneys who know CDL-specific cases and local courts.
Always ask these questions upfront:
“Do you offer phone or email consultations?” Most long-haul drivers can’t turn down a load to come into our office for a consultation. Having the option to discuss their options over the phone or email is priceless.
“Can you represent me in court if I’m out of state?” It doesn’t matter where you are. If you have a ticket issued in California, we can help.
“Do you charge a flat fee or hourly rate?” We use a flat fee to resolve infractions and most misdemeanors.
We answer those questions up front. Our goal is to reduce stress and make the process clear for every client.
Our Attorneys Know the Santa Barbara Court System
Our team regularly appears in Santa Barbara County courts on behalf of commercial drivers. We know local judges, officers, and court procedures that can affect CDL violations.
Our experience enables us to identify weaknesses in citations and address procedural errors. It could be the insight that makes a difference in your CDL defense.
Consult Bigger & Harman, the CDL Traffic Attorneys You Can Trust
For commercial drivers in Santa Barbara County, a ticket can threaten everything.
Whether cited on U.S. Route 101 or State Route 154, don’t face it alone.
Consult Bigger & Harman, the CDL Traffic Attorney for Your Ticket Defense
In your search to hire a CDL traffic attorney to resolve your traffic ticket, call Bigger & Harman, APC at (661) 349-9300 or 349-9755 (se habla Español).
You can also email us at mailto:attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our website contact form.
We regularly assist commercial driver clients in the Santa Barbara County Courthouse. Call for a no-obligation, complimentary consultation. We have assisted more than 20,000 California drivers in resolving their traffic tickets, including many commercial drivers.
Let us handle the legal side so you can stay focused on the road.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Should I hire a CDL traffic attorney in Santa Barbara County?
A: A conviction can impact your CSA score, NOTS points, and threaten your CDL career. An experienced CDL traffic attorney can help you avoid CA penalties and DOT driver disqualifications.
Q: Can a CDL traffic attorney appear in court for me?
A: Yes. Our attorneys often represent drivers in court, so they don’t have to turn down a cargo load to sit through an arraignment just to plead not guilty and come back another day for the hearing.
Q: What types of violations can a CDL traffic attorney handle?
A: Reckless driving, overweight loads, illegal cell phone use, speeding, hazmat, and other CDL-related violations.
References:
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.