When you need an attorney for CDL traffic violations near me in Fresno County, CA, fast action might save you money and the inconvenience of a failure to appear (FTA) charge.
A conviction or paid fine can impact your commercial driving future. Legal help is often your best option.
Failure to Appear (FTA) in Court for a CDL Traffic Violation
For many commercial drivers returning from an over-the-road trip, a CDL traffic ticket can easily be forgotten until it’s late. The courtesy notice could be routed to the wrong place or be in their mailbox after a long absence and be overdue.
REMINDER FOR THOSE HEADED TO THE BAY AREA: San Francisco recently started the pilot program using speed cameras to catch drivers that are doing over 11 mph more than the speed limit. (Mostly these are warnings at this point, but drivers usually must respond.)
CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 40508(a), Release Upon Promise to Appear, states:
“A person willfully violating their written promise to appear or a lawfully granted continuance of their promise to appear in court or before a person authorized to receive a deposit of bail is guilty of a misdemeanor regardless of the disposition of the charge upon which the person was originally arrested.”
When the court date has passed, the driver may have been charged with a misdemeanor FTA. The judge has no way of knowing the driver was out of town delivering cargo, and could issue a bench warrant or find the driver guilty in absentia of the original infraction.
Clearing the FTA, guilty charge, or bench warrant is as easy as calling Bigger & Harman. They’ll do the rest.
Why Hire a CDL Traffic Lawyer That Regularly Appears In Fresno County?
Choosing an attorney for CDL traffic violations near me who works in Fresno County improves your odds. We regularly defend drivers in Fresno Courthouse and are familiar with local procedures, judges, and some law enforcement officers (LEO).
We aim to reduce or eliminate charges and protect your CDL.
Why Commercial Drivers Face Harsher Penalties Than Noncommercial Drivers
CDL drivers in California face higher standards. They operate larger, much heavier vehicles, haul freight, or carry passengers and have a much longer stopping distance.
Violations can cost them fines, driving suspensions and driver disqualifications, and damage to their record.
The FMCSA enforces Hours of Service (HOS) rules, breaks, and roadside inspections. One CDL traffic ticket can harm their driving career.
Common CDL Driver Mistakes
Don’t let these missteps hurt their case:
Ignoring your ticket – It won’t go away.
Representing yourself – CDL law is complex.
Pleading guilty too soon – Points go on your record.
Missing evidence – Use a dashcam or witness support.
Not knowing your rights – You may be eligible for a dismissal.
CDL traffic attorneys are familiar with court procedures and can do everything required to resolve their ticket while they continue driving and earning. “If the wheels aren’t turning, you aren’t earning.”
What We Do for CDL Drivers
We’re the attorney for CDL traffic violations in Fresno County that commercial drivers trust.
Here’s how we help:
Reduce or dismiss tickets.
Secure or subpoena evidence from witnesses, LEOs, or speed measurement devices.
Explain your rights and defenses.
We handle many violations, including:
Unsafe lane changes
Skipping scales
Following too close or tailgating
Illegal or non-emergency stops on the highway
Violations of Hours of Service (HOS) rules
Let’s talk about your specific case.
How a Clean Record Helps Your Career
Before the trucking firm recruiter called you, they already checked your PSP. It’s the law.
Your Pre-employment Screening Program (PSP) score matters. It shows your driving history and is mandated by 49 CFR Section 31150.
Clean driving records allow commercial drivers to negotiate more favorable pay and benefits with prospective employers. A clean driver’s record could mean better pay, cheaper health insurance for you and your family, job security, and career growth.
Fresno County Drivers: Act Now
CHP officers monitor highways and truck routes in Fresno County. If you were cited, call us.
We regularly appear in Fresno Courthouse and know how to fight these charges.
Contact One of Bigger & Harman’s Attorneys for CDL Traffic Violations That Regularly Handle Fresno County
Don’t gamble your career on a traffic ticket. Our attorneys for CDL traffic violations are here for you in Fresno County.
We’ve helped many CDL holders in Fresno County reduce fines and avoid points. Let us do the same for you.
We’ll fight for your CDL, your job, and your future. Contact Bigger & Harman today for a complimentary initial consultation concerning your case.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Contact Bigger & Harman, the Attorney for CDL Traffic Violations Near Me
When you need an attorney for CDL traffic violations “near me” in Fresno County, CA, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español 349-9755.
Use our handy online contact form or email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What does an attorney for CDL traffic violations near me actually do?
A: We submit the required documentation for court, subpoena the LEO’s statement, calibration and training records for speed measurement devices, negotiate ticket reductions, request a dismissal when warranted, defend your rights, and aim to keep points off your CA driving record and PSP.
Q: Could hiring a local Fresno County CDL attorney help my case?
A: In most cases, yes. There are rare instances when the State’s evidence is strong; we must negotiate an alternate charge or a no-point conviction with a higher fine. However, a no-point conviction is like an expensive parking ticket; there’s no record, no DMV NOTS points, and the FMCSA is not notified. We resolve many issues for commercial drivers, such as speeding, logbook, HOS rules, and cell phone violations.
Q: What if I have a CDL from another state but got a ticket in Fresno County, CA?
A: We help out-of-state drivers, especially commercial drivers, resolve traffic tickets and FTA charges in Fresno County and across California.
References:
The 49 CFR Section 31150, Privacy Impact Assessment PSP.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.