Looking for a misdemeanor traffic ticket defense attorney near me in California?
The answer to the question, “Where to find a misdemeanor traffic ticket defense attorney near me,” could be answered with a free, no-obligation initial consultation by one of Bigger & Harman’s defense attorneys.
At Bigger & Harman, APC, we work with commercial and non-commercial drivers throughout Central and Eastern California. We understand how serious a misdemeanor traffic charge on major routes, such as I-5, I-10, I-15, or I-395, can be.
The results of many misdemeanor charges could be crucial to pending civil suits for damages.
According to the Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School, “A misdemeanor is a type of offense punishable under criminal law. A misdemeanor is typically a crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail.”
The Element of Willful or Wanton Misconduct Is Crucial
A California prosecutor will often offer probation and a substantial fine instead of jail time. However, misdemeanor traffic violations like reckless driving require “willful or wanton” misconduct to find guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt,” and send a driver to jail.
Sometimes, the easiest resolution to a misdemeanor traffic ticket is to accept the prosecutor’s plea bargain. But a driver should consider a guilty verdict could impact their future and without the help of a traffic attorney with a reputation for winning trials, negotiations could be one-sided, with the prosecutor asserting their dominant position.
A knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket defense attorney will look at the evidence against you and negotiate a reasonable compromise, request a downgrade of the charges to a traffic infraction, or plead “not guilty” for you at the arraignment and start preparing for trial.
Why Legal Help Is Essential for Misdemeanor Charges
A misdemeanor traffic ticket isn’t something to handle alone.
Convictions for misdemeanors can result in license suspension, increased insurance rates, or even jail time.
Clients often ask, “Should I hire a misdemeanor traffic ticket defense attorney near me?” The answer is almost always yes, and the sooner, the better.
Reducing the Charges from a Misdemeanor to a Traffic Infraction
Often, depending on the seriousness of the charges, a skilled attorney could negotiate a downgrade based on a California “wobbler.”
“Wobblers can be punishable as either a felony or a misdemeanor and has been referred to as an ‘alternative felony/misdemeanor.’ Whether a wobbler should be treated as a felony, or a misdemeanor is up to a trial court's discretion.”— Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute (LII) WEX.
In California, a wobbler/wobblette might meet the standard of the higher charge, but might be missing an element of intent.
An inexperienced driver takes a corner too fast, and the tires screech—that might get them a misdemeanor ticket, but was there willful misbehavior? It is up to the judge or jury to decide if it meets the intent of a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving.
If no one was hurt, the severity might warrant an infraction rather than a misdemeanor. However, it is up to the judge, and the defendant and their lawyer must agree to the reduced charge.
When a civil suit for damages is pending, a reduction may not be the wise choice. Always discuss plea deals with an attorney before deciding, even pleading guilty and accepting the DMV Traffic Violator School (TVS) could backfire.
Common Misdemeanor Traffic Violations We Handle
Our legal team defends drivers against charges including:
Driving without a license (VC 12500)
Driving on a suspended license (VC 14601)
Reckless driving (VC 23103)
Speed Contests or an Exhibition of Speed (VC 23109)
Hit and run (VC 20001 - 20002)
Understanding the Penalties
Many drivers are unaware that traffic misdemeanors can have long-term consequences.
In addition to criminal penalties, they often result in significant financial consequences. We’ve helped drivers across Central and Eastern California Counties reduce or dismiss charges.
Recently, due to an increase in demand, we have added several municipalities in Northern California as well. Please feel free to call our office, and we’ll respond immediately returning to the office.
Why Choose Bigger & Harman?
We speak with drivers every day who search for a misdemeanor traffic ticket defense attorney near me and find us ready to help.
Our legal defense team brings:
More than a decade of traffic law experience
Familiarity with local courts and judges
Straightforward advice and aggressive defense strategies
We offer personalized service and strive for the best possible outcome. When your livelihood and reputation are at stake, experience matters—particularly trial experience.
Call today.
Consult Bigger & Harman, the Misdemeanor Traffic Ticket Defense Attorneys for Central and Eastern California
If you are charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense, call Bigger & Harman, the misdemeanor traffic ticket defense attorneys, at (661) 349-9300—se habla Español at 349-9755, immediately.
One of our misdemeanor traffic ticket defense attorneys in Central or Eastern California can assist you in Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, San Joaquin, Mono, Inyo Counties, and others.
In many cases, by the time you are charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense, you’ve already discussed the circumstances with the ticketing officer.
However, if you suspect you will be charged with one the misdemeanor charges like reckless driving, hit-and-run, driving without a license, driving with a suspended license, a speed contest, exhibition of speed, or another, invoke your “right to remain silent,” and make no further statements to LEO or officers of the court without an attorney present.
Otherwise, use our convenient-to-use contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What qualifies as a misdemeanor traffic violation in California?
A: Offenses like reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, or hit-and-run are misdemeanors. These are non-typical driving behaviors that could cause property damage, injury, or death, and carry a maximum penalty of one year in jail or probation.
Q: Can a misdemeanor traffic conviction affect my future?
A: Yes, if you are convicted of a misdemeanor traffic violation the penalties can follow you for life. Convictions can raise insurance rates, impact employment and university attendance, and appear on background checks.
Q: Do I need a misdemeanor traffic ticket defense attorney near me to fight a citation?
A: Yes. A local attorney understands the court system and provides a better chance of dismissal or reduction. In negotiations with the DA or prosecutor, a local attorney with a reputation for litigating to win is more likely to secure a better deal.
References:
CA VC Sections VC 14601, Driving on a suspended license; VC 12500, Driving without a license; VC 23103, Reckless driving; VC 23109 Speed Contests or an Exhibition of Speed; and VC 20001 – 20002, Hit and run.
The CA Driver Handbook English y Español.
The Bankrate.com article, Average cost of car insurance in CA for 2025.