A commercial traffic attorney can make a major difference when a driver faces a traffic ticket in Santa Barbara County.
Many CDL holders call us after receiving a speeding ticket or lane violation on US-101 or SR-166. They already know one simple truth. A traffic attorney can protect their job.
What Happens After a Commercial Traffic Ticket
A CDL traffic ticket often arrives at the worst time.
Drivers might be hauling freight or returning from a long route. They may miss a notice because they were out on the road. A missed date can lead to a Failure to Appear charge.
A conviction or paid fine can hurt a commercial driver’s career. We see this happen often and are familiar with clearing a failure to appear or failure to pay (FTA/FTP) a traffic ticket in Santa Barbara County.
Failure to Appear in Santa Barbara County
An FTA can happen fast while you’re on the road.
A driver might still be delivering freight when the court date expires. The judge has no way of knowing the driver was on a long-haul delivery out of state. A misdemeanor charge or bench warrant for FTA/FTP may follow.
Clearing the problem is complex if it’s something you don’t do frequently. Drivers call us. We handle the rest.
Why You Should Work With a Local Commercial Traffic Attorney
A commercial traffic attorney who regularly appears in Santa Barbara County offers an advantage. We know the courthouse. We know local procedures. We’re also familiar with many of the local judges who make decisions and ticketing officers who patrol US-101 and SR-166.
Our goal is simple. First, see to avoid points on your record. When that’s not possible through negotiation, raise the level of reasonable doubt to gain an acquittal, which will keep points off your record and protect your CDL.
Why Commercial Drivers Face Stricter Rules & Penalties
CDL drivers face tougher standards than other drivers. They handle heavy vehicles with long stopping distances. They haul freight across major corridors, including the busy North-South US-101.
A violation can result in fines, suspensions, and possible driver disqualifications from the FMCSA. One ticket can trigger unwanted penalties from the DOT FMCSA, which becomes a part of your PSP for up to three years. These can affect your ability to negotiate better benefits and pay per mile compensation.
Mistakes CDL Drivers Should Avoid
These errors hurt drivers records:
- Ignoring a ticket
- Representing yourself
- Pleading guilty too early
- Missing key evidence
- Not fully understanding your rights
A commercial traffic attorney can prevent these issues and handle the legal aspects while drivers stay on the road.
How We Assist Commercial Drivers
We help commercial drivers facing traffic tickets in Santa Barbara County.
Here is what we can do for you:
- Work to reduce or dismiss charges.
- Obtain or subpoena evidence, including officer’s statements or speed measurement device calibration records.
- Explain your options.
We handle many violations, including:
- Speeding in a CMV
- Commercial vehicle lane violations
- Oversized loads without the necessary permits
- Unsafe lane changes
- Skipping scales
- Logbook issues
- Following too closely
- Cell phone use in CMVs
- Hours of Service violations
We are ready to review any CDL case.
Bigger & Harman, the Commercial Traffic Attorneys You Can Count On
Commercial drivers rely on us because they cannot risk a ticket on their record.
When a driver uses Santa Barbara County corridors like US-101 or SR-166, they know enforcement is strict. Speaking with a commercial traffic attorney early after a traffic ticket can keep them driving and earning. We help drivers avoid points, protect their CDL, and move forward with confidence.
If you’re ticketed for a moving violation in Santa Barbara County, and you need a commercial traffic attorney,contact Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300 or 859-1177 para Español.
We regularly defend commercial drivers in the Santa Barbara Courthouse. Call for a free consultation.
You can also email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use the website's secure contact form for a free initial consultation.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Why hire a commercial traffic attorney for a Santa Barbara County traffic ticket?
A: Commercial traffic attorneys are familiar with CDL rules and local court procedures. They’ll work to help you avoid NOTS points, FMCSA notification, and protect your license.
Q: Can an attorney appear for me in Santa Barbara County Court?
A: In most CDL cases, an attorney can resolve commercial traffic tickets without the driver present.
Q: What if I missed my court date for a CDL traffic ticket?
A: Call Bigger & Harman immediately at (661) 349-9300. We can often clear an FTA, address warrants, and reopen the case.
References:
CA VC Section 40508(a), Release Upon Promise to Appear.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.