Finding a commercial driver violations lawyer is the first step to protecting their career.
Commercial drivers face higher legal and safety standards than other drivers on the road. Driving a rig on I-80 near Roseville, CA, requires a driver’s total concentration and precision.
One small mistake can threaten their driving career and livelihood. We understand the pressure of hauling loads through Placer County and across California.
Why CDL Holders Need a Commercial Driver Violations Lawyer
A single ticket could mean more than a fine for a trucker. Especially when the commercial driver just pays the fine, which means they are effectively pleading guilty.
These convictions lead to FMCSA notification, CSA severity points and time-weights that impact the carrier’s SMS percentile and the driver’s PSP. These points stay on their PSP for years.
A commercial driver violations lawyer knows how to challenge these offenses.
Keeping their record clean protects their carrier’s SMS percentile, and indirectly their fleet insurance premiums. Fleet managers watch their safety ratings very closely.
Scars on their record make them a liability to trucking firms. We help drivers stay on the road by contesting commercial and personal vehicle violations.
Our firm gives its cases personalized attention. We’ll examine their case and build a situation-specific defense.
Handling DOT FMCSA "Serious Offenses" and Violations
The FMCSA “serious offenses” categories are very specific.
They include speeding 15+ mph over (excessive speeding), reckless driving, and unsafe lane changes. We also handle overweight and HOS violations from I-80, which connects the San Francisco Bay Area to the Nevada border, passing through Placer County near Roseville before continuing East.
Even cell phone tickets can lead to a driver disqualification. A commercial driver violations lawyer can help resolve these tickets in the Roseville Traffic Court.
Avoid Common Pitfalls After a Citation
Trying to handle a ticket alone to save money could be a mistake. In the long run, it will likely lead to higher costs and threaten a commercial driver’s career.
Self-representation often leads to unfortunate results. Plus, most commercial drivers cannot afford to turn down a load to attend court, nor should they. Many violations are complex and require knowledge and experience of the legal system.
Some drivers ignore the ticket entirely. This slipup can trigger additional penalties or even a driver’s license suspension in California.
Do not just plead guilty to be done with it.
Based on Our Experience in the Placer County Court, We Provide Valuable Legal Services
We often defend the following commercial driver violations:
- Lane violation
- HOS and Logbook violations
- Passing scales
- Speeding
- Non-emergency stops
- Overweight vehicles
- Reckless driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Following too close
- Cell phone tickets, and more
We are often able to present these common defenses if the situation merits:
- Showing that one or more of the necessary elements of a traffic offense is not relevant or is missing.
- Challenge a law enforcement officer's (LEO) subjective conclusion.
- Challenge an officer's statement or observation of what they say happened.
- Show that your ticket for the violation was based on a legitimate "Mistake of Fact"
- Radar and Lidar device calibration and use defenses
Knowing the procedures in Roseville Courthouse can be crucial to getting before the judge to negotiate reduced charges and penalties, or to request a dismissal when appropriate.
Consider Roseville’s Commercial Driver Violations Lawyers, Bigger & Harman
If a CDL holder needs a commercial driver violations lawyer in Placer County, they typically contact us at (661) 367-8232—se habla Español.
Bigger & Harman regularly defends commercial clients in the Roseville Courthouse. Contact us for a free consultation. Our team focuses on defending the rights of commercial drivers across Northern California.
You can also email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use our secure website contact form.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: How can a commercial driver violations lawyer help with logbook errors?
A: Logbook errors can be complicated. However, we have had success in getting reduced, no-point violations, and dismissals in the Roseville Courthouse in Placer County. What’s more, we have been able to get misdemeanor HAZMAT offenses reduced to infractions and alternate charges for potential second "serious offenses" that would result in an FMCSA a driver’s disqualification. We can make no promises in your particular case.
Q: Will a paid fine for a lane violation on I-80 affect my carrier’s fleet insurance?
A: Paid fines and convictions for moving violations can impact the carrier's SMS with CSA severity points and time-weight, which, in turn, affects fleet insurance premiums.
Q: What happens to a CDL driver’s PSP record if they just plead to a speeding ticket in California?
A: All moving violations can impact the CDL holder’s PSP. Under FMCSA regulations, excessive speeding in a CMV is categorized as a serious offense, which can trigger driver disqualification depending on prior history.
References:
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DOR FMCSA webpage, We Measure for Safety.