Orange County Traffic Attorneys

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to traffic school to avoid getting points on my license?

For certain moving violations (such as a speeding ticket or red light violation) you may be able to request traffic school in lieu of having points on your driving record. However, not every court may be willing to grant this and thus is it important to at least discuss your traffic case with an Orange County traffic attorney to see if you may qualify for traffic school.

Why should I work with an attorney for something as simple as a speeding ticket?
Even for a traffic ticket such as a red light violation or a speeding ticket, it is important to work with an Orange County traffic citation lawyer. A traffic citation, even for a minor offense, can result in points on your license as well as increased insurance costs. If you accumulate enough points, you may face license suspension.

Are traffic citations classified as infractions or misdemeanors?

Most minor traffic violations, such as speeding or running a red light, are infractions. This means they are not penalized by jail time but rather by fines. Other traffic citations, such as DUI (driving under the influence) or reckless driving are more serious offenses which result in criminal penalties (including jail time, probation, fines, community service and a mark on your criminal record).

Will my license be suspended?
This depends upon what traffic citation you have received, as well as your driving record. Even a first
DUI conviction will result in a suspended license for a minimum of 4 months. A first speeding ticket, however, should result in no license suspension penalties. If you accumulate enough points on your driving record, you will face a suspended license. An Orange County traffic attorney can help you avoid license suspension by representing you at your DMV hearing, where you can work to have your suspended license reinstated.

Isn’t it easier to simply pay the ticket?

Not always. Particularly when you already have points on your driving record, another ticket could easily push you over the edge and result in a license suspension. Even for a first time offense, however, it is a good idea to work with a lawyer and contest the ticket. Avoiding having any points on your license in the first place will help ensure that you do not face license suspension for a later offense.

Will I have to go to trial?
This will depend upon the specific traffic citation you have received. For an infraction, a court appearance is usually not required. For a misdemeanor offense such as reckless driving or DUI, you may face a trial. By consulting a traffic lawyer, however, you can find out whether your case may go to traffic court. It will depend upon your particular circumstances.

Where can I find more information about Orange County traffic tickets?
In addition to visiting all the pages on our site, the Orange County Superior Court has a page on Orange County traffic citations that should be very helpful in regards to your speeding ticket, as it includes various court procedures and information on paying tickets, retaining a lawyer and much more.

Contact an Orange County traffic attorney or lawyer at Gold & Witham today!