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Traffic Offenses

If you’re accused of a felony traffic violation, you may face jail time. After meeting with your attorney, you need to arrange bail but it’s difficult to know which bail bond firm to call in a time of crisis.

Most traffic offenses are minor infractions or violations that result in a traffic ticket or small fine. More serious traffic offenses are felonies. Felony traffic offenses may mean that a type of significant property damage or serious bodily injuries occurred as a result of a traffic violation. Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is one of the most common felony traffic offenses.

Felony Traffic Violations

Felonies are serious crimes in the jurisdiction. States vary in the types of felony traffic offenses, but most consider the following crimes to be felonies:

• Specific hit and run traffic offenses

• Vehicular homicide

• Multiple or repeat driving under the influence (DUI) convictions

• Repeat offenses, such as driving without a valid license

Some states consider some serious traffic offenses as gross or aggravated misdemeanors. Although these actions are technically misdemeanors that fall between infractions and felonies, a gross or aggravated misdemeanor conviction will result in penalties similar to felonies.

Don’t risk it. If you face conviction for a felony traffic violation or an aggravated or gross misdemeanor, hire an experienced attorney. If you’re found guilty, you face high fines, loss of driving privileges, or possible imprisonment in some states. When necessary, ask a friend or loved one to help you arrange bail. Contact a bail bond firm right away to take advantage of your Constitutional rights.

Traffic Offense Misdemeanors

A minor traffic violation, or infraction, may become a misdemeanor when it results in another person’s injury or property damage. It may even become a misdemeanor when the circumstances threaten to injure a person or damage property. For instance, if an officer gives you a ticket for not wearing a seat belt, this is an infraction. Running a red light might be considered a misdemeanor because your mistake could seriously injure other drivers and their property.
Traffic Misdemeanor vs. Traffic Felony
When a driver’s actions appear malicious and intentional, or when the accused caused significant property damage, he or she may face an escalation of charges. Instead of a misdemeanor charge, he or she will face a traffic felony. For instance, if the driver purposefully runs a red light or intentionally hits another car or truck, the driver will face a felony charge. If another passenger died in the vehicle crash, the driver is more likely to face felony charges.

Traffic misdemeanor examples include hit and run accidents, uninsured driver, or reckless driving.

Traffic Misdemeanor Consequences

Misdemeanors are a type of crime. The accused is often taken to the nearest police station. He or she will be asked to post bail before discharge. If the driver is unfamiliar with the court system or has never needed to arrange bail, finding the right bail bond firm is a challenging task.

The driver will later make a required court appearance to enter a guilty, not guilty, or no contest plea. In some cases, a judge may dismiss the driver after the appearance. For others, the court process may expand to include a pretrial or a jury trial. If he or she is found guilty of the charge, the court may impose high fines or order jail time.

Take Action against a Traffic Offense Charge

If you’ve been charged with a serious traffic offense or misdemeanor, take the matter seriously. Contact a traffic attorney to discuss possible consequences and next steps. An experienced traffic attorney will use the facts to argue your cause before the court. You’re entitled to an attorney to ensure the best possible outcome of your case.

A felony is punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. A traffic felony almost always includes a high monetary fine and the possibility of prison. Fines for a traffic felony range from less than $1,000 to several thousands of dollars. If you’re convicted of a traffic felony, it may affect you in the following ways:

• Loss of driving privileges (suspension or loss)

• Loss of privileges as a citizen, such as voting privilege or teacher licensure

• Tow or impound of the vehicle used in the felony action

• Prevention of firearms ownership

• Criminal record: You must disclose a criminal record when seeking employment, attending college, and requesting federal student aid

• “Three Strikes” potential: You could face life in prison

• Even if the crime starts as a misdemeanor, it may lead to a felony charge

If you’re accused of a serious traffic offense, such as a misdemeanor or felony, you need a lawyer. Amendment VIII of the United States Constitution prevents governments from requiring excessive bail. Contact an experienced bail bond firm if you’re arrested and face a serious misdemeanor or felony traffic offense.

Tags: Police, Speeding Ticket
Posted in CA Laws Comments Off on Traffic Offenses