No one likes getting traffic tickets, and while many are valid infractions, there is value in fighting a ticket. With the help of an experienced Agoura Hills traffic tickets lawyer, there is a good chance you can get your ticket minimized in terms of fines, points, and/or consequences. If you are facing a license suspension for multiple point violations, an attorney may be able to help you retain your driving privileges.

The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein has helped many drivers minimize or avoid points on their driving records. We have successfully represented traffic ticket cases for excessive speeding, DUI, reckless driving, and many other violations. Our level of skill in negotiating traffic ticket penalties is unmatched in Agoura Hills.
The California DMV uses the Negligent Operator Treatment System, otherwise known as NOTS, to track negligent points on drivers’ records for traffic violations. A driver can receive up to three negligent points for a violation of California state driving laws. What many drivers don’t realize is that just showing up at your court date or hearing with an Agoura Hills traffic tickets attorney can, in many cases, prevent points from being added to their record.
The worst mistake you can make is ignoring a violation. If you are cited for breaking a traffic law, when you sign the violation, you are agreeing to appear in court. Drivers who fail to appear, or FTA, receive an FTA on their driving record. They can also get your driving privileges suspended.
License suspensions are mandatory for drivers who receive 4 points in one year, six points in two years, and eight points within three years. Drivers who rack up too many points are subject to license probation, suspension, or revocation of their license altogether, as they are considered negligent drivers.
Collisions are a common reason for driver’s license points. Anyone who is found responsible for an accident gets an automatic two points on their driving record. A conviction of reckless driving or a citation for leaving the scene of an accident, also called a hit and run, will also add two points to a driver’s driving record. A driver convicted of a DUI will incur two points in addition to any other penalties and sentences they receive.
One piece of good news is that your driving record can recover. Most collisions and traffic violations convictions will fall off your record after three years. In some cases, it may be longer. Another piece of good news is that, if you hire a traffic ticket lawyer, you might not have to wait three years.
There are defense strategies that can be successful in lowering penalties, reducing points, and decreasing time frames. One thing drivers who think they might be nearing a suspension of their license can do is attend traffic school. A judge may order you to do this anyway as a part of your sentence, but starting it on your own initiative can improve your chances of getting your traffic ticket penalties reduced.
Your Agoura Hills traffic tickets attorney may advise you to request an administrative hearing from the DMV. This hearing provides you with a chance to present your side. You may submit evidence that supports your case that you are not guilty. You can have a lawyer advocate for you on your behalf. In fact, it is highly recommended that you have an attorney to optimize your chances for a more favorable outcome in your case. You must act fast in these cases.
Some drivers may qualify for an increase in their allowed points. This condition is granted to Class A or B drivers who meet certain criteria, such as having no endorsements on their license, like a school bus driver endorsement or hazardous materials transport endorsement. To obtain this privilege, the driver must request and attend a NOTS hearing. If approved, they can get their NOTS points allowance increased to six points in one year, eight points in two years, and 10 points in three years.
When you choose The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein to handle your traffic ticket case, you can significantly improve your odds of getting a better result in your case than without us. We have helped clients reduce the penalties they incur, lower points assigned to their driving record, and even gotten tickets dropped altogether in some instances.

The cost of a lawyer for a traffic ticket can vary. However, a lawyer’s fee is typically lower than the cost of the violation, especially when you factor in the value of avoiding the conviction appearing on your driving record and points adding up on your license. The overall cost of a lawyer for a traffic ticket can be affected by the complexity of the case and whether there are additional charges, or the existence of a past criminal record.
Yes, you should get a lawyer to fight a traffic ticket, especially in some situations. If the consequences of a traffic violation outweigh the cost of a lawyer, you can, theoretically, optimize your case. For example, if getting more points on your driver’s license will result in higher car insurance for you or if you are facing a potential license suspension, seeking legal representation from an experienced lawyer could be beneficial.
When speaking to a judge about a traffic ticket, speak in a respectful manner. Mention any positive attributes about your driving record, such as the amount of time between tickets. Also, you can challenge the means by which the office observed you were speeding, such as the clocking equipment used to determine your speed. You can submit a video as evidence if you have one, challenge some formality on the ticket, or request to go to traffic school.
The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein has over 20 years of experience handling California traffic tickets for clients. If you feel that something is not right with the way you were ticketed or just want to see what options you have, get in touch. We’d be happy to discuss your traffic ticket case. Contact us today.