In California, “habitual traffic offender” is a criminal charge reflecting a history of dangerous driving. It is possible to be declared a habitual traffic offender for DUI. The California Vehicle Code doesn’t just outlaw certain specific acts, like driving under the influence. It also tracks how often you break traffic laws.
If you break too many serious laws too often, you could be charged with an additional violation known as the Habitual Traffic Offender Law. If you are declared a habitual traffic offender, you will face criminal penalties. Many drivers charged with DUI find themselves facing habitual traffic offender status as well.
Reach out to a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer for more information.
Who Can Be Charged as a Habitual Traffic Offender in California?
There are several ways to be charged as a habitual traffic offender. Many individuals are charged with this offense because they have multiple convictions on their driving record history. You could be charged if, within a 12–month period, you had your license suspended and:
- Committed 2 or more serious traffic crimes like DUI, reckless driving, or hit and run
- Committed 3 or more minor traffic violations like speeding or running a stop sign
- Were involved in 3 or more traffic accidents that were serious enough to be reported to the police ($750 or more in property damage and/or someone was hurt)
- Were involved in any combination of accidents and violations that resulted in 3 or more points on your driver’s license
Anyone who commits 2 DUIs in a single year would count as a habitual traffic offender in California because the second DUI would have happened while your license was still suspended for the first DUI. A lawyer can offer more information on how a combination of convictions can impact your case.
Additionally, anyone convicted of a fourth DUI will be given habitual traffic offender status for three years. A seasoned attorney can offer further information on fourth-time convictions and work tirelessly to protect you from license suspension and the harsh consequences that come with a conviction.
What Are the Consequences of Habitual Traffic Offender Status?
Being a habitual traffic offender in California is both a criminal offense and a status you carry with you for years. If you have this status, you face additional criminal penalties every time you are caught driving on a suspended license. There are separate penalties for first-time habitual offenders and repeat habitual offenders.
First-time penalties include:
- 30 days in county jail
- $1,000 fine
- Up to three years probation
Repeat offense penalties include:
- 180 days or 6 months in county jail
- $2,000 fine
- Up to three years probation
These traffic offense penalties are in addition to the DUI penalties you already face. Plus, you will face extra penalties again if you are ever caught driving on a suspended license. That makes habitual offender status a very serious addition to a DUI offense.
These penalties can turn your life upside down and have a devastating impact on your finances. Fortunately, with the help of a seasoned criminal defense lawyer, you can protect yourself from a lengthy jail sentence and other negative outcomes.
How a Defense Attorney Can Fight Your Habitual Traffic Offender Charge
It is possible to fight a habitual traffic offender charge. A good DUI lawyer may be able to get this charge dropped from the case against you. They may also be able to win your DUI case, get the DUI reduced to a lesser charge, or help you negotiate an outcome you can live with.
Here’s what a criminal defense attorney can do to help you:
- Explain habitual traffic offender charges in California
- Investigate the motor vehicle incident that resulted in your habitual traffic offender charge
- Analyze accident reports, dashboard camera footage, and other pieces of evidence
- Advise you on how a conviction could impact your driving privileges and explain the license reinstatement process
- Build a strong legal defense on your behalf
- Protect you from county jail sentences and other potential punishments
- Represent you in court and during administrative hearings
- Offer clear and effective legal advice throughout your case
As you can see, there are many important steps that a criminal defense attorney can take to protect you from a serious conviction. Reach out to an attorney today to get the legal representation you need and learn more about how to protect yourself from the charges you are facing.
Meet With a Trusted Criminal Defense Lawyer for Free
If you’ve been charged with DUI, a subsequent offense, or habitual traffic offender status in California, you could be facing license suspension, a mark on your driving record, jail time, and many other unwanted outcomes. Let us connect you with an experienced Los Angeles DUI lawyer and schedule your free consultation.
A dedicated criminal defense lawyer can review the details of your case, advise you on your best course of action moving forward, and answer any questions you have about the legal process. No matter how serious your case is, you can count on a skilled attorney to fight for the best outcome possible.
