What Happens if I am Caught Texting While Driving in California?

As you know, it is both unsafe and illegal to text, or otherwise use a cellular device, without hands-free technology in California and around the United States. The state of California takes texting while driving very seriously, and if you are caught doing so, you can face a wide array of penalties, some of which can potentially affect your life significantly. Our firm has an extensive understanding of cell phone violations in New Jersey, and we are prepared to put that knowledge to work for you.

Please continue reading and reach out to our experienced Tehama County traffic violation lawyer to learn more about texting while driving tickets in California and how Cohen Criminal Law can help you fight one.

What are the penalties for texting while driving in California?

If you are allegedly caught texting while driving in California, you may face several potential penalties. To start, for a first offense, you will face a potential $20 base fine. For a second offense, you will face a potential $50 base fine.

However, notably, you will also receive one negligent operator point against your driver’s license if you have been convicted of a cell phone violation within the prior 36 months. If you accumulate a certain number of points on your driver’s license, it can result in you having your license suspended.

As you can imagine, a license suspension could significantly impact your ability to commute to work or school, see friends, and more. You should also note that points on your license will most likely cause your insurance premiums to rise, meaning you will essentially be paying for your ticket for months to come.

Our firm can use a wide array of potential defenses on your behalf to fight your ticket at every turn. Our goal is to have the consequences of your ticket mediated, or, in the best cases, dropped altogether.

We are on your side, and we are prepared to fight for you through every step of the process ahead.

If you have any additional questions or you require the services of a competent legal team, please do not hesitate to give us a call today. Cohen Criminal Law is here to fight for you.