Bakersfield Traffic Violation Lawyer
Your Advocate for Traffic Tickets & Cases in Bakersfield, CA
If you have been stopped, ticketed, or charged with a traffic violation in Bakersfield, your license, finances, and even your future may feel at risk. At Humphrey & Thompson, we understand the stress and uncertainty these situations create. Our board certified criminal law attorneys have represented thousands of clients in Kern County’s traffic courts, helping everyday drivers protect their right to drive and work toward solutions that keep life on track.
Unlike firms that pass cases off to assistants, our team gives you direct access to seasoned attorneys who understand Bakersfield’s laws, courtrooms, and procedures. With decades of experience and more than 5,000 criminal cases handled, we provide responsive support from your first call through every court appearance. When you need clear answers and a committed voice in court, you can depend on us to stand beside you at every stage.
Contact us today for a consultation and protect your driving future.
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What To Expect After Arrest -
The Attorneys You Need On Your Side
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Thousands of Successful Cases
Common Types of Traffic Violations
California has a wide range of traffic offenses, from routine infractions to misdemeanor-level crimes. Our firm handles all types of violations, including:
- Speeding: Speeding tickets are among the most common citations in Bakersfield—especially on the 99 or I-5. Excessive speeding or speeding 100+ MPH carries enhanced penalties.
- Reckless Driving: Reckless driving is a misdemeanor that involves driving “in willful or wanton disregard for safety.” Convictions can result in criminal penalties and a significant spike in insurance costs.
- Running a Red Light or Stop Sign: Red-light cameras and enforcement officers regularly issue these citations. Many can be challenged based on evidence, timing, calibration issues, or improper observation.
- Illegal Turns or Lane Changes: Unsafe lane changes, improper U-turns, or failure to signal are common but still add points to your license if not contested.
- Distracted Driving (Cell Phone Violations): Using a handheld cellphone while driving is prohibited in California, and multiple offenses lead to point violations.
- Failure to Yield: Failing to yield to pedestrians, emergency vehicles, or other drivers may result in citations and potential liability in the event of a crash.
- Commercial Driver Violations: CDL holders face stricter rules and more serious consequences. Our defense strategies help protect commercial driving careers.
- Driving Without a License or With a Suspended License: These can result in misdemeanor charges depending on circumstances.
- DUI-Related Traffic Violations: Even if you were not charged with DUI, related violations—such as refusal to submit to testing or driving with an ignition interlock restriction—can carry heavy consequences.
Penalties for Traffic Violations in California
California’s traffic laws impose a range of penalties depending on the severity of the offense, your prior record, and whether anyone was harmed. Common consequences include:
- Fines and Court Costs: Tickets often come with high base fines plus additional assessments that significantly increase the total amount owed.
- DMV Points on Your Driving Record: Most infractions add 1–2 points to your record. Too many points within a set period may trigger a Negligent Operator suspension by the California DMV.
- License Suspension or Revocation: Serious offenses like reckless driving, excessive speeding, or repeated violations can lead to license suspension.
- Traffic School Requirements: Some drivers may be eligible to attend traffic school to remove points. Others, however, may be denied if they attended recently or have committed a more serious offense.
- Insurance Rate Increases: Even a single traffic conviction can raise your premiums for years, costing far more than the original fine.
- Misdemeanor Penalties: Criminal-level traffic offenses may carry jail time, probation, higher fines, and permanent criminal record implications.
Legal Defense to Traffic Violations
While every case is unique, many traffic citations can be challenged. Humphrey & Thompson builds customized defense strategies that may include:
- Challenging the Officer’s Observations: Many violations rely on subjective judgment. We examine inconsistencies, inaccuracies, and improper assumptions.
- Questioning Radar, Lidar, or Camera Evidence: Equipment must be properly calibrated and used correctly. Failures in procedures can weaken the case.
- Proving You Were Not the Driver: Photo or camera-based tickets often misidentify drivers or fail to show who was operating the vehicle.
- Establishing a Justifiable Reason for Your Actions: In some cases, emergencies or safety concerns justify otherwise prohibited conduct.
- Negotiating for Reduced Charges or No Points: Even when dismissal is not possible, we work to minimize points, fines, and long-term consequences.
- Procedural and Constitutional Defenses: We evaluate whether the stop was lawful, whether your rights were violated, and whether evidence was legally obtained.
Our goal is to help you avoid penalties, protect your driving record, and preserve your ability to drive.
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Charges Reduced/Dismissed
Misdemeanor Sex Crime with Mandatory Sex Registration
Settled for no registration and time served after 5 days of trial ending in a mistrial. -
Charges Reduced/Dismissed
Felony Sex Crime
Client was charged with a felony sex crime . His charges were reduced to a misdeanor. He received no sex offender registration and community service instead of jail. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Abuse
Allegation of Continuous Sexual Abuse Dismissed Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Felony Sex Case
Felony Sex Case based on Undercover Decoy Sting Dismissed Entirely. -
Case Dismissal
Rape
Rape Case Dismissed Based on Defense Investigation and Medical Evaluation Before Trial. -
Case Dismissal
Sexual Battery
Local business owner charged with sexual battery, dismissed. -
Jury Trial Acquittals
Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
Mr. Thompson Secures Complete Dismissal of all Charges at Jury Trial for Accusations of Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
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Avoid Sex Offender Registration
Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Traffic Violation FAQs
Do I really need a lawyer for a traffic ticket?
Not always—but a lawyer can often help reduce or eliminate penalties, especially when your record, job, or license could be impacted. Serious violations and CDL cases almost always benefit from legal representation.
Can a lawyer get my ticket dismissed?
Many tickets can be dismissed due to errors, lack of evidence, or improper procedure. While no attorney can guarantee results, we pursue every avenue to secure the best possible outcome.
Will I have to appear in court?
In many cases, our firm can appear on your behalf so you don’t have to take time off work or attend court personally.
Can I remove points from my record?
Depending on your eligibility, traffic school or certain legal strategies may help you avoid points.
What if I already missed my court date?
We can often help resolve failures to appear (FTA), lift holds on your license, and reopen cases.
Are commercial drivers subject to different rules?
Yes. CDL drivers face stricter regulations and cannot mask certain violations with traffic school. Legal representation is highly recommended.
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True Trial Attorneys
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Responsive & Prompt Communication
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Impressive Track Record in State, & Federal Courts
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Client-Service Focused
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Certified Criminal Law Specialists
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- Tina H.
My son was wrongfully accused and charged with assault. I hired Mr. Humphrey to represent him because I heard he was the best and as my son is 19 years old, I did not want this bogus charge going on his record. Mr. Humphrey did an excellent job of representing my son from day one. I am happy to say that the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I HIGHLY recommend Kyle J. Humphrey.
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- Jason G.
Mr Humphrey and his staff we nothing short of amazing to me and my family.
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- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
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- Saijel P.
Kyle and his team are absolutely amazing! With my whole case they kept it completely stress free. Kyle will explain everything in a way you could actually understand. I highly recommend him. He's honest, fair and compassionate and fantastic to work with.
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- Aracele S.
I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. Many thanks to you and your team!
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Needed a lawyer for our juvenile son for a felony assault case. Public defender was not very helpful and told us that at best our son would be on a very intensive probation for years if not sentenced to a camp. Rob Singh took our case and basically got everything resolved outside of court with the prosecutor within 2 weeks. Alleviated a lot of stress and anxiety by getting our son on a very minimal probation for 6 months and then records completely sealed. Highly recommended and would definitely hire this firm again.- Erik S.
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- Cesar M.
They were very straightforward about the possible outcomes and always seemed to be one step ahead in planning our defense strategy. The paralegal staff was also courteous and prompt in their responses, which made the whole stressful process much more bearable. I am profoundly grateful for their services. the Martinez Lugo family we loved them we really recommended thanks so much :)
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- Joe S.
His experience and knowing what to do helped and he has wisdom in sharing and saying the right thing to calm you in whatever you are going through. At times I was talked to as if I knew the law but when questioned what he was talking about he would take the time to explain. He is a very busy man so it seemed like he was hurried but would come back to explain. Happy with the outcome and glad that we were able to find a great attorney.
Why Drivers Choose Us for Traffic Cases in Bakersfield
When the implications of a traffic ticket go beyond a simple penalty, choosing the right representation is crucial. Clients in Bakersfield consistently choose Humphrey & Thompson because of our dedication and credentials.
Here is why our team stands out:
- We are Board Certified Criminal Law Specialists by the State Bar of California, showing advanced legal knowledge and commitment.
- Decades of experience handling traffic cases in Bakersfield and Kern County Superior Court provide practical insight into local legal processes.
- Our clients always interact directly with attorneys, not paralegals or junior staff.
- We prioritize fast, honest communication and keep you informed at every step.
Over 5,000 cases handled reflect our dedication to helping Bakersfield drivers navigate real legal challenges. We're ready to put our experience to work for you.
Call now to schedule your confidential consultation with a traffic violation attorney in Bakersfield, CA.
