If you’re dealing with a traffic citation in Los Angeles, it might be tempting to treat it the same as a DUI, but these are very different legal situations. A speeding ticket might cost you a fine or points on your license.
A DUI can threaten your freedom, your ability to drive, and your future. The sooner you understand the difference, the better you can protect what matters.
If you’ve been pulled over, contacted by an officer, or already cited for a DUI, call RP Defense Law APC today at (818) 646‑3443 for a free discovery call. Let us walk you through what’s ahead and help you make the right first moves.
At the most basic level, traffic tickets for violations like speeding, running a red light, or broken taillights are considered infractions. These are considered civil matters because they involve breaking a law. These cases do not go to criminal court and do not carry the possibility of jail time. You get a citation, pay a fine, and possibly receive points on your DMV record.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI), by contrast, is a criminal charge. Under California law, driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher or being impaired by drugs is a misdemeanor or even a felony if there are prior DUIs or aggravating circumstances. A DUI includes potential jail time, fines, probation, license loss, and mandatory programs.
Infractions take place in traffic court or administrative settings. You’ll receive a notice with a due date. If you plead guilty or pay, that’s usually the end of it. You do not have to appear in criminal court, and you do not have an arrest record. Penalties typically include only a fine and possibly points on your license.
On the other hand, being charged with a DUI results in criminal court. You’ll be formally arraigned and charged, and your case moves through pre-trial hearings, motions, and possibly trial. Even a first-time DUI creates a criminal record. If you plead guilty, you may still carry the conviction, which can affect employment, housing, and immigration status long after the fines are paid.
For a traffic ticket, the consequences are usually straightforward. It usually encompasses a small fine and potential court costs. If you accumulate too many license points, your license could be suspended, but the consequences are manageable.
A DUI has much steeper consequences, even for first-time offenders, including:
Repeat offenses elevate the severity. A second DUI can lead to increased jail time, felony charges, ignition interlock devices, and longer license suspensions.
Traffic tickets typically hit your wallet through fines and small increases in insurance premiums. Most insurers will absorb one or two minor infractions without drastic changes.
A DUI, however, triggers a major financial hit. First, there’s the immediate legal cost. Next come license reinstatement fees, ignition interlock device installation, mandatory insurance filing, and special DUI programs. Then there’s the rate increase from your insurance carrier, sometimes doubling or tripling, along with SR-22 filing fees. Over time, a DUI can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the severity of the situation.
Fighting a traffic ticket often involves proving your speedometer was wrong, the stop was unjustified, or the evidence was weak. However, many drivers choose to pay the fine and move on. To many, the fight is not worth spending time on when the penalties are minor.
A DUI defense, on the other hand, requires detailed evidence work. This includes examining the breathalyzer or blood test, police reports, procedure compliance, stop legality, officer conduct, and sobriety tests. You aren’t just paying a fine. You’re potentially jeopardizing your freedom, driving privileges, and record. Many individuals opt to have a lawyer represent them in these circumstances because the stakes are much higher.
After a traffic violation, once the fine is paid and the points are addressed, your life typically returns to normal with no criminal record or lasting impact on your future.
After a DUI, even a first-time conviction follows you. It can show up in background checks and affect career licensing, especially in medical, teaching, and security fields. A DUI can also become a barrier to future court matters.
If you’re facing a DUI in Los Angeles, you need more than general advice. You need tailored legal support from a team that knows how to fight back. At RP Defense Law, APC, we bring 18 years of criminal defense experience to every case we take. We care deeply about our clients, often more than they care for themselves in the moment, and we use that compassion to build stronger, smarter defenses.
We’ve helped countless people avoid the worst consequences of a DUI, with a 99 percent success rate in preventing clients from receiving the maximum penalty. Whether this is your first DUI or a repeat offense, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Contact us today at (818) 646‑3443 for a free discovery call and paid consultation. Let’s take the first step toward protecting your future.
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