Los Angeles Traffic Court Records
Navigating Los Angeles County Traffic Court: An Overview
Los Angeles County, known for its giant freeways and dense traffic, also has a robust court system in place for handling traffic citations. The LA traffic courts handle both moving violations and driving under the influence (DUI) cases. Whether you've received a simple traffic ticket or are facing more serious charges, understanding how the traffic court system operates can be helpful in fighting a ticket. This article will go over how the courts operate, how to look up a traffic ticket, and the process of fighting an unjust citation.
Courts Handling Traffic Violations and DUIs in Los Angeles County
In LA County, traffic violations and DUI cases are mostly handled by the Superior Courts, specifically the Traffic Division. The LA traffic courts operate in multiple locations throughout the county, each managing a different region. Some of these courthouses include:
Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Central District): Located in the downtown area of Los Angeles city. This branch primarily handles traffic violations from the central area of the county.
Inglewood Courthouse (Southwest District): This branch handles traffic cases in the southwest region of LA County, including cities like Inglewood, Hawthorne, and El Segundo.
Van Nuys Courthouse (Northwest District): Serving the San Fernando Valley region. The Van Nuys Courthouse is one of the busiest in the county, handling a significant volume of traffic cases.
Long Beach Courthouse (South District): Covering the southern part of the county, including Long Beach, Torrance and surrounding coastal cities.
West Covina Courthouse (East District): This division covers the eastern part of the county, including West Covina, Pomona, and surrounding areas.
DUI and DWI cases, which are more serious than typical traffic violations, are either misdemeanor or felony cases, and are frequently heard in the criminal court division of LA Superior Court.
How to Lookup LA County Traffic Tickets
If you've received a traffic ticket in Los Angeles County, it is very important to keep pay your fine or appeal it before too much time passes. If you wait too long, you may end up with additional penalties, such as late fees or a suspended license. The process to look up a LA county traffic ticket is straightforward using these methods:
1). Online Search: The LA Superior Court offers an online traffic ticket search tool that is publicly accessible. You can search by your citation number, driver's license number, or vehicle license plate number.
2). By Phone: You can also call the Traffic Division of the respective courthouse directly to find out about your citation. You will need to provide identifying information, such as your citation number or CA driver's license number.
3). In-Person: Another option is to visit the courthouse in person to look up your ticket. You should bring your citation, or the follow up letter mailed to you that has your citation information.
4). Mail: You might also receive a courtesy notice in the mail with details about your citation and how to pay or petition it. This will also include information about how to attend a certified LA traffic school and have a point removed from your driving record.
How to Fight a Traffic Ticket in Los Angeles
If you want to fight your citation because you didn’t deserve it, you have the right to contest it. Here’s how to fight a traffic ticket in Los Angeles County:
1). Plead Not Guilty: The first step is pleading not guilty and requesting a court date. This will give the court time to notify the law enforcement officer that issued the citation a chance to appear in court.
2). Prepare Your Case: Gather all the evidence you can to support your case. This could include traffic photos, witness statements, or anything else that might be relevant to fighting your case.
3). Hire an Attorney: For more serious cases, such as reckless driving citations or DUIs, it might be savvy to hire an attorney who specializes in your situation. They can help give you guidance and make sure you are following the proper court procedures that will help you potentially will your case.
4). Attend the Hearing: Show up to court on time and looking sharp, this will show the judge you are being respectful. Then present your case as best as you can and stick to objective information and evidence to support your petition.
Fighting a traffic ticket can be time-consuming, but if you feel strongly about it being unjust then it might be worth it. If you are successful with your petition you won't have to pay the fines and worry about your auto-insurance going up.