Driving While Texting

Texting While Driving Violations

Chino Attorney Handling Traffic Tickets

In the state of California, it is illegal to text while you are operating a motor vehicle. Distracted drivers trying to text are quickly becoming one of the leading causes of car accidents, so it is no surprise that offenses of texting and driving are vigorously prosecuted. You can only use a mobile device while driving if you have a hands-free method of communication, such as an earpiece or connecting your phone to your car stereo. If you text while driving, you can face fines and marks on your driving record.

If you are under the age of 18, you are not permitted to use a mobile device at all while driving, and this includes using a mobile device with a hands-free communication method. The only exception for this law is using your phone to contact the police or other authorities in the event of an emergency.

What are the penalties for texting while driving?

If you are cited for operating a mobile device while driving, you can be fined.

The fines for these citations are as follows:

  • First offense: $20
  • Second and/or subsequent offenses: $50

Depending on the nature of the offense and the circumstances, your fine can be more than three times the initial amount. However, you are able to challenge a citation for texting while driving in traffic court. At The Madrid Law Firm, our Chino criminal defense attorneys have more than 50 years of experience with the California justice system.

We are proud to offer free case evaluations to all potential clients. To find out more about how we may be able to help, please give us a call at (909) 628-0068 or complete our online consultation request form.

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    It was a Sunday morning, I was in my restroom, in tears, scared, lost and clueless when someone gave me the number to Ed Madrid. I immediately called, not knowing what to say, what to ask, or even if someone would answer (it was Sunday). Ed answered very politely, friendly and caring. He right away gave me comfort and walked me through what we needed to do to get on top of everything. My brother was charged with a very serious drug case, where he was facing 25 years to life. Never had we had to deal with anything remotely close to this so my family and I were scared, confused and saddened. When I walked in to meet with Ed and his daughter Erica, they right away made me feel welcomed and comfortable. They were very honest in giving me the information and at the same time caring as it wasn't easy to hear what my brother and my family would have to face in the process. We had millions of questions and it never mattered what time it was, Ed always answered and explained everything thoroughly. Initially my brother was facing 25 to life for the severity of the charge, Ed and Erica were able to drop it down to 7 – 9 years and, in the final sentencing, they brought it down to 5 years. My brother has currently served half of his sentence and The Madrid Law Firm has never stopped checking up on my family and I to make sure we are all doing ok. In March there was a sentence reduction amendment sent to congress that would benefit my brother, if passed. Ed is already on it! He's giving me the information and is ready to move forward as soon as the law is passed. I always had the impression that attorneys would be sneaky, take your money and when the case was closed they were done and that was the end of the story. Not with The Madrid Law Firm, they always stay in contact and make you feel like you're dealing with family. Thank you Ed for all your patience, your help and your friendship. My family and I will be forever grateful for all your help.
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    It is unfortunate that we had to meet under the circumstances that we did, however, I am very privileged to have met you and your daughter, Erica Madrid. During the time you were my attorney, you and your daughter always treated me with the most respect. You ALWAYS listened and paid attention to all the details of my case. The matter in which you treated me and my case is just amazingly great, I felt as if I was the most important client you had. You always made sure I was protected and secure. These past three months have been the longest three months of my life. I just could not move on with my life, it was as if my life was put on hold! Every court appointment that we had, you ALWAYS represented me with the most professionalism, which says a lot of your law firm. My preliminary hearing date came up and I was very nervous, scared, and I just was not myself. The entire preliminary hearing was very intense, however, I always felt so confident in my attorney representing me. After a long hour and a half, it came time for the judge to make a decision, and when the judge said "case dismissed," I could not hold back the tears and the emotions going through my mind and body, I felt so much joy! Right away, I was thanking The Lord for the blessing of continuing on with my life. I was able to breathe without feeling afraid. There are no words to express to you and your team how thankful I am for all the hard work that was put in into my case. Thank you for fighting for me, my life, and my family! God Bless you, your family, and your law firm. May you continue to service others like the way you and your law firm did for me.
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  • “She is passionate, dedicated, professional and very thorough. She responded to all my calls/emails/texts and explained everything to me in the language that I can understand.”
    Excellent Work on my behalf. Unfortunately I found myself in a tough legal matter but Erica made the best of my situation. My Charges were significantly reduced with her assistance and I only had to visit the courthouse once. She is passionate, dedicated, professional and very thorough. She responded to all my calls/emails/texts and explained everything to me in the language that I can understand. I am glad to recommend her services. This is what I would consider the money well spent.
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