Bigger & Harman, APC - November 2020

Bigger & Harman, APC - November 2020

BIGGER

THE DAILY DRIVER Attorneys Defending Your Right to the Road

Toll-Free (661) 859-1177 Se Habla Español www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com HARMAN CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEYS , APC

NOVEMBER 2020

THE POSITIVES DURING QUARANTINE

WATCHING TALIA GROW AND LEARN

In our line of work, we meet a lot of people who find themselves in difficult situations. While it may be hard, I often tell them we have to try and make the best out of that bad situation. We may have bad facts, which I can’t change, but we can plan accordingly and put our best foot forward. Quite often, that not only makes all the difference in the case but also for the individual I’m helping.

wonderful to spend so much undistracted time with Talia, watching her develop while I read to her and play with her. Spending so much time with Talia made me truly appreciate the things that matter most in life, especially as none of life’s usual distractions were pulling at my attention. Even if I miss sports and everything else on hold, it can’t replace the memories I have with my family these past months. It’s really incredible. I believe focusing on what really matters has helped me get through these tough times, too. While I can’t ignore the negative things that are happening around me, not letting myself focus too much on them has helped me feel joyful for everything we have. I’m grateful I’ve had my family to help me through these challenging times, and I hope I was a positive influence on them, too.

I also want to encourage people to see the positives of this year. It’s no understatement that 2020 has been a bummer of a year, but as always, it’s important to look at the many blessings we’ve had and to be grateful for them. One of the positives I’m focusing on this year is how I was able to spend a lot of time with my daughter, Talia, and watch her grow and learn new things. Last month, Talia had her first birthday, and it was incredible to recall the many “extra” hours we got to spend together simply because so many events were canceled and work trips postponed. Put simply, there are few places I’d rather be than “stuck” at home with my wife and baby girl. It was, indeed, a blessing. For any of my readers who have kids, you’ll understand the thrill that comes with watching them develop and grow as they explore the world around them and learn new things. It’s really been “IT’S REALLY BEEN WONDERFUL TO SPEND SO MUCH UNDISTRACTED TIME WITH TALIA, WATCHING HER DEVELOP WHILE I READ TO HER AND PLAY WITH HER.”

As 2020 comes to a close, it’s important to keep a positive outlook for the future and focus on the blessings in our lives.

–Paul Harman

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The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month Why Veterans Day and the Number 11 Go Hand in Hand

Veterans Day comes every Nov. 11. It’s a national holiday that recognizes veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces and honors those both living and deceased. Historically, the day marks Armistice Day and the end of the Great War: World War I. But what is the significance of the number 11? The armistice was signed at 5:45 a.m. in France, but it took effect at 11 a.m. that same morning — which happened to be Nov. 11, 1918. The armistice originally lasted 36 days but was extended month after month. This led to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, when peace was officially declared. Later that year, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed that Nov. 11 would be known as Armistice Day to honor those who fought

in the Great War. This lasted until 1954, when President Dwight Eisenhower signed a proclamation turning Armistice Day into Veterans Day. The change was made in order to recognize all veterans who had honorably served their country. By 1954, the U.S. had fought in more wars — specifically World War II and the Korean War — and hundreds of thousands more Americans had served.

Unsurprisingly, there was some political drama surrounding the day. In 1968, Congress made Veterans Day a federal holiday under the Uniform Holiday Bill. The idea was to increase the number of three-day weekends in the year. Veterans Day became a holiday that would fall on the fourth Monday of October, a far cry from Nov. 11.

However, in 1978, Veterans Day was restored to its original Nov. 11 date. But why?

The answer is simple. It’s a number that sticks with you. When the clock strikes 11:11, you always take notice. By that same notion, we all remember the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Because of this, we’ll never forget the end of the Great War, nor will we forget those who served.

FOLLOWING TOO CLOSE: A SERIOUS OFFENSE FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVERS

The CA Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 21703, Additional Driving Rules, warns “The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and the condition of, the roadway.” When a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder is convicted of “following too close,” their chances of getting hired by a reputable trucking firm are significantly reduced. Following too closely, also known as “tailgating,” is a serious offense with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). A trucking firm may decide to terminate a driver with this offense, even if the commercial driver has had a clean record for years up until this conviction. Trucking firms and fleet managers also know that a second conviction within three years will result in a 60-day license

suspension. If they hire a driver with one conviction of a serious offense and that driver gets another within three years, that firm will have to terminate them or hold a driving slot for them for two months. And, if they have a choice between hiring a driver fresh out of school or a driver with one serious offense on their record, they may be more likely to choose the former. This is why commercial drivers should fight these tickets. The fine for the ticket in CA is typically $238, and 1.5 points will be added to your record. If you pay the ticket fine or

dispute the ticket in court and lose, your conviction will be sent to the DMV. From there, it will be forwarded to the FMCSA, which will add 5 points to your Compliance, Safety, & Accountability (CSA) record, and that is devastating. If you received a ticket for following too close, now is the time to fight, and our team at Bigger & Harman can help. Don’t tackle this offense on your own — with our experience and skills, we can help you fight to protect your right to drive and your livelihood.

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A 100 MPH TICKET IT WILL COST YOU MORE THAN JUST A FINE

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION Thanks to your referrals, we were able to give $820 to fight human trafficking. To learn more about International Justice Mission, please go to IJM.org. MISSION: To protect the poor from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. Our long-term vision is to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice for the poor unstoppable.

Believe it or not, tickets for speeding over 100 mph are a frequent occurrence on Highway 58 in the desert region of Mojave, California. When you’re convicted of a speeding ticket for going over 100 mph, you’ll face a steep fine. Typically, a ticket like this can cost between $900–$2,200, but that’s only the beginning of what you’ll end up paying. On average, Californians pay $163 per month for auto insurance. A conviction of speeding over 100 mph will add 2 negligent operator treatment system (NOTS) points to your motor vehicle driving record. When your insurance provider sees those points on your record (usually upon renewal), they may double or triple your premium. Your insurance premiums could cost you an additional $167–$327 per month for up to seven years. Those 2 NOTS points, too, can contribute to other dire consequences. If you get 4 points on your record within one year — 6 within two or 8 within three — you will receive an “Order of Suspension & Probation” from the DMV. From there, you will need to request a DMV NOTS hearing within 10 days or face up to six months of suspension and another six months on probation. Additionally, a traffic court judge also has the ability to suspend your driver’s license for 30 days, even for a first offense of driving over 100 mph. An added inconvenience is that many courts will require you to appear in court if you get a ticket for driving over 100 mph and don’t have an attorney appear for you. You often can’t simply pay for the ticket over the phone like you can with a normal ticket. The costs of attending court for a day or two adds to the expense of receiving one of these tickets. The best option to avoid these costs and additional penalties is to hire an experienced traffic attorney. Call Bigger & Harman at 661-859-1177 to talk to one of our attorneys about your case today.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

–1 JOHN 4:7-8

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, APC HARMAN CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEYS BIGGER

Toll-Free (661) 859-1177 Se Habla Español www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

1701 Westwind Drive Suite 203 Bakersfield, CA 93301

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

What Matters Most Even During Hard Times.......................................................... PAGE 1

A Number of Importance ............................... PAGE 2

Fight Your Tailgating Offense ....................... PAGE 2

The Hefty Price of a 100 MPH Speeding Ticket................................................. PAGE 3

3 Memorable Thanksgiving Day Football Plays..................................................... PAGE 4

Have a ticket in California? Give us a call, and we’ll help you out! Regardless of the location, we can point you in the right direction free of charge!

LEON LETT The Miami Dolphins were up against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day in 1993. This game was marked by its strange weather: Snow covered the field in Dallas, and temperatures reached only 26 degrees F. But that wasn’t what made the game memorable. In the last 15 seconds of the game, the Cowboys blocked the Dolphins’ 40-yard field goal attempt. As the ball was rolling on the ground, Cowboys defensive tackle Leon Lett dove for it but slipped and missed. The Dolphins recovered the ball and were given the chance to kick another field goal at the 1-yard line. The attempt was successful, and they won the game. PHIL LUCKETT One of the most memorable moments during a Thanksgiving game took place in 1998, when the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Detroit Lions entered overtime in a 16-16 tie. Referee Phil Luckett oversaw the coin toss, and that’s when things became tense. Steelers running back Jerome Bettis appeared to call tails, but Luckett said, “Heads is the call.” Upon review later, officials discovered that Bettis changed his mind mid-toss and had indeed called heads first. The Lions got first possession and scored a field goal to win the game. 3 Memorable Thanksgiving Day Football Plays

Thanksgiving is all about good food, family, and football. Each year, football fans look forward to sitting down and watching the game with their family, regardless of whether or not their team is playing. While many games have been played over the years, some stand out more than others because of some major players and their quick actions. Here are three individuals who made their Thanksgiving Day games ones to remember. LAWRENCE TAYLOR New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor was said to have “single- handedly” beat the Detroit Lions in this memorable 1982 Thanksgiving Day matchup. The game was only the fourth of the season for Taylor, who had just recovered from a sprained knee injury suffered in a previous game. With the score tied at 6-6 in the fourth quarter, Taylor intercepted the ball from the Lions quarterback, Gary Danielson, and ran it 97 yards for a touchdown.

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