The Role and Importance of a Traffic Attorney
Getting a traffic ticket can be a frustrating and costly experience for any driver. In Virginia, minor traffic citations can have severe consequences, including hefty fines and repercussions on driving privileges.
Some driving offenses, like reckless driving, are even classified as criminal misdemeanors, making it crucial to understand your rights and seek professional legal assistance.
By teaming up with an excellent Virginia traffic lawyer, you’ll get professional advice on the charges or traffic violations you’re facing and the support you need to contest your ticket or build a strong defense against reckless driving charges.
Our team of traffic lawyers at Ashwell & Ashwell will thoroughly evaluate your case and help you determine the best action plan.
Understanding Virginia Traffic Violations and the DMV
Virginia traffic violations can carry long-lasting consequences, including getting points on your driving record. If you amass too many points, your driver’s license could get suspended or revoked. These violations typically remain on your record for approximately three years from the date of conviction.
The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns points to different offenses based on how bad they are. It’s super important to know each type of traffic violation and the importance of seeking legal assistance when dealing with more severe offenses. Just remember, the higher the points, the more you should think about getting a traffic attorney who can have your back.
Three-Point Traffic Violations
This category includes minor traffic violations like improper passing, disregarding highway signs, or exceeding the posted speed limit by less than ten mph. Convictions for these infractions stay on your driving record for three to five years.
Four-Point Traffic Violations
In Virginia, four-point violations are considered the big league of traffic offenses. They include driving against the flow on a one-way street, aggressive driving, tailgating, or exceeding the speed limit by 10-19 mph. And guess what? Convictions for these offenses remain on your record for a more extended period, ranging from 3 to 11 years.
Six-Point Traffic Violations
Six-point violations are the most severe infractions, elevating them beyond traffic tickets to criminal offenses. They include DUI, involuntary vehicular manslaughter, and reckless driving. Convictions for these offenses result in points remaining on your record for 11 years.
The Consequences of Accumulating Points on Your Driving Record
Accumulating excessive points on your driving record can have serious consequences. They can lead to not only criminal charges but the DMV can also revoke or suspend your driver’s license. For adults, license suspension can occur upon reaching 12 points within 12 months or 18 points within 24 months. Getting legal advice is super important to protect your license.
At Ashwell & Ashwell PLLC, our attorneys have a solid grasp of the Virginia judicial system and courts. We’re committed to using this knowledge to help you lower points on your record, negotiate reduced charges, or even have the allegations against you dismissed. You can rely on us to provide the unwavering support and guidance you need in your legal matters.
How a Traffic Attorney From Ashwell & Ashwell Can Help You After a Ticket
If you’ve received a traffic ticket, you might be contemplating whether it’s worthwhile to hire an attorney. The answer is a resounding yes! Hiring a skilled traffic lawyer in Virginia comes with a bunch of benefits, including:
- We Have Knowledge of Efficient Defense Strategies: Did you know that there are instances where traffic tickets are issued incorrectly? You may have been charged with a traffic offense that you did not commit. However, we can offer valuable assistance and help you understand what happens during a traffic stop. We can help gather relevant evidence for your case and develop an appropriate defense strategy to challenge these charges. Our experienced traffic lawyers are well-versed in successful defense strategies for various offenses, from speeding tickets to DUI accidents.
- We Can Negotiate Lower Penalties: Getting a speeding ticket might make you think you’ll face the worst penalties. However, judges can potentially reduce a reckless driving charge or lessen the severity of the penalties. To boost your chances of a positive outcome, seeking guidance from a skilled attorney is crucial. Our team can effectively present your case, convincing the court by considering factors like a clean driving record or the possibility of faulty equipment used to measure your speed.
- It’s the More Affordable Option: If you start racking up points on your license for traffic violations in Virginia, the fines can add up. So, if you put off getting a traffic attorney, getting your license reinstated could cost you a pretty penny. By being proactive and hiring us, you might be able to reduce charges and penalties, saving you a good amount of money on fines in the long haul.
Give us a call, and let’s schedule a free case evaluation. We can review all the facts and develop the right strategy for you.
Hire an Experienced Traffic Attorney in Virginia
At Ashwell & Ashwell PLLC, we have extensive experience in handling various traffic violations. With a deep understanding of Virginia’s traffic laws and the judicial process, we are committed to guiding you through your case while diligently protecting your rights.
Whether you are facing a minor infraction or a serious offense like DUI, our firm provides sound legal advice, develops effective defense strategies, negotiates penalties, and strives to achieve favorable results.
While a traffic ticket can be daunting, you don’t have to face it alone. Allow Ashwell & Ashwell PLLC to assist you in reducing fines, avoiding license points, and preserving your driving privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Contest a Traffic Ticket in Virginia?
In Virginia, you have the option to contest a traffic ticket. When it comes to a speeding ticket, there are two primary options.
- The first one is going for a plea deal. This option allows you to negotiate a reduced speed and fewer points on your license. But remember that this option still means pleading guilty, and the points will stay on your record for a while.
- The second option is aiming for a complete dismissal in court. If your goal is to have the speeding charge entirely dropped, getting legal representation from an experienced criminal defense attorney is crucial.