Richmond Traffic Lawyers

Your Trusted Virginia Traffic Ticket Violation Attorneys

Need a lawyer for a traffic case in Richmond? Many individuals may believe that traffic tickets for speeding and other moving violations are not necessarily a serious matter. However, there are certain types of citations that can cause you to lose your license. If you have incurred a number of citations, points against your driving record will accrue, which can lead to the suspension of your license. This will not only increase your insurance rates, but the monetary fines can be extreme.

In addition, the loss of your license can affect your ability to be able to drive and continue to make a living. If you have received one too many tickets, or find yourself with a serious citation against you, it would behoove you to contact a Richmond criminal defense lawyer.

Call (804) 207-5735 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with our Richmond traffic ticket violation lawyers today!

Common Traffic Offenses in Virginia You Should Know

There are many different types of traffic offenses in Virginia that vary from infractions to misdemeanors or even felonies.

Some of the most common are:

• Speeding
• Following too closely
• Running a red light
• Failing to make a complete stop at a red light or stop sign
• Driving with a taillight or headlight out
• Driving on a suspended license
• Driving without being licensed
• Driving while intoxicated
• Reckless driving

Consequences of Traffic Offenses in Virginia

The penalties for traffic offenses in Virginia vary depending on the offense itself, as well as any prior violations you may have. Common consequences for traffic offenses in Virginia include:

• Fines: Many traffic offenses in Virginia result in fines. The amount of the fine can vary significantly based on the severity of the violation. For example, fines for speeding tickets generally range from $6 to $200, while fines for reckless driving can be as high as $2,500.
• Points on Your License: Virginia uses a point system to track traffic violations. Each traffic violation results in a certain number of points being added to your license. Accumulating too many points can result in license suspension.
• License Suspension: Certain offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance, can result in suspension of your driving privileges. The length of the suspension depends on the offense, and repeat offenders may face longer suspensions or even permanent revocation of their license.
• Insurance Rate Increases: Traffic offenses can lead to higher car insurance premiums. Insurance companies may view you as a higher risk driver if you have a history of traffic violations, which can result in significantly higher monthly premiums.
• Criminal Penalties: Some traffic offenses in Virginia, such as reckless driving, DUI, and hit-and-run accidents, can carry criminal penalties, including jail time and criminal records. A conviction for a traffic offense could have long-term effects on your ability to find employment, apply for housing, or travel internationally.

The Points System in Virginia

Virginia uses a driver’s point system to track and penalize traffic violations. Each time a driver commits a traffic offense, a certain number of points is added to their driving record. The number of points assigned depends on the severity of the offense. If you accumulate too many points on your license within a set period, you could face penalties, including increased insurance rates, license suspension, or even revocation.

In Virginia, drivers are given the chance to accumulate up to 12 points on their license within a 12-month period before facing serious consequences. Here are some common traffic offenses and the number of points they can add to your driving record:

• Speeding: from 3 to 6 points depending on the speed
• Reckless Driving: 6 points
• DUI (first offense): 6 points (plus mandatory license suspension and other penalties)
• Failure to yield: 3 points
• Running a red light: 4 points
• Running a stop sign: 3 points
• Driving without a valid license: 3 points
• Driving with a suspended/revoked license: 6 points
• Failure to signal or yield: 3 points
• Texting while driving: 3 points
• Failure to obey a traffic signal/sign: 3 points
• Hit and run: 6 points (may also lead to criminal charges)
• Driving without insurance: 4 points

Defenses to Traffic Offenses in Virginia

There are several defenses to traffic offenses in Virginia, and an experienced Richmond traffic offenses lawyer can evaluate whether any apply to your case. For example, if there was insufficient signage, obscured road signs, or unclear directions, you may not have been aware of the violation. This could be used as a defense in speeding violations or failure to yield cases. Additionally, if the officer did not have probable cause to stop your vehicle, the evidence could be challenged and ruled inadmissible.

Errors in the ticket or police report may also serve as a defense. Mistakes such as incorrect vehicle information, wrong dates, or other inaccuracies can result in reduced or dismissed charges. In cases of speeding violations, your attorney may also challenge the accuracy of speed detection equipment, such as radar guns, if they were malfunctioning or improperly calibrated.

The Role of Richmond Traffic Lawyers

Dealing with traffic offenses in Virginia can be overwhelming, especially if the charges are serious or if you have prior offenses on your record. This is where an experienced Richmond traffic lawyer can be of great assistance. Traffic offenses lawyers are specifically trained to handle the complexities of Virginia’s traffic laws and can provide the legal guidance you need to protect your rights and minimize the consequences.

A Richmond traffic ticket lawyer can help in several ways, including:

• Analyzing the Case: Your lawyer will examine all aspects of your case, including the circumstances surrounding your traffic stop, the evidence against you, and any potential defenses.
• Negotiating with the Prosecution: In many cases, traffic lawyers can negotiate with the prosecution to have the charges reduced or dismissed. For example, they may be able to reduce a reckless driving charge to a lesser violation, such as improper driving, which carries fewer penalties.
• Representing You in Court: If your case goes to court, a traffic offenses lawyer will represent you and argue on your behalf. They will ensure that you receive a fair trial and will present the best defense possible to secure a favorable outcome.
• Minimizing the Consequences: For serious offenses, a skilled traffic lawyer may be able to reduce the penalties or seek alternatives to jail time, such as probation or community service. They can also help you avoid excessive fines and license suspensions.
• Providing Advice and Guidance: If you’ve received a traffic ticket or are facing charges, a Richmond traffic lawyer can provide you with legal advice on how to proceed. They can help you decide whether to contest the ticket, pay the fine, or seek an alternative resolution.

Let Our Former Prosecutor Defend Your Rights!

It is not common knowledge to most people that traffic citations can be disputed in court. Should you choose to do so, it definitely increases your chances of the dismissal of the citation and not having to pay the fines. When you have a series of citations or a particularly serious ticket such as reckless driving, DUI or high-speed speeding tickets, you will find it is in your best interests to contact Attorney Vaughan C. Jones to take your case to court for you. This will greatly increase your chances of a better outcome on the case. Not contacting Attorney Jones to defend you could seriously impact your driving record.

Looking for a Reliable Traffic Lawyer?

Without taking the time to do something about your tickets, you will basically be admitting to guilt in the infraction, and sustaining the fines and penalties. It is therefore imperative that you take the other option: fight the infraction with the help of an experienced traffic offenses defense attorney. This will increase the chances that the charge will be reduced or dismissed.

Overall, making the decision to fight the citations can save you a lot of money in the end, as it will prevent your insurance payments from going up in addition to eliminating the fines. You have a right to a criminal defense lawyer in such a case, so contact Attorney Vaughan C. Jones to discuss your situation. Attorney Jones will review what solutions are available to you.

Contact Attorney Vaughan C. Jones if you would like to fight your traffic offense in court with an experienced lawyer who has a successful record. Call now - (804) 207-5735