Arlington Traffic Lawyer
Traffic Lawyer Arlington, VA
To most people speeding seems like a trivial traffic offense. Right? Wrong! Virginia has some of the strictest traffic laws in the country. If you were cited for speeding, a traffic lawyer Arlington VA can help you determine the best possible course of action, based on the speed and other mitigating circumstances.
In Virginia, speeding includes driving over the speed limit, driving too fast for the conditions, failing to obey a highway sign or special limit zones (e.g. school zone, construction zone), and general speeding. Speed limit signs are absolute; they are not a suggestion. A traffic lawyer Arlington VA understands these laws and can help prepare your defense.
If you are driving at a speed greater than 80 miles per hour, regardless of the posted speed limit or driving at a speed exceeding the posted speed limit by 20 miles per hour, you will most likely be charged with reckless driving. Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor (criminal offense) and is punishable by jail and hefty fines. Call a traffic lawyer Arlington VA immediately when charged with reckless driving.
Virginia speeding laws require drivers to drive at a speed that is safe depending on the circumstances, regardless of any posted speed limit. In other words, while it is safe to drive 55 miles per hour on a sunny day when the road is dry and clearly visible, it is not safe to do so when it’s dark and gloomy and the road is wet. If you are cited for speeding, contact a traffic lawyer Arlington VA to fight a conviction and minimize any penalties.
A traffic lawyer Arlington VA understands the ways in which law enforcement officers monitor speed. Virginia law enforcement officers monitor speed by using radar, LIDAR, traffic cameras, and pacing (officers match the speed of another driver to determine their speed). Most of the police equipment records the speeds for any future court hearings. The police equipment is also calibrated regularly to ensure the reliability of its recordings. Remember, our traffic lawyer Arlington VA can help you defend your traffic citation! Pacing is often unreliable as officers make mistakes too. Police equipment is not always calibrated and has false readings. Hire our traffic lawyer Arlington VA to raise like defenses and make it difficult for a prosecutor to prove their case against you!
What should you do when cited with speeding? A traffic lawyer Arlington Virginia knows that there are two options: pay your ticket and plead guilty or fight your ticket and plead not guilty. Paying your ticket may seem like a much easier option. It’s easy to pay your fine online or by mail. The trouble starts when DMV issues demerit points, your insurance rates go up, and your license is suspended or even revoked (with enough demerit points). Choose the smart option and fight your ticket. Our traffic lawyer Arlington VA will contest your traffic citation in court on your behalf. Traffic lawyer Arlington VA can help you reduce or even dismiss your charge, especially if you have a good driving record and have never been in trouble before. Our attorneys include former prosecutors and police officers and can often present evidence in a most positive way.
If you have been accused of speeding in Arlington VA, contact one of our knowledgeable and experienced lawyers at May Law, LLP. Our traffic lawyer Arlington VA will meet with you for free with no further obligations. Call us now for a free consultation.
Reckless Driving Charges
A traffic lawyer Arlington in VA can help you after you have been charged with reckless driving. Virginia has some of the harshest traffic laws in the U.S. The penalties of a reckless driving charge exceed greatly beyond a traffic citation and could include license suspension or jail time. The consequences of a reckless driving charge can last for many years, and the cost of these consequences is estimated to be over $5000. A rise in insurance premiums, job loss, and financial hardship are not to be desired. Couple in fines worth thousands of dollars, and you might begin to understand the effects of this charge. Bear in mind that if any mitigating factors are involved, the aforementioned could be exacerbated.
Yes, you will have to pay for an Arlington VA traffic lawyer. However, the legal fees may actually be less than the total financial loss of the charge if you choose to proceed on your own. A traffic lawyer may be able to help you to reduce your reckless driving charge or have it dismissed altogether.
Don’t Wait Until Your Court Date
If you don’t want to risk the penalties and long term consequences of a reckless driving charge, you should call a traffic lawyer in Arlington VA as soon as possible.
What May Constitute as Reckless Driving
Excessive speed is one of the most common types of reckless driving and can be defined as traveling more than 10 mph – 25 mph over the speed limit (will vary by state). Other reckless driving violations may include:
- Aggressive driving
- Driving an unregulated or unsafe vehicle
- Failing to yield
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Racing
- Weaving in and out of lanes
- Driving the wrong way
Carelessness or a lack of attention tend to be the main reason for a person to engage in reckless driving. Any action that a police officer believes to be a potential for harm, injury, or damage to another person or property could be reckless driving.
The penalties for reckless driving can be harsh and include:
- A long term DMV record
- Points on a license
- A criminal record
- Jail time
- Large fines
- Community service
- + More
Your first step after a reckless driving charge should be to take the necessary measure to protect yourself from any unnecessary consequence. This means that you should ask a traffic lawyer in Arlington VA for help.
How a Traffic Lawyer Might Help You
Unlike standard traffic tickets, you will not be able to mail in your payment for your reckless driving charge. Rather, you will be summoned to court. Reckless driving is a criminal charge, and generally a misdemeanor. You will be asked to make a plea, and then be sentenced by a judge. You don’t have to plead guilty. There may be alternative options, and a good Arlington VA traffic lawyer may identify those which are best suited to your case. A lawyer might also be able to appear in court for you, on your behalf, saving you from having to appear in court.
If you want the best possible outcome for your reckless driving charge, please call a traffic lawyer Arlington VA clients recommend from May Law, LLP today.
Speeding Tickets and Going to Court
When speeding tickets are handed out, the recipients often have a lot of questions. If you have found yourself in this situation, you can contact an Arlington, VA traffic lawyer to learn what you should do next. Perhaps you’re worried about court? The following is some basic information to help ease your mind.
Is Court Appearance Required?
If the issuing officer explained court and how you are required to appear, he or she may be a bit off. Many lawyers can work to waive your court appearance. You’ll need to complete a waiver of appearance form, and many lawyers help you fill this out without charge. With that waiver, your Arlington, VA traffic lawyer is able to represent you in court. This is a huge benefit if you live in another county or another state. It’s also a huge benefit if you have some anxieties about being put before a judge.
Where Is the Court?
Whether you or your Arlington, VA traffic lawyer attends court, it will have to be in the county in which you received the ticket. You can’t fight your speeding ticket in the county where you live if your ticket was issued three counties away. This applies to out-of-state tickets as well as those that are issued in your own state.
Should You Hire an Attorney?
You don’t have to hire an Arlington, VA traffic lawyer to fight your speeding ticket, but it is recommended if you feel you have a good case. If you have to fight the ticket in another county and are able to waive your appearance, the attorney can take care of your case without your presence. If you are unsure how to offer proof of your innocence, the lawyer can conduct an investigation and collect evidence for you. There are many benefits of hiring an attorney, so it’s something you should seriously consider.
Can the Ticket Get Dismissed?
Sometimes the officer who issued your speeding ticket won’t show up to court. If you or your attorney are there, but the officer is not, the court may dismiss your ticket altogether. Your attorney may conduct a small investigation on the responding officer. Does he or she have a family that might get in the way of a court appearance? Does he or she have a reputation for not showing up in court? These are factors to take into consideration.
Learning More from an Attorney
Going to court can be scary if you’re unsure what to expect. If you have a speeding ticket and plan to head to court over it, contact a traffic lawyer Arlington, VA clients trust from May Law LLP to learn more about what you should do.
Get Help From a Traffic Lawyer
As an Arlington, VA traffic lawyer from May Law, LLP understands, getting a speeding ticket in Virginia is a serious offense that can lead to severe consequences such as points on your driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and even suspension of your license. When you receive a speeding ticket, it is important to consider hiring a Virginia traffic lawyer to help you fight the ticket and potentially reduce or dismiss the charges against you.
Here are a few reasons why you may need a Virginia traffic lawyer with a speeding ticket:
- Understanding of Virginia Traffic Laws: A traffic lawyer has a deep understanding of Virginia traffic laws and can help you navigate the legal system. They know the ins and outs of the state’s laws, procedures, and regulations related to traffic violations. This knowledge can be invaluable when it comes to fighting a speeding ticket.
- Experience with the Court System: Your traffic lawyer should also have experience with the court system and knows how to navigate the legal process. They can help you prepare for court appearances, file paperwork, and negotiate with prosecutors. Additionally, they can help you understand the potential consequences of a speeding ticket and how to minimize them.
- Possibility of Reduced Charges: In certain circumstances, your Arlington traffic lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor to reduce the charges against you. For example, they may be able to get the speeding ticket reduced to a non-moving violation, which would not result in points on your license. This can help you avoid higher insurance rates and keep your driving record clean.
- Increased Chances of Dismissal: In some cases, your traffic lawyer may be able to get your speeding ticket dismissed altogether. This could happen if the officer who issued the ticket did not follow proper procedures, the radar gun used to track your speed was faulty, or there was some other mistake in the ticketing process. A skilled lawyer can identify these issues and use them to your advantage.
- Time and Cost Savings: Hiring a traffic lawyer can save you time and money in the long run. Instead of spending hours researching the law and preparing for court appearances, you can leave the legal work to a professional. Additionally, a Virginia traffic lawyer can help you avoid costly fines, increased insurance rates, and potential loss of income from a suspended license.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, a traffic lawyer can provide you with peace of mind during a stressful and uncertain time. They can answer any questions you may have about the legal process and help you feel more confident about your case. With their expertise and guidance, you can approach your speeding ticket with a strong defense and a greater chance of a positive outcome.
Find Legal Help for Your Traffic Ticket Today
Overall, hiring a traffic lawyer with a speeding ticket can be a smart move. They can help you navigate the legal system, negotiate with prosecutors, and potentially reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Call May Law, LLP today. By working with a skilled Arlington traffic lawyer, you can minimize the impact of a speeding ticket on your driving record, insurance rates, and future opportunities.