Traffic Violation Lawyer Arlington VA
Traffic Violation 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 at (703) 312-0410 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 demerits 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 at (703) 312-0410 for a free consultation.
3 Little-Known Facts About Traffic Court
Getting a driving ticket is often viewed as a nuisance and nothing more. However, your traffic violation lawyer in Arlington, VA from a practice like May Law will likely advise you to take your ticket more seriously. After all, a traffic violation serves as a summons to go to court. Contrary to popular belief, traffic court is just as serious and significant as any other type of court in the American judicial system.
There are probably a few key facts you don’t know about traffic court. These tidbits may give you some insight on how to prepare for your traffic violation hearing.
1. Trials Are Shorter Than You Might Expect
When you think of a court trial, you likely imagine a long session that drags on for an hour or likely longer. You might think you have ample time to present your argument, and that you and your traffic violation lawyer in Arlington, VA can present a compelling case at your own speed and comfort level.
However, traffic cases often take a few minutes. In fact, if you hire an attorney from May Law, they may end up representing you in court on their own, allowing you to attend other business.
If you do attend your traffic court case hearing and you plan on speaking to the judge, make sure to have rehearsed what you are going to say. Better yet, you can let your traffic violation lawyer in Arlington, VA speak on your behalf. Traffic lawyers are in the practice of presenting a case efficiently in order to fit the time span of a trial that lasts just a few minutes.
2. Defendants With Attorneys Get Heard First
When you arrive at your traffic court case on the date specified on your ticket, you may be dismayed at the length of the line you have to wait in. There may be dozens of other drivers an their lawyers ahead of you. Many courts run on a first come first serve basis, which may disregard the time at which your trial was originally supposed to take place.
However, you can fast-track your time in court by working with a traffic violation lawyer in Arlington, VA. Drivers who have attorneys often have their hearing prior to those in line who do not have professional legal representation.
3. Your Case Can Be Dismissed On Technicality
Don’t be afraid of your case ending up before a judge. With a practiced attorney from May Law at your side, your case may be dismissed in a very short time on a technicality. For instance, if the officer who issued you the ticket does not show up to the court date, your case may be dismissed.
An Introduction to Reckless Driving Law
If a police officer has recently cited you with reckless driving, you probably have many questions regarding what you should be doing next. While it is okay to feel stressed about your situation, it is important that you do not become too overwhelmed before you consult with an experienced Arlington, Virginia traffic violation lawyer. Making assumptions about your case before you receive legal guidance is generally not a good use of your time. The attorneys at May Law, LLP understand the situation you are going through and know that even though an officer charged you with reckless driving does not mean you are guilty. We are thorough in the work we do with our clients and will ensure that the facts of your case are properly and thoroughly presented.
What does a reckless driving charge mean?
Unlike a typical negligence-based traffic violation, reckless driving is a very serious matter and it means that you will have to go to court to either plead guilty or present a defense. You will not have the option to simply pay a fine like you would for a speeding ticket. When an officer cites your driving in this way, it means that your driving was perceived as a danger to a person or property. The serious nature of a reckless driving citation is only one of many reasons why it is important to seek experienced legal guidance from an Arlington, VA traffic violation lawyer as soon as you possibly can.
What are common reckless driving penalties?
While this always depends on the state, it is common to face penalties such as:
- License Suspension
- Large Fines
- Mandatory Driver’s Improvement Courses, and
- Jail Time
Can I represent myself in court for my reckless driving ticket?
You can represent yourself, but it is generally far preferable to seek the guidance of a Arlington, VA traffic violation lawyer familiar with your state’s law regarding reckless driving. Having a successful attorney on your side can make the day you go to court much less confusing, much less stressful, and you will have someone with the legal knowledge necessary to best represent you against this criminal charge.
Should I take a reckless driving improvement course?
This will depend on your circumstances and your driving record. If you wish to take a course in advance to show good faith and that you are working to improve yourself as a driver, it may be a good idea. However, if you are planning to take a course to get points back on your driving record, it may be best to wait until after a judge gives you a decision.
Who can I contact about my reckless driving ticket?
If you have questions related to your reckless driving citation, seek the help of an experienced Arlington, VA traffic violation lawyer today. You do not need to navigate this legal challenge alone.
Reckless Driving FAQ: What is the difference between reckless driving and careless driving?
When it comes to traffic violations, there are a number of terms that may be used on the ticket. Instinctively you may be inclined to review the violation, pay the fine, and move forward as quickly as possible. However, there are differences between terms such as careless driving, reckless driving, hazardous driving, and aggressive driving. In fact depending on what the violation is could depend on how you should proceed. For example, what defense you might be able to use to protect your rights, and whether or not you should hire a traffic violation lawyer in Arlington VA.
What is the difference between reckless driving and careless driving?
An Arlington VA traffic violation lawyer might explain to you that there are a few similarities between reckless driving and careless driving. However, they also have different connotations. This means that they could affect your charges, insurance premiums, and sentence if you are found guilty. Before you rule them out to be one and the same, take a moment to understand the difference between reckless driving and careless driving. Bear in mind that these explanations are general and could vary by state. If you still have questions, you may contact an Arlington VA traffic violation lawyer fromMay Law LLP.
Careless Driving –
A careless driving violation is typically considered to be one that is negligent, unsafe, and/or hazardous. When a driver is driving in a way that could cause harm to a person or damage to property, such as running a red light, it might be considered as careless driving. In general, a careless driving violation is not as serious as a reckless driving violation.
Reckless Driving –
A reckless driving violation may be very serious. When someone is driving recklessly, it is believed that they have the intent to harm a person or cause damage to property. Someone one who is driving reckless is fully aware that they are driving in an unsafe manner; whereas, someone who is driving carelessly is not. Reckless driving is seen as having no regard for humans, property, or the law. Both the court and insurance companies do not take these violations lightly.
Careless and Reckless Driving Laws
Every state has its own driving laws and governs these rules independently. The penalties for both careless and reckless driving will depend on the state that the violation occurred in. Many states implement a point system. Every violation carries a certain number of points and once a person receives so many, he or she could lose their license. Some violations, such as racing, driving 20 mph over the speed limit, or driving under the influence could result in an immediate suspension of a license in addition to other penalties such as:
- Fines
- Probation
- Jail time
- Increase in your insurance premium
- Loss of a professional license
- + More
3 Types of Traffic Violations
Most drivers get pulled over for a traffic violation at some point. While this can be a scary event, there are things that you can do to make the situation less stressful. If you have received a ticket for a traffic violation, consider hiring legal help. A traffic violation lawyer in Arlington, VA, can help you make a case to reduce the sentence or lower costs associated with the ticket. This way, you can get back on the road and commit to safe driving as soon as possible.
1. Speeding
Many drivers speed every day. Although this is common, it is dangerous. Speeding is a common culprit for causing accidents. When you drive over the speed limit, you put yourself and other drivers in danger. Fees associated with speeding vary based on how fast you were going and the marked speed zone. If you were driving too fast, you might receive a ticket for reckless driving. In this situation, you need a traffic violation lawyer in Arlington, VA, to help you manage your case.
2. Driving Without a License
There is a difference between driving without a license and driving without proof of a license. If you are a licensed driver and left your license at home, you might receive a ticket for driving without proof of a license. A traffic violation lawyer in Arlington, VA, can help you with this charge. You simply show proof of your license to have the ticket removed. However, if you are not a licensed driver, the consequences are typically more serious. In this situation, you want an experienced legal team on your side.
3. False Stop
One common traffic violation is failure to come to a complete stop. Many drivers only pause at a stop sign instead of stopping completely. A police officer can see this and give a ticket for an incomplete stop. The cost associated with this type of ticket can be high, so you may need to contact a traffic violation lawyer in Arlington, VA. This way, you have the best chance of this traffic violation not affecting your permanent driving record.
A traffic violation attorney specializes in managing infarctions incurred while driving. If you need this service, be sure to pick a legal team with ample experience. When your charges are settled, be sure to commit to being a safer driver at all times. This way, you can get to your destination without putting yourself and others at risk.
Considering Legal Help
The consequences of both reckless and careless driving can be devastating and last for many years into the future. If you’re facing a license suspension, you might also face transportation problems and that could result in job loss. Furthermore, if you have any other type of record or are on probation, a careless or reckless driving violation could escalate the situation. A lawyer might be able to reduce these charges so that they are not as serious. If you choose to fight the charges brought against you, call a traffic violation lawyer Arlington VA clients recommend from May Law LLP as soon as possible.
Traffic Violation Lawyer Arlington VA
Traffic violations happen daily on Virginia roads and that is why some people consider a traffic violation lawyer in Arlington VA to help them out. Most people though feel that a lawyer is just a waste of time but that just isn’t the case. Virginia has some of the harshest traffic laws in the United States and that can mean you could be for some serious fines or worse.
Not many people think about the consequence of what happens if you don’t hire a lawyer. Most people just mail in their fine and move on with their life. For a simple missed stop sign that is perfectly fine. However, for something as serious as reckless or careless driving you could be facing long-lasting consequences in your life.
Consequences of Not Hiring a Traffic Violation Lawyer
Many people are shocked at the harshness of punishments that Virginia throws at people. Even residents of the state are often caught by surprise when they learn they could be facing jail time. Here are just some of the consequences you could face when convicted of a traffic violation like reckless driving.
Permanent Criminal Record
Did you know that reckless driving is a criminal offense? While the traffic violation will remain on your driver’s license for a minimum of 11 years, you are stuck with the criminal offense. In the state of Virginia, it is a criminal offense and it cannot be expunged. This means when you are applying for that new job and they ask if you have a criminal conviction, and you’ve been charged with reckless driving, then you have to say yes. There is a very fine line between a traffic violation and a misdemeanor in Virginia and that gets many people in trouble.
Possible Jail Time
It comes as a shock to many that you could be facing possible jail time due to a serious traffic violation. Now, the good news is you can only be sent to jail if you have been found guilty of the offense. In most cases, the judge will access your criminal history and driving record. If you have a history of reckless driving then the judge might consider jail time. Judges will also consider if you were rude or combative to the officer. A lawyer can help you out here, and make sure that you have everything you need to have the chance for this to be favorable to you.
Fines
The fine that you receive is going to depend on the offense that you committed. The maximum fine for a traffic violation in Virginia stands at $2,500. Not everyone is going to pay that fine but it can happen. This is where hiring a lawyer can make the most sense. It can save you money in the long run as the fines can add up and so can the court fees.
Virginia is known for the harshest punishments that come with traffic violations. It is often in your best interest to hire a traffic violation lawyer in Arlington VA and have the team at May Law LLP help you with your traffic violations.