Traffic Violations Defense Attorney Fairfax VA 
Most people will admit to speeding once or twice. In fact, a study from Purdue University determined that 43 percent of drivers feel there is nothing wrong with driving up to ten miles an hour over the speed limit. What happens, though, when someone gets a little carried away, goes faster than that, and gets caught? In Virginia, it could mean being charged with aggravated speeding. What is this charge, and how might it impact your life? The following explains, and it provides details on how an experienced traffic violations defense attorney Fairfax VA clients trust can help.
Aggravated Speeding
Aggravated speeding applies when a driver exceeds the speed limit by 20 miles per hour or more. Anything that exceeds 80 miles per hour may be considered a Class one misdemeanor. Both charges come with hefty consequences, and either may permanently scar your criminal record. As such, individuals are encouraged to seek legal assistance when fighting against the charges.
An experienced traffic violation lawyer Fairfax VA drivers recommend can protect your rights and help you fight back against the charges and consequences of aggravated speeding. If you have been charged with aggravated speeding, there are some defenses that your attorney may be able to use to help your case.
Drivers who have are facing charges of aggravated speeding with no prior convictions may be eligible for court supervision, rather than a conviction of their charge. However, it is important to note that the terms of supervision must be met for the charges to be dismissed. Any failure to do so may result in a full conviction and further consequences.
Those facing charges for aggravated speeding may be looking at jail time, fines, court costs, and a criminal record. The maximum consequences for a conviction may include up to 12 months of jail, fines of up to $2,500, and loss of license for up to six months.
There is also damage to your driving record, which could also mean increased insurance premiums. Aggravated speeding is a six-point offense and will be on your driving record for 11 years. A 10 to19 mph speeding ticket is a four-point offense and will be on your driving record for five years. A 1 to 9 mph speeding ticket is a three-point offense and stays on your driving record for three years. Under the laws of the state of Virginia, if you accumulate more than 18 points in one year or 24 points in two years, your license will be suspended.
One of the reasons why it’s so important to connect with a traffic violation defense law firm Fairfax, VA residents trust in the wake of being charged with a traffic infraction is that it isn’t always easy to tell at first whether you’ve been charged with a civil or criminal offense. Traffic violations can be civil or criminal in nature. Although each kind of infraction can result in consequences, criminal violations can be considerably more consequential than civil violations. This is because civil violations can’t result in imprisonment, whereas criminal violations can.
When you speak with a traffic violation lawyer Fairfax, VA area residents trust, you can clarify your legal situation. Once you understand the gravity of the traffic violation you’ve been charged with, you can make an informed decision about how you want to approach your legal options.
Civil Traffic Infractions vs. Criminal Traffic Violations
If you are cited with violating a traffic law, the infraction may be classified as civil or criminal. Generally, civil infractions are relatively minor, such as speeding nine miles over the posted speed limit. By contrast, criminal violations must generally stem from a significant disregard for the safety of others. Speeding nine miles over the posted speed limit may be a civil infraction but speeding 25 miles over the posted speed limit may be treated as criminal conduct.
It’s important to note that if you fail to respond to civil charges, you may end up facing criminal penalties for subsequent behavior. For example, if you fail to pay a civil fine related to a speeding ticket, your driver’s license could be suspended. If you then drive with a suspended license, you could be charged criminally with that conduct. This is one of the many reasons why even if your traffic violation is “only” classified as a civil offense, you may want to speak with an attorney to deal with it properly and definitely. That way, your infraction won’t come back to haunt you later on.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you’ve been cited with a traffic violation, please connect with the experienced Virginia legal team at May Law, LLP as soon as you can. We’ll be able to clarify whether you’ve been cited with a civil infraction or a criminal infraction. At that point, we’ll explain your legal options and how we can help you to fight your ticket, if you choose to do so. When it comes to traffic violations, it isn’t always easy to know whether you should respond urgently and seriously or simply respond appropriately by the deadline cited on a ticket. Scheduling a confidential, no-risk consultation with our firm will allow you to ask questions and to proceed in an informed way. Please connect with our Fairfax, VA traffic violation defense law firm today; we look forward to speaking with you.
Contact Our Law Firm Today
If you or someone you love is facing charges for aggravated speeding, contact May Law, LLP for assistance. We will schedule a free consultation with a Fairfax, VA traffic violations defense attorney who will fight aggressively for the most favorable outcome in your case.