Traffic Tickets & Violations
Ticketed Unfairly? Fight Back with a Virginia Traffic Lawyer
Far too often, drivers in Virginia surrender to an unfair traffic ticket without a fight.
Many drivers assume their traffic citation is negligible, or that it would be pointless to even try to contest an unjust charge. Often people simply decide to pay their traffic fines quietly, even if they do not believe they deserved to be ticketed.
But putting a check in the mail for a traffic ticket you do not agree with is almost always a mistake. As soon as you pay off a ticket, you are automatically pleading guilty of the traffic violation you were charged with. While this might seem like a convenient way to put an end to the conflict, pleading guilty to a traffic charge in Virginia will bring on some serious consequences.
Virginia Traffic Attorney: Consequences of Paying a Ticket
In Virginia, speeding convictions and many other types of traffic offenses may lead to points on your driver’s license record, a major rise in your auto insurance rates, and the suspension of your driving privileges. Multiple tickets in a short period of time may even result in a permanent loss of your license.
Do not let a traffic violation threaten your freedom of movement, insurance rates, and driving privileges. If you are facing a traffic citation of any kind, you can avoid unwanted penalties with the help of an experienced Virginia traffic lawyer. Many traffic-related charges warrant quality legal representation, and experience counts in representing your interests in traffic court.
York County criminal attorney Mark A. Smith has been defending clients against traffic violations and traffic-related criminal charges for nearly two decades. He is committed to protecting individuals accused of traffic violations throughout his Virginia community, from Yorktown to Hampton to James City County. As your traffic violations attorney, Mark A. Smith will help you fight your criminal traffic charge and minimize the consequences a traffic violation could have on your future.
Talk to an Attorney
Turn to Attorney Mark A. Smith for answers!
A Look at Charges by a Virginia Traffic Ticket Lawyer
Traffic violations can be defined as criminal acts that break the laws of driving. Traffic violations can range in severity from infractions to serious criminal offenses. But even minor infractions can eventually lead to more serious penalties if multiple violations incur in a brief period, including hefty fines, loss of license, and even jail sentences.
Traffic laws in Virginia can be complex, and there are many different reasons you can be charged with a traffic violation. Below, we have listed some of the most common:
Drinking while under the influence. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other type of controlled substance is not only highly dangerous—it is against the law. If you are found driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher, you may face DUI penalties, including license suspension, hefty fines, and a permanent stain on your criminal record.
Driving without a license/driving with a suspended license. Under state law, it is illegal to drive any type of motor vehicle on any roadway without a valid license. Penalties for driving without a license or driving with a suspended license include jail time and fines.
Leaving the scene of an accident/hit and run. The legal repercussions for leaving the scene of an accident—often referred to as a “hit and run”—may vary depending on whether victims were harmed or killed, or the value of any property damaged. Depending on the circumstances, you could face loss of driving privileges, fines, and up to five years in jail.
Mechanical violations. Under Virginia law, motor vehicles must have certain equipment properly installed and functioning correctly while the vehicle is in operation. This includes breaks, lights, horns, seat belts, and reflectors. If your automobile is not properly equipped, you could be ticketed, fined, and penalized with points on your license.
Reckless driving. Reckless driving is an umbrella term that covers a variety of criminal behaviors, including reckless speeding, reckless driving that results in failure to control a motor vehicle, and reckless driving that threatens life. Consequences could include license suspension, jail time, and thousands of dollars in fines.
Running a red light or stop sign. Failure to obey traffic signs such as lights or stop signs could result in penalties such as fines and points on your license. This is one of the most common types of traffic charges in Virginia.
Speeding. In Virginia, speeding violations vary in severity and consequences. Lesser speeding violations may result in points on your driver’s license and fines, while more serious ones could lead to long-term suspension of your driving rights.
Why It Is Important to Contest Traffic Tickets with a Virginia Traffic Attorney
These are only a handful of many different actions that could result in a traffic violation in Virginia. While different violations may vary greatly in severity and potential consequences, all traffic violations carry specific point values. As you continue to accumulate points on your license, you may see a huge spike in your insurance rates, and face additional penalties such as license suspension.
Traffic convictions are a matter of public record, and an excessive number of convictions can have a big impact on your life. In addition to facing financial challenges due to fines and skyrocketing insurance rates, you may lose your job and find it impossible to find employment due to your inability to drive.
Protect Your Driving Privileges. Contact Experienced Virginia Traffic Lawyer Mike A. Smith
Do not let a traffic violation restrict your driving privileges, strain your finances, and limit your future opportunities. Contact Yorktown traffic ticket lawyer Mark A. Smith, who can help you understand the charges you are facing and build a creative and powerful defense strategy. With Mr. Smith in your corner, you may be able to minimize the penalties of your traffic violation and mitigate any possible punishment. You may be able to put the traffic incident behind you, and move forward with a clean record and your finances intact.
Mark A. Smith has defended the rights of countless Virginia drivers—he can help you too. Call Mr. Smith directly at 757-833-6909 for a free phone consultation, and take the first step towards protecting your driving privileges and freedom.