Virginia Speeding Tickets Defense: What You Need to Know
Getting speeding tickets can be both frustrating and costly. With approximately 42 million speeding tickets issued annually across America, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Furthermore, speeding violations pose serious safety risks, often leading to auto collisions and accidents that could have been prevented.
If you’ve received speeding tickets in Virginia, don’t simply accept the consequences. Instead, you have legal options available to challenge the citation in court. However, navigating the legal system requires expertise that only experienced traffic attorneys can provide.
How to Fight Your Speeding Tickets in Virginia Court
Yes, you absolutely can contest speeding tickets if you believe the citation is unjust or inaccurate. Before proceeding to court, however, it’s crucial to hire a qualified lawyer who specializes in traffic violations. Traffic lawyers understand the complexities of traffic litigation and know how to defend against road citations effectively.
These legal professionals can help reduce your fine or potentially get the charges dismissed altogether. Most traffic lawyers operate on a flat-rate fee structure, so you’ll know the total cost upfront. Typically, legal fees range from $500 to $2,500, depending on the severity of the violation and complexity of your case.
Virginia Speeding Tickets Demerit Point System Explained
When you receive speeding tickets, demerit points are automatically added to your driving record. The number of points depends on how much you exceeded the speed limit:
- 3 points: Driving 1 to 9 MPH over the speed limit
- 4 points: Driving 10 to 19 MPH over the speed limit
- 6 points: Driving 20 MPH or more above the speed limit
These demerit points remain on your record for five years but can be removed after two years through safe driving classes. However, the actual conviction stays on your record for five to eleven years, depending on your speed when cited.
Potential Fines and Legal Consequences
Virginia takes speeding violations seriously, resulting in substantial fines. The exact amount will be printed on your speeding tickets to eliminate confusion about payment requirements. Additionally, Virginia courts add an extra $64 fee to each traffic violation.
If you’re caught driving 20 MPH over the speed limit, you may face reckless driving charges. For first-time offenders, this typically results in a misdemeanor charge and a $350 fine. However, reckless driving involving a revoked license or resulting in death can lead to felony charges and potential jail time.
Your fines are due within 40 days of conviction. Failure to pay promptly can result in interest charges, collection agency involvement, or even an arrest warrant. Therefore, it’s essential to address your speeding tickets quickly and appropriately.
How Will Your Insurance Rates Be Affected?
Auto insurance companies regularly review driving records to determine premium rates. Demerit points from speeding tickets can significantly impact your insurance costs. Nevertheless, rate increases aren’t necessarily permanent.
The extent of rate increases depends on several factors, including your insurance company, payment schedule, and overall driving history. Monthly payers typically see larger increases because insurance companies update records more frequently. Conversely, drivers who pay every six months may experience smaller increases, especially if they’ve addressed the violation through safe driving courses.
How a Traffic Attorney Can Help Fight Your Speeding Tickets
Your attorney will begin by highlighting your good driving history, requesting leniency from the court for first-time offenders. For repeat offenders, attorneys employ different strategies, though courts tend to be less lenient.
Experienced lawyers may challenge radar gun accuracy with concrete evidence, argue emergency circumstances, or demonstrate lack of awareness. Additionally, your attorney might recommend speedometer calibration or driving school enrollment as alternative solutions.
License Suspension Risks
Yes, accumulating too many tickets can result in license suspension or revocation. Once you receive 18 demerit points within twelve months, Virginia will automatically suspend your license. Moreover, failure to pay fines or complete court-ordered programs can also lead to suspension.
Contact Decker Law Today
A speeding ticket represents a significant financial burden that no one wants to face. However, ignoring the ticket only makes matters worse, potentially leading to increased fines and jail time. Instead, fight your citation with an experienced traffic lawyer.
Decker Law has been delivering exceptional results for clients for over fifty years. We handle various traffic-related issues, including reckless driving and truck accidents. For more information about defending against speeding offenses, contact legal resources or reach out to our experienced team today. Don’t let a speeding ticket impact your driving record and insurance rates – learn more about Virginia’s point system and take action to protect your future.
