Arlington Traffic Lawyer
What might initially seem to be a minor traffic violation could become far more severe when you realize the impact that it can have on your driving privileges and your insurance rates. High fines also could take their toll on your financial situation as tickets for traffic violations begin to add up.
If you are in this situation, an Arlington traffic lawyer may be able to explain the various consequences of a traffic violation and how pleading guilty to that violation might impact your life.
A diligent criminal defense attorney may be an asset to you as you deal with traffic infractions or driving-related criminal offenses. Some of these offenses have collateral ramifications that you may wish to avoid or minimize if possible. Enlisting the help of a strong legal advocate can be beneficial to you during any court and administrative DMV proceedings.
Assessment of Demerit Points
Whenever courts accept a guilty plea to a traffic violation or a judge or jury finds individuals guilty of a traffic offense, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assesses demerit points to driving records. The number of points depend upon the severity of the traffic violation or driving-related criminal offense. A person could receive three, four, or six points per traffic offense.
As an example, six-point offenses encompass the most severe driving offenses. These offenses include DUI, reckless driving, and speeding at a rate that is at a minimum 20 mph more than the posted speed limit. Four-point violations include failure to stop and yield the right-of-way, unsafe passing, and speeding at a minimum of ten mph than the posted speed limit.
Three-point offenses are the least serious and include speeding less than ten mph over the posted speed limit, improper passing on the right, driving on the sidewalk, and other violations.
Accruing too many demerit points within a particular time could cause the suspension of driving privileges. It could also cause the assessment of additional fees when the persons become eligible for license reinstatement. Multiple points also typically raise insurance rates, often making high-risk insurance policies necessary to obtain coverage.
Consequently, individuals may want to consult a traffic attorney in Arlington before deciding how to handle a traffic violation.
Arlington Driving Offenses and Penalties
One common driving offense is driving while suspended. Whether a license is suspended or revoked due to the accumulation of too many points, a DUI, or failure to pay traffic tickets, driving while suspended results in additional unwanted penalties. This offense can result in additional fines, a lengthier license suspension period, and even jail time in some circumstances.
Another type of traffic offense that results in criminal charges is reckless driving. This Class 1 misdemeanor offense, as defined in Va. Code § 46.2-852, includes various dangerous driving behaviors. While a conviction for reckless driving can lead to a jail sentence of up to one year and a $2,500 fine, it can also become a felony offense with harsher penalties in some situations.
DUI is one of the more severe driving-related offenses under Virginia law. Under Va. Code §18.2-270, a first DUI offense is a Class 1 misdemeanor. It should be noted that if the blood alcohol content (BAC) of the driver measures above 0.15 percent, drivers will face mandatory minimum jail sentences. A traffic attorney in Arlington may be able to give much-needed advice to individuals who are facing first-time or subsequent DUI charges. A seasoned attorney could explain the potential penalties a person may face and could build their defense case.
Work with an Arlington Traffic Attorney
The penalties that you face for a traffic ticket or a driving-related criminal offense may be weightier than you might imagine. These offenses become very expensive very quickly, which can strain your budget and endanger your ability to drive.
An Arlington traffic attorney may be able to assess your situation and present your options for resolving the matter efficiently and positively.
All too often, the penalties for tickets and driving-related criminal offenses can accumulate so quickly that your situation will soon spiral out of control. Having legal counsel to guide you through all criminal court and administrative license proceedings can be essential to your ability to retain your driving privileges and your ability to work and support yourself and your family.
