You see the red and blue flashing lights behind you. In annoyance, you pull over. The police officer cites you for a traffic infraction—the perfect start or end to any day.
While a traffic citation may seem like a minor run-in with the law, the consequences can be far more serious than you might have thought. You may need to enlist the services of a skilled Harrisonburg traffic law lawyer from MartinWren, P.C., to help you challenge the ticket. Your dedicated Harrisonburg criminal defense attorney with our firm can help you figure out the best possible approach so you can avoid the often harsh penalties of a conviction.
Traffic Law Conviction Penalties
Every type of traffic offense is different, which means the type of infraction you receive will determine the severity of your penalties. While many types of traffic offenses are punishable by a citation or fine alone, there are some that carry more serious penalties. Some of the most common consequences you could face if you are found guilty of a traffic violation include:
- Community service hours
- Time in jail or prison
- Liability in a civil claim filed by a Harrisonburg personal injury lawyer if the alleged victim suffered a traumatic brain injury or other catastrophic injury
- Random drug or alcohol testing by a probation officer
- Considerable fines
These are only a few examples of penalties that may apply in your traffic law case. There are countless other consequences that could impact you, depending on the type of offense you are accused of. It is not uncommon for drivers to have points added to their driving record, have their license suspended or revoked, or face criminal charges for reckless driving or DUI.
Points on Your Driver’s License
Virginia has a comprehensive point system for traffic infractions. Per the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, if you get too many points on your license within a certain amount of time, you could have your driver’s license revoked. Although you may have been cited for a minor violation, if you have multiple moving violations or other offenses on your record, this could be the offense that leads to a driver’s license suspension.
Suspension of Your Driver’s License
If you receive a traffic infraction, you could also have your driver’s license suspended immediately, depending on the type of traffic crime. With your driver’s license suspended, it may be difficult or impossible for you to earn a living, especially if you are a professional driver.
You may be able to apply for a hardship license, which could allow you to continue working or go to important doctor’s appointments, but you will need to meet certain requirements per the Virginia DMV to qualify.
Reckless Driving Charges
If you drive more than 20 mph over the speed limit, you can be charged with reckless driving. You can also be charged with reckless driving if, at any point in time, regardless of the speed limit, you drive faster than 85 mph. Although driving over the speed limit may seem like a minor offense, it is a misdemeanor offense in Virginia and can result in a criminal record.
Driving Under the Influence Charges
If you are accused of driving under the influence, you will likely receive more than a simple traffic citation. First-time offenders can expect to face misdemeanor-level charges. If convicted, you could pay fines up to $2500 and spend up to 365 days in jail.
For a legal consultation with a personal injury lawyer, call 434-817-3100
Your Traffic Law Lawyer in Harrisonburg Is Prepared to Challenge Your Citation
Although you may be tempted to simply pay your traffic citation and move on with your life, it is important to be aware of the potential consequences that may follow. Many types of traffic infractions could have a serious impact on your ability to live your life normally. Some of the most common types of traffic offenses your Harrisonburg traffic law attorney with MartinWren, P.C. handles include:
- Operating a vehicle without a driver’s license
- Reckless driving, including under Virginia Law § 46.2-852
- Leaving the scene of an accident or hit and run under Virginia Law § 46.2-894
- Traffic infractions for out-of-state drivers
- Driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license
- Failure to yield or stop
- Street racing
- Driving with an open container
- Following too closely
It can be difficult to know how to approach your traffic citation. It may be in your best interest to consult our legal representatives so you can figure out your next steps. One thing is for sure: you should never simply pay for the ticket and forget about it.
That is especially true when it comes to reckless driving charges, which are misdemeanor offenses in Virginia. That can impact your job, security clearance, or other aspects of a sensitive occupation.
Ways to Challenge a Harrisonburg Traffic Law Violation
Getting help from a traffic law attorney in Harrisonburg may be the best way to determine how you should challenge the traffic infraction or criminal charges against you.
We have extensive experience recognizing law enforcement and prosecutorial misconduct and have successfully cleared hundreds of client charges over the years. Some of the most common defense strategies individuals facing citations and criminal traffic charges may use include:
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Violations of your Miranda rights
- Someone else was responsible for the alleged traffic crime
- The arresting officer’s testimony is factually inaccurate
Prosecutors may be more willing to negotiate traffic law violations. We may be able to convince the district attorney handling your case to plead you down to a less serious offense, such as a fine. In some cases, you may even qualify for pretrial diversion, and if you complete the program terms, the state drops the charges against you altogether.
Harrisonburg Traffic Law Lawyer Near Me 434-817-3100
Consult an Experienced Traffic Law Attorney in Harrisonburg for Help Today
When you receive a traffic ticket, you should never just plead guilty. The consequences may be more far-reaching than you anticipated. Consult a highly experienced traffic law lawyer in Harrisonburg from MartinWren, P.C., to learn what is at stake.
Our team can work with the prosecutor to determine whether the charges against you could be reduced to a less serious offense. In some cases, we may be able to get the charges dismissed altogether. Contact our law office to schedule a free consultation today and find out what steps you need to take to avoid a conviction.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
