Virginia treats traffic infractions very seriously compared to other states. The penalty for receiving a traffic citation can be severe and can include high monetary fines, points assessed against an individual’s driver’s license, license suspension, and possible jail time.
To fight your traffic citation or violation with confidence, call upon the Vienna, Virginia traffic defense lawyers of Portner & Shure, P. A. We know all about Virginia’s traffic laws and what needs to be done to prove you did not violate any of them. At the least, we will want to lower the possible penalties for your citation to the absolute minimum.
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Virginia Traffic Laws
The Commonwealth of Virginia uses a system called the Uniform Demerit Point System. Under this system, drivers who accumulate too many points can have their driving privilege suspended. Points can be assessed for traffic citations received both in Virginia and in other states.
Common traffic violations include:
- Speeding
- Alcohol-related driving offenses (DUI)
- Failing to stop or yield
- Reckless driving
Speeding Citations in Vienna, Virginia
Speeding is one of the most common types of traffic violations. The potential penalties are based on how far above the posted speed limit an individual was traveling. If an individual is convicted of traveling between 1 and 10 miles per hour above the speed limit, the penalty is a fine based on $5.00 for each mile traveled over the speed limit along with 3 points. If an individual is convicted of traveling between 10 and 19 miles per hour the speed limit, the penalty is a fine based on $5.00 for each mile traveled over the speed limit along with 4 points. If an individual is traveling 20 miles or more over the speed limit, Virginia law considers this reckless driving, which is discussed next.
Reckless Driving Charges in Vienna, Virginia
A person can be charged with reckless driving based on a variety of actions.
A few ways someone can be charged with reckless driving:
- Traveling 20 miles per hour or more above the speed limit
- Driving at 80 miles per hour or more
- Driving in a way that poses a threat to public safety, regardless of speed
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor under Virginia law and carries a potential penalty of 1 year in jail, and/or a $2,500.00 fine, and 6 points.
Suspended License as a Penalty
If an individual is caught driving with a license that has been suspended or revoked, they can be charged with a misdemeanor. This carries a potential penalty of 1 year in jail, a $2,500.00 fine, and/or 6 points. Additionally, receiving a citation for a third offense also carries a 10-day mandatory minimum jail sentence.
Defending Yourself from Traffic Violation Charges
Despite the seemingly simple nature of a traffic offense, the prosecution is still constitutionally required to prove an individual’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. In many cases, our Vienna, Virginia traffic defense lawyers can examine the facts surrounding your traffic stop to determine whether the stop was valid. When a stop is invalid or illegal, the rest of the case might be thrown out entirely by the court.
Talk to Portner & Shure, P.A. About Your Case Today
There is no reason to accept a traffic charge or citation without first exploring your chances of fighting it. Our Vienna, Virginia traffic defense attorneys offer no-cost consultations to inquiring clients.
