Caught speeding? DUI? How to get help in Virginia

Caught speeding? DUI? How to get help in Virginia

Speeding tickets and DUI citations are costly in the Richmond-Petersburg, Virginia area. If you’re caught speeding, making improper lane changes, cited for reckless driving or even tailgating, you face fines, loss of driving privileges with more serious offenses, and potential jail time. Those costs don’t include the higher car insurance rates you’ll pay for violating traffic laws. The Commonwealth of Virginia is serious about making the roads safer for its citizens.

Costs of speeding tickets

If you’re caught speeding in Virginia, you’ll pay $6 for every mile you were clocked over the speed limit, plus court costs. A violation for speeding 15 mph over will cost about $140 in total. In the Richmond-Petersburg area, your insurance will go up on average $80 per year after a speeding ticket. Speeding violations stay on your record for five years, which means that violation will cost you more than $500 over a five-year period.

More serious charges, like reckless driving, remain on your record for 11 years.

Less than 10% of Virginia drivers contest their traffic tickets, spending hundreds of dollars over long periods of time for a single violation.

How a traffic attorney can help

Hiring a traffic attorney is a good decision when you’re faced with a speeding violation. The attorney can help reduce penalties, negotiate another option to lower your fine, or get the ticket dismissed under certain circumstances. Your attorney will recommend your best course of action and the likely outcome of your case.

Lower penalties.A judge will reduce your fines or penalty points based on your attorney’s recommendation. Unfortunately, you may still face higher insurance rates because the violation remains on your record.
Other discipline to lower your fine.Usually, participating in traffic school will help get your fines reduced. You may see your ticket and points dismissed, and your insurance rates may not increase.
Ticket dismissal.Your traffic lawyer may be able to get your ticket dismissed if under certain circumstances that either involve a trial or undertaking remedial action (like driving school) within a certain time frame.

You’ll likely still have to pay court costs, attorney costs or fines even if the ticket is dismissed.

Costs of DUI (Driving Under the Influence)

In Virginia, a first-time DUI violation is expensive. It’s considered a class 1 misdemeanor and a judge can fine you $250 up to $2,500 as punishment. You’ll also face a one-year suspension of your license and must attend an alcohol safety program to get it back.

You’ll be issued a DUI citation if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, the judge must add five days jail time to your punishment. You would need to attend the alcohol safety program, and after you get your license back, you must use an ignition interlock that tests for alcohol.

Your only chance of contesting a DUI is with an attorney. Under certain circumstances, the Commonwealth may agree to a reduced charge to resolve the case.

How a DUI attorney can help

You’re required to appear in court when you receive a DUI citation. Hiring an attorney gives you an expert to help you navigate the court procedures. While the DUI lawyer can’t guarantee a favorable outcome, having counsel helps you achieve the best result possible.

You do have rights under the law, and your attorney will talk with you to determine if you have a defense. For example, you may be able to argue that:

You weren’t violating any traffic laws, and the police had no reason to pull you over.
The breathalyzer or field sobriety test results weren’t valid due to factors such as improper administration or medical conditions.
Blood test results may also be inaccurate if not handled properly.

Final thoughts

Receiving a speeding ticket or a DUI citation is a nerve-wracking experience. As soon as you catch your breath, call a traffic attorney or a DUI lawyer for support. You’ll gain an immediate partner who will listen to your story, assess the circumstances, and being planning your defense. If you’re in the Richmond-Petersburg, Virginia region, contact Edwin F. Brooks. His skill with Virginia law and the local court system make him a great advocate.

Caught speeding? DUI? How to g...