I represent people inNorthampton or Accomack General District Court for traffic infractions.  I am very familiar with these courts, and I can advise you of what result can be expected.  I can make some required court appearances, and in most cases I can obtain a reduction in the charge or penalty.  Also, I review the officer's file and radar calibration to determine if there are any dismissal grounds.  I will help you to minimize the effect of the traffic ticket on your driving record and your automobile insurance. 

Common Traffic Offenses in Virginia

1.  Reckless Driving

This charge stems from either the manner of driving, from driving twenty (20) miles an hour or more than the posted speed limit or from driving faster than eighty-one (81) miles per hour in a posted 65.  A court appearance is technically required for a reckless driving charge. 

The maximum penalties for reckless driving are a $2500.00 fine and a sentence of 12 months in jail, although the Courts generally do not sentence defendants to jail time unless the speed is excessive.  I cannot speak for other regions of Virginia, but I can state that in Northampton and Accomack counties, you can expect to receive active jail time if you are convicted for traveling greater than forty-five m.p.h. of the posted speed limit.  Anther possible penalty is suspension of your privilege to drive in Virginia for up to twelve months.       

If you hire an attorney and your clocked speed is less than one hundred (100) m.p.h., the Court will generally allow the attorney to make the appearance for you.  Please call me to discuss how I can obtain either a reduction in your reckless driving charge or a reduction in your penalty.      

2.  Speeding

You can be charged with speeding one (1) to nine (9) m.p.h. greater than the speed limit, or you can be charged with speeding ten (10) to nineteen (19) m.p.h. greater than the speed limit.  The former is a three point offense and the latter is a four point offense, with both staying on your driving record for four years.  The maximum penalty for speeding is five (5) dollars per m.p.h. over the speed limit. 

With an appearance, which an attorney can make for you, the Court will consider allowing you to attend traffic school for the complete dismissal of your ticket if you also pay court costs.  You can attend traffic school in your home state and many states allow you to take traffic school online.

3.  Driving Under the Influence

In Virginia, driving with a blood alcohol content of greater than .08 constitutes driving under the influence, and there are enhanced penalties for blood alcohol contest of greater than .15 and .20.  A conviction of a .08 D.U.I. carries a maximum of twelve months in jail, a $250.00 mandatory fine, a possible additional $2250.00 fine, a twelve month suspension of driving privileges, possible requirement of attending ASAP classes.  A conviction of a .15 D.U.I. carries an additional penalty of a five day mandatory minimum jail sentence and ignition interlock if a restricted driver's license is issued, and a conviction of a .20 D.U.I. carries an additional penalty of a ten day mandatory minimum jail sentence.  Convictions of subsequent D.U.I.s carry harsher penalties, including mandatory jail sentences of up to one year.     

4.  Driving on a Suspended License

You should expect a suspended jail sentence for a first offense and active jail time for subsequent offenses for driving on a suspended license.  There are steps that can be taken to put the case in the best light.  For example, if the suspension is the result of court fines, all fines and the reinstatement fee should be paid before the court appearance. 

Points System in Virginia and the Effect Virginia Convictions

Will Have on You If You Are Licensed in Another State

In Virginia, a reckless driving conviction or a D.U.I. conviction is a six (6) point offense, and these convictions stay on your record for eleven (11) years. 

In Virginia, a speeding conviction is a three (3) point offense if the speed is one (1) to nine (9) m.p.h. above the speed limit and a four (4) point offense if the speed is ten (10) to nineteen (19) m.p.h. over the speed limit.  Speeding convictions stay on your record for five (5) years.  

If you are licensed in another state, a traffic conviction will show up on your driving record if Virginia has reciprocity with that state.  Here is a list of some of the states that have reciprocity with Virginia: New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, North Carolina, District of Columbia, Connecticut, West Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, New Hampshire, Maine, Kentucky and Florida.  Generally, the licensing state will assess points as if the offense happened in the licensing state, but each state has its own unique points system and you should contact your state's department of motor vehicles to determine how many points you could receive. 

 Appeal

If you have appeared in General District Court and are not satisfied with the result, the case can be appealed if the appeal is noted within ten (10) days of the General District Court trial.  Please call me to discuss whether I can assist with your appeal.

Commercial Drivers

If you are a commercial driver a reckless driving conviction or even a speeding conviction depending on your driving record, could threaten your ability to drive a commercial vehicle.  You should contact your state's department of motor vehicles to determine the consequences of a conviction.