Speeding tickets can happen to anyone and at any time. The results of a moving violation are always inconvenient, but under state traffic laws, it could be much more than that.
In some instances, you may be able to handle a violation without involving an attorney, but in others, working with a Chesapeake speeding ticket lawyer may be crucial to ensure you are following the appropriate procedures and minimizing the impact of the violation on your record. A traffic attorney from Parks Zeigler, PLLC, is ready to support you through a case.
Speeding Laws
In general, for a speeding ticket, a driver does not need to appear in court. They may simply submit a guilty plea in writing and pay the appropriate fine.
According to Virginia Code § 46.2-878.3, the fine will be $6 for every mile the driver exceeds the posted speed limit. That amount increases to $7 per mile for violations that occur near schools or work zones and up to $8 per mile for residential districts. Processing costs and other fees will be included in the fine as well.
In addition to a fine, Virginia Code § 46.2-492 provides that all drivers receive three demerit points on their driving record for each violation where they were traveling between one and nine miles per hour over the limit. If, in accordance with Virginia Code § 46.2-498–499, a driver receives either 12 demerit points in a period of 12 months or 18 demerit points within 24 months, the driver will be placed on probation for six months and required to attend a driving class. When the driver receives any further demerit points during the probationary period, their license will be suspended for between 45 and 90 days, depending on the severity of the violation.
A Virginia attorney with experience handling speeding traffic violations can help drivers explore their options and take the appropriate steps when the driver receives multiple citations in a short period of time.
Reckless Driving Charge
A speeding ticket, however, is not all that drivers must be concerned about. State traffic laws also create the offense of reckless driving, which can occur in a variety of scenarios. Per Virginia Code § 46.2-852, regardless of the speed limit, reckless driving includes any operation of a vehicle that endangers any person or property. Similarly, Virginia Code § 46.2-862 provides that reckless driving occurs when a driver exceeds the speed limit by more than 20 miles an hour or drives over 85 miles an hour—regardless of the posted limit.
Unlike normal speeding violations, reckless driving is not merely a traffic violation—it does not go away with a form and fine. Rather, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor that will likely require the driver to appear in court. It is also punishable with a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year of imprisonment. Additionally, if the driver did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the violation and caused a death through their driving, reckless driving can become a Class 6 felony, which can lead to a prison sentence of up to five years.
Any driver who receives a reckless driving charge should reach out to a speeding ticket lawyer in Chesapeake as soon as possible. Thinking that a reckless driving charge is another traffic citation is potentially a massive miscalculation.
Call a Chesapeake Speeding Ticket Attorney Today
When you receive a speeding ticket, the range of outcomes can vary widely. Perhaps it is something that you can handle on your own, but it may turn out that an attorney is necessary. When you are unsure of the severity of your charge, schedule a consultation with a Chesapeake speeding ticket lawyer to see how we can help. Call Parks Zeigler, PLLC, to learn more.
