No matter what the reason might be that you got pulled over, it is still a stressful experience. After a traffic violation, you might be wondering what the potential penalties are or how it might impact your license or insurance.
When you are cited with a traffic violation, you can be subject to fines, loss of your driving license, and other serious consequences that can impact your day-to-day life. While many people will simply pay their tickets, you could have a valid defense. Traffic citations can have adverse consequences, and a bad driving record could increase your insurance payments. If you were issued a traffic citation, discuss the types of traffic offenses in Chesapeake with an experienced traffic attorney.
Traffic Offense Point System
Traffic violations are defined by a point system. This means the Department of Motor Vehicles tracks a driver’s record and can deny certain privileges based on how many points they have on their record.
Three-Point Traffic Offenses
Three-point traffic violations are the least severe and involve minor infractions like speeding, improper passing or turning, failure to signal, violation of a right turn on a red light, driving through a safety zone, and other similar conduct. These traffic offenses remain on the driver’s record for three to five years.
Four-Point Traffic Offenses
The next level is four-point traffic violations, which include speeding (10-19 mph above the limit), passing when unsafe, failing to stop for a pedestrian, and following another car too closely. Drivers convicted of a four-point offense will have the citation on their record for three to five years.
Six-Point Traffic Offenses
Lastly, the most serious type of traffic violation is a six-point offense. These can include DUI, speeding 20 mph above the speed limit, passing an emergency vehicle or school bus, failure to stop at the scene of an accident, and driving on a suspended or revoked license. Six-point offenses can remain on your record for eleven years and, in some cases, permanently.
Understanding the different types of violations can help drivers in Chesapeake better prepare for their traffic case. If you are facing a traffic offense, you should consider consulting a defense lawyer to discuss your options to mitigate the impact on your driving record.
Potential Penalties for a Traffic Offense
The consequences of a traffic ticket in Chesapeake can be significant. Fines, traffic school, and court appearances can add up quickly. Drivers receive points against their license and increased insurance rates after an infraction. In most serious cases, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend a driver’s license. This can prevent someone from commuting to work or school and cost them money in fees and transportation. As such, avoiding the potential penalties of a traffic violation is crucial.
An attorney can help defend you. If you were given a ticket for speeding, running a red light or stop sign, driving recklessly, or driving with a suspended license, it is possible to have the charges dropped. While pleading guilty to a ticket and paying the fine may seem like the best solution, it can end up costing money in the long run. With the assistance of a defense attorney, a driver can minimize the impact of a citation on their driving record.
How to Appeal a Traffic Violation
A traffic matter heard in general district court can be appealed within ten calendar days of the decision. On appeal, the circuit court will hear the case de novo, which means there will be a completely new trial, as though the first trial had never happened.
In some cases, it makes sense to appeal an adverse traffic violation, especially when jail time is at stake. Some common misdemeanor traffic infractions that can be appealed include driving on a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, and DUI. Through a successful appeal, an attorney in Chesapeake can help you avoid jail time, fines, license suspension, and other administrative consequences associated with different types of traffic infractions.
Ask a Chesapeake Attorney for Assistance With Types of Traffic Offenses
If you were charged with a traffic violation, you should secure the help of an experienced lawyer. Even minor types of traffic offenses in Chesapeake can lead to hefty fines and other adverse consequences. Our experienced defense attorneys are prepared to advocate for you every step of the way.
While it may seem unnecessary to hire an attorney to challenge a traffic offense, it can ultimately save you time and money. Repeat violations can impact your insurance rates and add points to your license. To learn more about how a lawyer can assist you, schedule a consultation today.
