how to get out of a traffic ticket without an attorney virginia

The first step of getting rid of this ticket is to plead not guilty and hire a lawyer. It is advised to hire a lawyer because the traffic laws in Virginia are very complex and the vehicle operator will find it very challenging to represent his/her own case in court.

Full Answer

Should I plead guilty or not guilty to a VA traffic ticket?

The first step to contesting your Virginia traffic ticket is pleading “not guilty" to the Virginia district OR circuit court in charge of your case. Typically, you'll need to plead in person on the arraignment date printed on your citation. Refer to the instructions on your ticket for specifics on how AND where you can submit your plea.

What happens if you don’t have an attorney to fight a ticket?

Appear by Yourself. Of course, you can appear by yourself for your reckless driving charge. This is sort of the default response to a reckless driving ticket because the law says you’re supposed to appear in court. The advantage here is that you don’t have the expense of hiring a lawyer.

What happens if you ignore a reckless driving ticket in Virginia?

Aug 05, 2015 · That is, let the court clerk know you are there. They will tell you that a prosecutor (or whoever handles these in your jurisdiction) is in …

How do I go to court for a traffic ticket?

Traffic Court Can Be Extremely Chaotic Without a Virginia Reckless Driving Attorney. Traffic courts in Virginia can be extremely chaotic. On a busy day in the Fairfax County traffic court, each judge has an average of 60-84 seconds to complete each traffic case. Things move fast in court.

How do you get a ticket dismissed in Virginia?

Is it worth fighting a speeding ticket in VA?

Can I just pay my ticket and not go to court Virginia?

How do I fight a speeding ticket in Virginia?

How much is a 20 over speeding ticket in Virginia?

What do I say in court for a speeding ticket?

What happens if you miss court for a traffic ticket in Virginia?

What happens if you fail to appear in court for a traffic ticket in NC?

How much jail time do you get for failure to appear in VA?

How do you get a reckless driving ticket dismissed in Virginia?

What speed is considered reckless driving in Virginia?

How much is a lawyer for a speeding ticket in VA?

Can you go to jail for a traffic violation in Virginia?

If you were speeding on the Interstate at less than 95 miles per hour, then you should know that jail time is possible (but still unlikely in most Virginia jurisdictions). The good news is that you can only spend time in jail if you have been found guilty of the offense. An experienced and highly qualified traffic ticket lawyer in Virginia can fight your charges, and you might end up being declared not guilty, or at least have the charge reduced to a minor traffic infraction which never comes with jail (or a license suspension). In considering whether to send you to jail, the presiding judge will assess your criminal history and driving record. If you have a history of driving recklessly, combined with an alleged high speed offense, then the judge may consider sending you to jail, so that you can learn your lesson! Judges will also consider whether you were rude or combative to the arresting officer. Whenever you have been accused of a traffic violation, it is always advisable to hire a knowledgeable traffic lawyer in Virginia as soon as possible. Trying to fight the charges on your own can make matters worse. You also need to note that it is very possible you will end up with a permanent criminal record when convicted, even if you avoid time in jail. You don’t want to find yourself in such a situation.

Why do you need a traffic lawyer in Virginia?

Hiring an accomplished traffic lawyer in Virginia can help you to avoid the serious consequences and penalties. A skillful lawyer can also help in case dismissal, reduction of charges and even an acquittal. However, without an experienced traffic lawyer you may not be aware of your rights in the trial, as well as the risks you are facing as you navigate the legal process. Traffic violations can lead to a spiral of negative events, which will ultimately jeopardize your ability to earn a living, pay bills or even provide for your family. It’s a risk that no one should take.

How long does a reckless driving conviction last?

While a conviction for a serious traffic violation, such as Reckless Driving, will remain on your driver’s license for a minimum of 11 years, it’s also a criminal offense – forever. A criminal record is permanent. It cannot be expunged. Unlike a conviction of a traffic infraction, driving recklessly is considered a criminal offense in Virginia. Most job applications will check your criminal conviction record. If you are applying for a job and you are asked whether you have had a criminal conviction, if you’ve been convicted of Reckless Driving then your answer should be affirmative. There is a very fine line between a mere traffic violation and a Class 1 Misdemeanor in Virginia. So, do you need to hire a traffic ticket attorney in Virginia when facing such charges? The answer is yes. There is no doubt about that.

Send a letter

The next approach you might take to handling your case is to send a letter to the court. Some people who can’t personally make it to court send a letter to the judge.

Appear by yourself

Of course, you can appear by yourself for your reckless driving charge. This is sort of the default response to a reckless driving ticket because the law says you’re supposed to appear in court.

Hire a lawyer to fight the reckless driving charge

Instead of handling a reckless driving ticket yourself or just crossing your fingers, you can hire a lawyer. The only real disadvantage to hiring a lawyer is the cost of the attorney. However, in my opinion, the many advantages outweigh the minor cost.

Andrew Flusche

My name is Andrew Flusche. I am a traffic and misdemeanor defense lawyer in Virginia. I limit my practice to traffic tickets and misdemeanor defense, so I know the ins and outs of these offenses. I literally wrote the book on reckless driving in Virginia which you can get on Amazon here or download for free here.

Can you fight a traffic ticket without a lawyer?

Many people who get traffic tickets will simply pay them. They get points on their licenses and move on with their lives. If you don’t want to do that, you could hire an attorney to fight the ticket for you, but you may also be able to successfully fight the ticket without hiring counsel. There are no guarantees here, but this is how it could work.

What happens if you don't respond to a court order?

If you do not respond in time you can be held responsible for the ticket, more fines and costs will be added to what you would have had to pay, and a warrant may even be issued for your arrest. Some states ask you to enter a plea of some sort when you respond to the court.

What are Virginia traffic violations?

Moving violations in Virginia occur when drivers operate a motor vehicle irresponsibly or recklessly or if they do not follow the rules of the road. However, traffic fines and penalties generally vary depending on the severity of the violation and how many demerit points motorists have on their driving records.

How to Dispute Traffic Tickets in Virginia

After motorists receive a traffic citation in Virginia, they may choose to pay speeding ticket fees or other driving fines (plead guilty) or they may fight the ticket. A professional traffic violation lawyer can help motorists dismiss or reduce their fees if they choose to fight their charges and appear in court.

How a Virginia Traffic Lawyer Can Help You

Consequences of Virginia traffic violations can be harsh, as demerit points help the DMV keep unsafe drivers off state roads. As such, traffic citations and demerit points often result in penalties such as an increase in car insurance rates, additional fines, driver license suspensions or revocations or a total loss of driving privileges.

How to Pay a Speeding Ticket in Virginia or Other Fines

Motorists pleading guilty to traffic tickets or citations may submit payment for the traffic violation either online or by mail. To choose the option pay speeding ticket online in Virginia, customers must complete the process through the state’s General District Court Online Case Information System under the Virginia Judicial System’s website.

Find a Lost Traffic Ticket in VA

Use the state's Online Case Information System to find details about your VA lost traffic ticket.

VA Traffic Ticket Information

NOTE: The Online Case Information System provides much of the following information; generally, it's enough information to go on if you determine you want to plead “guilty" and pay your fine online (of course, this depends on if you're eligible and you AREN'T REQUIRED to appear in court).

Fight or Pay Traffic Ticket in VA

As mentioned above, you can plead "guilty" and pay your VA traffic ticket fine, or you can plead "not guilty" and challenge your violation in court.

Experienced Virginia Traffic Law Attorneys

Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is a prestigious Virginia law firm that specializes in defending VA traffic violations. Our attorneys possess over 45 years of combined traffic law experience. We have been recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S.

Virginia Traffic Ticket Convictions Create Permanent Record

It is a mistake for out-of-state drivers to think that a Virginia traffic ticket does not have negative consequences – especially for demerit point offenses and criminal misdemeanor offenses. Convictions can jeopardize one’s freedom, driving privileges, driving record, employment, professional licensing and security clearances.

Virginia General District Court Traffic Court

All adult Virginia traffic violation allegations where the motorist is issued a Virginia Uniform Summons are set for trial before the General District Court. Trial court procedures for traffic cases vary from state to state. In Virginia, every filed case is presented to the Judge on the trial date.

Licensed Drivers from Out-Of-State on Interstate 95 in Virginia

Interstate 95 is one of the oldest routes of the Interstate Highway System. I-95 is the main north–south Interstate on the East Coast and runs from Florida to Maine. This interstate is the sixth-longest in the County.

Interstate 81 is the Longest Virginia Interstate

Interstate 81 is a north–south interstate in the eastern part of the Country. I-81 begins in Tennessee and runs for 855 miles before it comes to an end in New York at the Canadian Border. I-81 is the longest interstate in Virginia. This interstate also passes through West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania.