No traffic violation or driving-related criminal charge is too small to benefit from the help of an experienced Arlington traffic lawyer. Even a simple speeding ticket, if not contested, can wreak havoc on a clean driving record and cause insurance rates to increase, while a more serious traffic offense, like a driving while intoxicated charge, can follow a person for years.
Our experienced traffic attorneys in Arlington handle all types of traffic offenses and can fight to have the charges reduced or dismissed if you believe the accusations are unfair. If your driver’s license is suspended, your Arlington traffic lawyer can also pursue restricted driving privileges to allow you to drive to work or school, for instance.
There are numerous types of traffic offenses and infractions in Virginia that can cause points to be assessed to a person’s driver’s license and can require the help of an Arlington traffic lawyer. Speeding, excessive or reckless speeding under Virginia Code 46.2-862, DWI/DUI, underage or commercial driver DUI, repeat or felony DUI, reckless driving, driving with a suspended or revoked license, driving without a license, insurance or registration, hit-and-run, aggressive driving, eluding the police, leaving the scene of an accident, and vehicular homicide or manslaughter are all types of traffic offenses that could result in criminal convictions, potential jail time and hefty fines. If you have been charged with a traffic offense, an Arlington traffic attorney can help.
Penalties associated with traffic convictions depend on the severity of the offense. Class 1 misdemeanor offenses, like reckless driving, carry a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and $2500 in fines. In addition, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles can assign demerit points to a driver’s license or can suspend it for a period of time or revoke the license altogether. First-offense DUIs, for instance, must result in a license suspension of up to one year. The Virginia DMV can also require a person to drive with an interlock ignition device on his or her vehicle and to attend a driver safety education program.
Many drivers incorrectly believe that simply paying a fine can resolve traffic offenses. In some cases, however, paying the fine means a driver agrees to plead guilty to a certain charge, and that misdemeanor offense then goes on the person’s criminal record.
Because Arlington is part of the D.C. metro area, the highways and roads have a heavy police presence. The commuter traffic, tourist hot-spots and safety concerns mean drivers must exercise even more caution than in some other neighboring cities or states. In addition, the number of drivers who hold government positions, security clearances, and commercial licenses is high in and around Arlington, and these drivers’ employment opportunities can be negatively impacted by even a misdemeanor traffic conviction. If you hold a selective position or are concerned about how a traffic offense conviction could affect your record, an Arlington traffic lawyer can help you fight the charges and work to keep your driving and criminal record clear.