Charles County Traffic Lawyer
Although most drivers are fully aware of traffic rules and regulations, they do not always follow them, which could result in unwanted consequences. When individuals are facing traffic offenses, they may wish to enlist a Charles County traffic lawyer for help.
High fines, increased insurance, and points on your license all stem from a single traffic ticket. While you may not initially think to seek legal advice, failure to get the guidance of a criminal defense lawyer could result in disaster. Avoid or reduce the possibility of these unanticipated consequences by contacting legal counsel right away.
Whether you were cited and fined on I-95, route 301 or five, an experienced attorney could help.
Traffic Tickets in Charles County
Even one ticket could have implications that individuals often do not realize. While individuals typically do not serve jail time for receiving traffic tickets, receiving multiple traffic tickets could have unpleasant results.
Individuals who accrue a specific number of points on their licenses within a short timeframe could face suspension of their driving privileges, as well as fines. All too often, individuals compound these problems by failing to appear in court or pay fines, which could lead to more adverse consequences.
Common examples of traffic tickets may include:
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
- Proceeding through an intersection on a red light
- Speeding
- Failing to use a turn signal
Following the receipt of a traffic ticket, individuals may plead guilty and pay a fine, often without appearing in court. However, automatically pleading guilty may not be in the best interests of individuals, particularly if they already have multiple points on their licenses. Getting the advice of a traffic lawyer in Charles County in this situation may be wise.
Criminal Driving Offenses
In some cases, traffic offenses are more serious, carrying the potential for criminal convictions and even time spent in jail. These offenses also result in high fines, increased insurance premiums, and points on licenses, but they have additional detrimental sanctions. Conviction on a criminal traffic offense creates a permanent criminal record could cause a license suspension and may result in jail time.
Traffic offenses that carry criminal penalties vary in severity. Individuals with a prior criminal history of these offenses likely face additional and harsher penalties for convictions. Some examples of criminal traffic offenses include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving while suspended
- Driving without insurance coverage
- Reckless or aggressive driving
For instance, if individuals drive without insurance and are involved in an accident, they are responsible for paying for the costs of any bodily injuries and property damage that they cause. Furthermore, they face a criminal conviction with severe repercussions, including license suspension, points on their driving records, high statutory and reinstatement fees, and payment of high-risk insurance premiums.
DMV Assessment of Points on Driving Records
A conviction for most traffic offenses, whether they result in tickets or criminal charges, causes the Virginia DMV to assess points on driving records. The number of points for each offense depends on its severity and whether it was a ticket or a criminal charge. Demerit points of higher amounts for more severe violations generally remain on driving records longer than those for traffic tickets.
Drivers also earn “safe driving points” on their driving records for every year in which they have no traffic violations. They have the possibility of earning up to five safe driving points, which could help offset the points received for traffic offenses. A traffic attorney in Charles County may be able to give more details about how the DMV assesses points on driving records and their effects.
Consult a Charles County Traffic Attorney for Advice
When you receive a speeding ticket or other minor traffic violation, your inclination may be to pay the ticket, admit guilt, and move on. Depending on your circumstances, however, you may find it more advantageous to contest the ticket to reach a more favorable outcome. A Charles County traffic lawyer could assess your situation, present your options, and pursue the course of action that is best for you. Reach out today.
