While it may seem like a minor offense, a speeding violation in Virginia can be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and / or six months in prison, or both. Whatever the reasons, it is important to take steps in the event of an indictment to minimize your accusations as much as possible. Below, a Richmond lawyer explains the first steps you should take when you receive a speeding charge, and why it’s so important to hire a lawyer. To discuss your case further and how your lawyer can help you, call us or arrange a free initial consultation.
One of the first things a person should do when faced with heavy traffic in Richmond, Virginia, is to contact a local Richmond attorney who understands the law and knows how it is applied in Richmond, and what defenses are available in Richmond courts that may not be available elsewhere. They will also need a lawyer who understands how Richmond works and what defenses and mitigating factors the Richmond courts will consider. Not only do you want your attorney to have knowledge of policies and procedures that might be unique to a Richmond court, but you also want a good understanding of how the Virginia Department of Public Safety (VPD) and Richmond Police Department operate and what policies or procedures they follow.
If you are a driver from the state of Virginia who has a ticket, it is in your best interest to hire a local lawyer from Richmond. A local lawyer will be able to explain your case to you in order to understand the possible penalties and how they can affect your life outside your home state. More importantly, your knowledge of the local court system can also be used to prepare you for the case in order to achieve the best possible results. Local lawyers simply bring a degree of experience to an issue that outside lawyers are unlikely to have.
Another problem with tickets that most people ignore are the DMV points that come with a conviction, which can lead to an administrative suspension from the DMV and problems with your employment when you have to drive to work. It is important to have the assistance of an experienced speeding lawyer in Richmond so that your lawyer can try to reduce or dismiss your charge. Moreover, these fees often lead to higher insurance premiums, which can last for several years. Assisting a lawyer to reduce or get your charge dismissed can have long-term benefits.