How to fight a Speeding Ticket in Virginia
While bragging about how fast you can drive sounds cool, in actuality, you’ll find blue and red lights approaching you. Speeding is outlawed by every other police force on the planet because the outcome is never in your favor. Not only do you risk your own life and property, but you endanger everyone’s. Virginia has the same legislation regarding speeding; they will not accept anyone exceeding the posted speed limit on highways or roads. Driving recklessly or with a suspended license is a crime, and the charges are equivalent to committing a crime. Although the speeding penalty is not classified as a criminal offense in Virginia. However, the repercussions might be severe and costly. You may have your license revoked or suspended; alternatively, you may face an increase in your insurance premium the next time you pay the costs. There are options available; you can pay the fines or appeal them in court, which may result in a lower fine, no charges at all, or more serious charges if the outcome is favorable to the opposition. Even if you are found not guilty of speeding, the charges will remain on your driving record as “previous incidents.”
Can I Fight Against Speeding Tickets?
Prior to clarifying and settling everything out, a simple answer may suffice. Yes, you can fight the charges if you are ever required to drive at excessive speeds or in violation of the speed limit. The following are some strategies for contesting a speeding ticket and hoping for a favorable outcome.
The Court should be aware: You must first appear in court to submit a not guilty plea. Those who will be handling your case will inform you of the timings and dates. Bear in mind that once you enter the court and submit your request, you are required to visit the court on the day and day assigned to you.
Call a lawyer? Your choice: While it is not always necessary to retain the services of an attorney or lawyer, seeking the assistance of someone who has spent their entire life studying law and has fought similar cases in the past is unquestionably beneficial. Hiring a lawyer is a personal decision based on your financial situation and the severity of the charges. Additionally, employing an attorney would make the process much easier to manage than going it alone.
Time for the hearing: This is the day you will represent yourself in front of the judge or jury at the arraignment. Conduct proper research and present witnesses (if there are any). Additionally, be prepared to address any questions that may arise. Prepare in advance what you will say to the judge and how you will present your case in court.
Plead the case: When appearing before a judge or a jury, one must always keep discipline and attempt to behave in such a way that the judge or jury would view you favorably. After hearing all of the evidence and weighing both sides of the event, the judge will determine what to order; whether to maintain the charges, reduce them, or dismiss them entirely. The sequence will dictate your next move.
Contact us if you’re interested in learning more about how a lawyer could assist in your speeding ticket case. At David A.C Long, our speeding ticket attorneys have considerable knowledge of Virginia Speeding legislation and can assist you in determining your eligibility.
