Newport News Moving Violation Lawyer
A Newport News moving violation lawyer can provide the counsel and defense you need if you have received a citation for moving violations like speeding, running a red light, or failing to yield right of way. While a traffic ticket may not seem like a serious offense, certain violations can be classified as misdemeanors or felonies and may result in hefty fines and jail time.
Importance of An Attorney
If you choose to contest your ticket or if you have been charged with a more serious traffic violation, you will need the experience and knowledge of a Newport News moving violation lawyer. Your lawyer can answer questions related to your ticket, help you gather evidence to support your side of the story, and determine an effective defense strategy. Even minor traffic infractions can have substantial consequences if you are convicted of multiple offenses. If you are in danger of having your license suspended or revoked, your lawyer will help you determine the best strategy to help keep you on the road.
Traffic Laws in Newport News, Virginia
Virginia law can impose stiff penalties for moving violations. These violations range from minor infractions like running a stop sign to major felonies like vehicular manslaughter. A conviction remains on your record for up to eleven years and the court may impose additional restrictions like a suspended license or a traffic school requirement.
Moving Violations: Infractions, Misdemeanors, and Felonies
Traffic infractions are the least serious of offenses, but it will still go on your driving record. Penalties for infractions include fines, points on your license, auto insurance rate increases, and required driving classes. Additional offenses incur greater penalties. Minor infractions include:
- Failing to come to stop at a stop sign
- Running a red light
- Crossing over the median or a center divider
- Failing to yield right-of-way
- Failure to use a turn signal
- Illegal lane changes
A misdemeanor is considered a criminal charge. If you receive a ticket for a misdemeanor, you face fines of up to $2,500, up to a year in jail, and a criminal record. Traffic misdemeanors include:
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while a license is suspended or revoked
- Hit and Run of unattended property
Felonies are the most serious crimes, and they can result in years in prison, staggering fines, and restrictions on your right to own weapons, enter certain professions, serve in the military, immigration reliefs , and vote. Traffic felonies include vehicular manslaughter, some types of hit-and-run accidents, and repeat DUI offenses.
Penalties for Moving Violations
Penalties for moving violations vary based on the seriousness of the offense. When you receive a ticket, you might be given the option to pay up front or to appear in court and contest the ticket. Choosing to pay the ticket is a decision to plead guilty and may incur the following penalties based on the offense:
- Fines
- Points
- Increased insurance rates
- License suspension by the DMV
Points can remain on your record for several years and depend on the charge. If you receive additional tickets during that time, points will accumulate, resulting in additional penalties.
If you choose to contest the ticket in court, a Newport News moving violation lawyer can help you develop and present your defense. Your attorney will consider the validity of the traffic stop and any other circumstances that may affect the outcome of your case. In some cases, the court may reduce the charges with a requirement that you attend a driver education class. Having the charges dropped or reduced can help you avoid point accumulations that could result in a suspended license.
A Newport News Moving Violation Attorney Can Help
Because of the serious nature of charges like DUI offenses, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and excessive speeding, you should speak with an attorney before proceeding with your defense. An experienced Newport News moving violation lawyer will help make sure that your rights are protected. Talk to your lawyer about how you should proceed in order to craft an effective defense strategy and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
