VIRGINIA TRAFFIC VIOLATION ATTORNEYS SERVE PRINCE WILLIAM AND FAUQUIER COUNTIES

Aggressive representation to protect your driving privileges

The attorneys at The Daugherty Law Firm in Manassas are experienced and knowledgeable of all Virginia traffic offenses. Our attorneys understand the value of having a good driving record and avoiding any increase in auto insurance that could occur if you are convicted of a traffic violation, even a minor traffic offense.

Do not just pre-pay your ticket; call us and we will let you know how we can assist you in taking care of your ticket. Our criminal defense attorneys will discuss with you all of your options, which could include having your ticket dismissed or having your ticket amended so that it will have less of an impact on your driving record and your wallet.

Penalty points for common traffic violations in Virginia

Most states use a demerit point system for traffic violations. Getting a ticket for a moving violation typically adds points to your driving record, which can eventually lead to suspension of your license. But Virginia does things differently. In Virginia, a point is a good thing, and for every year you have a clean driving record, you earn one point up to a maximum of five. When you get a traffic ticket, you lose points as a penalty, and, if you go below zero, are assessed negative points.

Here are the penalty points assessed for common traffic violations:

  • Felony or misdemeanor reckless driving — 6
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) — 6
  • Driving on a suspended license — 6
  • Speeding at least 10 miles above the limit — 4
  • Passing when unsafe — 4
  • Failure to stop for a pedestrian — 4
  • Following too closely — 4
  • Speeding less than 10 miles over the limit — 3
  • Improper U-turn — 3

The demerit points usually stay on your record for two years. However, each violation also comes with a specification for how long it stays on your record, which can be up to 11 years.

A total of 12 points in a 12-month period, or a total of 24 points in an 18-month period, will cause the driver to be put on probation, which lasts six months. During probation, a demerit point offense results in a license suspension as follows:

  • 90 days for a 6-point violation
  • 60 days for a 4-point violation
  • 45 days for a 3-point violation

Once you get into negative territory, it’s important to boost your points to stay out of jeopardy of a license suspension. You can sometimes earn additional positive points by attending a safe-driving clinic. Of course, by fighting your ticket and winning with the aid of a skilled defense attorney, you can avoid the penalty points that would have come with a conviction.

Help with special issues facing out-of-state drivers

If you are an out-of-state driver who has been ticketed while traveling through Northern Virginia, do not let it go by, even if you think you’ll never return to Virginia again. The commonwealth is a member of the Driver License Agreement, which allows home states to take action against drivers for their infractions in other states. Once your state learns of your Virginia citation, it can add the corresponding number of penalty to your license, which under certain circumstances could trigger a suspension.

The best course of action is to allow our capable Virginia attorneys to manage your case to minimize any damage from the citation. We have extensive knowledge and experience successfully representing out-of-state clients who have been charged with traffic violations, including reckless driving, who have neither the time nor the money to travel to Virginia to defend themselves. Contact our attorneys to discuss how we can handle your ticket without your having to appear in traffic court.

Contact our Manassas traffic violation lawyers today for a free consultation

The Daugherty Law Firm provides aggressive representation to fight traffic violation charges for in-state and out-of-state drivers. Call our office at 703-659-2437 or contact us online to schedule free consultation.

We offer reasonable fixed-fee arrangements and accept major credit cards.

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