Norfolk Traffic Lawyer

Most people have probably gotten a ticket for some sort of moving violation at some point in their life and not thought twice about it. However, there can be some serious penalties attached to some traffic offenses. If you have been charged with a traffic crime in Norfolk, Virginia, a Norfolk traffic lawyer will work to get your charges reduced, or dropped whenever possible. A traffic lawyer in Norfolk may also be able to help you avoid points against your insurance and reduce your fines.

Traffic Charges in Norfolk

Traffic crimes can encompass many offenses. Some examples where contacting a Norfolk traffic lawyer are advisable include:

  • Speeding: Driving above the posted speed limits. (Virginia Code Section 46.2-878.2)
  • Reckless driving: If you are found guilty of reckless driving in Norfolk, then you can be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor and could get up to 12 months in jail and/or up to a $2,500 fine (Section 46.2-868(A)).
  • Duty of driver to stop or hit and run: Any driver that is involved in an accident has the responsibility of remaining on the scene of the incident. If they flee they can face criminal and civil charges. (Section 46.2-894)
  • Texting while driving: If you were texting and driving when you were found guilty of reckless driving, you would be looking at a fine of at least $250 in addition to the penalties associated with the class 1 misdemeanor (Section 46.2-1078.1 and Section 46.2-868(C)).
  • Driving while license is suspended: If you are caught driving during a period of time when your license has been suspended or revoked by the DMV (Section 46.2-301(B)).
  • Driving without registration: If you are pulled over by police and subsequently found to be operating a motor vehicle that has not been registered with the DMV (Section 46.2-600).
  • Unlicensed driving: If you are caught by police officers driving without your license on you.

In instances where the circumstances of your ticket may be open to interpretation, it can be invaluable to have a Norfolk traffic lawyer advising you. Your lawyer can look over your ticket, explain your legal options to you, and try to prevent your license from being suspended.

Traffic Fines and Hearings

When you receive any sort of traffic citation from a police officer, the citation itself will have all of the necessary details explaining the process of paying the ticket or setting a court date to dispute the charges. Your Norfolk traffic lawyer can explain the different potential consequences of either paying or fighting a particular traffic citation. Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt, and such an action could result in significantly higher insurance premiums. On the other hand, there are certain risks to fighting traffic charges as well. If you’re considering pleading your case before a court of law, it’s advisable to work with a defense attorney to determine the best defense plan under the circumstances.

Benefits of Hiring a Norfolk Traffic Lawyer

If you have been accused of a traffic crime in Norfolk, a Norfolk traffic lawyer can provide you with several benefits. Some of which are:

  • Argue for a reduction in charges. This may be especially effective when you have been accused of driving faster than a “reasonable” speed because your lawyer can call into doubt what was a “reasonable” speed.
  • Question the police officer that ticketed you and put his/her testimony in doubt. Your lawyer can put the officer on the stand and show that there is some doubt as to whether you committed a traffic crime.
  • Help you clear your name. If you have an unpaid traffic ticket there could be a bench warrant issued. That means that you could be arrested. A Norfolk traffic lawyer can help you go through the proper channels to potentially clear any bench warrants issued against you.

If you have been accused of a traffic crime in Norfolk, call our firm today and receive a free initial consultation.