What to Expect from Hampton Speeding Ticket Cases

It is safe to expect that a speeding ticket in Virginia could result in a conviction and penalties to your driving record. You should look to make sure that what you are charged with is actually speeding and not reckless driving. You can do this by checking on your ticket directly which should specify what the exact offense is. If it is speeding, then there will be a little box checked that says you don’t have to appear; if it is reckless driving then it will be mandatory for you to appear and the box will not be checked. It is very important to make sure that you figure out the difference because if you fail to appear when you are charged with reckless driving, the consequences for that is that you will also be given an additional charge of a ‘Failure to Appear’ which is another serious criminal charge. A Hampton speeding ticket lawyer can help you determine the best course of action for minimizing the negative repercussions in your case.

Different Speeding Offenses in Virginia

In Hampton, there are traffic infractions and criminal traffic charges. The difference between infractions and criminal charges is that an infraction only affects somebody’s driving record whereas criminal charges affect somebody’s criminal record. The difference between these records is that a driving record disappears over time whereas a criminal record is permanent and will remain with somebody for the rest of their life.

Infractions are also only punishable by a fine, whereas criminal charges are punishable by a fine as well as incarceration either in jail or prison depending on the seriousness of the crime. Within each type, the penalties increase as the speed increases with the charge going from simple speeding to reckless driving once the speed reaches 80 miles/hour or more anywhere in the commonwealth, or 20 miles/hour or more over the posted speed limit. Too many infractions or too many misdemeanors or felonies can result in license suspension.

Showing Up to Court

It is not mandatory to appear in court for a speeding ticket, however if you prepay the fine and do not appear in court, it is the same thing as appearing in court and admitting guilt to the offense.  It is much more advisable to appear in court because it gives you the opportunity to tell your side of the story, which may possibly result in the charges being reduced to a lesser charge or dismissed altogether. Appearing in court with a Hampton speeding ticket attorney preserves all of your options, while prepaying the fine readily accepts the worst possible outcome.

Importance in Seeking a Hampton Speeding Ticket Lawyer

It is important to seek an experienced Hampton speeding ticket lawyer because speeding tickets are very serious. They can lead to very inconvenient consequences such as losing your driving privileges. You want somebody who knows what they are doing because a lot of people cannot afford to lose their driving privileges. Having an experienced lawyer is the bets way to ensure that your driving privileges are protected as much as possible, and that if you must suffer consequences for your charge, that they are manageable for your life.