Norfolk Speeding Ticket: Frequently Asked Questions

Below, a Norfolk speeding ticket lawyer discusses speeding charges in Virginia and what you can do if you are an out of state driver. Call today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case in more detail.

What If I Wasn’t Going That Fast, Is It My Word Against The Officer’s?

It’s very hard to prove that you weren’t going as fast as the officer says unless you have some sort of concrete evidence. This is because in court, the officer not only will testify as to your speed but the officer should also have a certificate of calibration to go with the equipment, backing up the fact that they said you were going at that particular speed. The certificate says that the equipment was properly maintained and that it had been calibrated within a particular time period before the incident. The credibility of a law enforcement officer is very high and usually it’s not enough to just say that you believed that you weren’t going that fast.

What Are The Different Ways That An Officer Will Try To Prove You Were Speeding In Virginia?

The ways an officer will try to prove you were speeding in Virginia will depend on the method that the officer used to determine that you were speeding in the first place. The most popular methods in Virginia are by pacing a vehicle, or using radar equipment or LiDAR equipment.

Is Reckless Driving A Speeding Ticket In Virginia?

Reckless driving can be a speeding-related offense. The document the officer asks the driver to sign looks very much just like a speeding ticket, which is a traffic infraction, but it is actually a criminal offense, meaning that a conviction for reckless driving results in a permanent criminal record that follows you for the rest of your life. It does not go away over time the way that simple speeding tickets do on your driving record. It also carries heavy consequences which can include up to 12 months in jail, a 6 month license suspension, and a fine of up to $2500.

What Should An Out Of State Driver Do If Facing A Speeding Ticket In Virginia?

An out of state driving facing a speeding ticket in Virginia has two options. Either the out of state driver can just pay the ticket and move on with their life accepting that they’re guilty of speeding and taking the consequences that come with it, or they can hire a Virginia speeding ticket lawyer to help them out.

The best thing that they can do is get an attorney. Because there is no jail time available for just a speeding ticket, it’s possible for the attorney to appear in their place and defend the charge without them being present. This way, they avoid a guilty conviction possibly or at very least have the opportunity to have their charge reduced without having to come back to Virginia.

Can I Prepay A Speeding Ticket In Virginia?

Yes. It is possible to pre-pay a speeding ticket in Virginia whether you do it online, through the mail or over the phone or you can go in person. However, if you prepay a speeding ticket, it is equivalent to admitting guilt for the charge.