Suffolk Traffic Lawyer
Most people don’t think about calling a lawyer when they get a ticket, however, tickets can be more serious than you would think. Receiving a ticket in Suffolk can mean being hit with fines and potentially jail time, depending on the seriousness of your traffic offense. You can also get points against your driver’s license, and an increase in your insurance rates. If you get too many points your license can also be suspended. A Suffolk traffic lawyer may be able to help you avoid points against your license, reduce your fines, and fight to lighten your charges.
Virginia Traffic Offenses
Virginia has a large amount of rules and laws that are aimed at keeping people safe while using the roads. These laws and rules are primarily located in Title 46.2 of the Virginia Code and cover just about everything from how fast you can drive to where you can drive.
Failure to comply with these rules can lead to receiving a traffic citation. Some examples of citations that may warrant assistance from a Suffolk traffic lawyer include:
- Driving aggressively: Some of the offenses that can lead to being cited for driving aggressively are failing to observe lanes marked for traffic, following too closely, or passing when overtaking a vehicle (Virginia Code Section 46.2-868.1)
- Speeding in residential areas: Section 46.2-878.2 establishes a penalty of $200. The fine is not eligible to be suspended unless the court orders 20 hours of community service.
- Stopping near a fire or other emergency: Section 46.2-890 makes it illegal to stop your car near a fire, accident, or other emergency in a way that creates a traffic hazard or interferes with law-enforcement officers, or rescue workers.
Most people who are issued a traffic ticket simply pay their fine without realizing that they are admitting guilt by doing so. It is a good idea to contact a Suffolk traffic lawyer and let him or her look over your citation and advise you of all of your legal rights. You may have more options than you think.
Challenging Evidence in Traffic Violation Cases
Challenging evidence in traffic violation cases is crucial for a strong defense. Suffolk traffic lawyers often scrutinize radar gun readings and traffic camera footage for accuracy and reliability. Radar gun evidence can be contested by questioning the device’s calibration and maintenance records, as well as the officer’s training and certification. Traffic camera footage can be disputed if the images are unclear or if there is a possibility of tampering.
By meticulously analyzing these evidentiary elements, a skilled Suffolk traffic lawyer can often uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.
How Calling a Suffolk Traffic Lawyer Can Help
A Suffolk traffic attorney can help you if you have been issued a ticket for a traffic offense. Your lawyer can:
- Talk to the prosecutor’s office and try to negotiate a lesser offense or reduced penalties. This could save you money and points against your license. Your lawyer can offer to have you signed up for traffic school in exchange for a lesser penalty.
- Defend you at your hearing. Your attorney may be able to present evidence that puts in doubt whether you really committed a traffic offense at all. The prosecuting attorney has a duty to prove you committed the offense you are charged with. All your lawyer needs to do is create an element of doubt. Additionally, your attorney may be able to demonstrate that the police officer did not follow proper procedure and the traffic stop was illegal.
No matter what type of traffic offense you have been accused of, you have the right to fight the accusation. Call our office today and speak to a Suffolk traffic attorney.
