I have handled traffic cases for more than 30 years. I cover Dinwiddie and Sussex Counties regularly and seldom go to any other traffic courts. I personally handle my traffic cases. The Dinwiddie traffic court is once per week and I go virtually every time court is in session. The Judge calls and hears every case. When I am in court to handle my own cases, I listen to other cases to better learn what the Judge is willing or not willing to do in a given situation. In that way I can give you the best and most realistic advice about your case and what can be accomplished for you. I appear in Sussex traffic court about 40 times per year, with the same plan in mind. There are different Judges in these courts and different ground rules.
In Virginia speeding more than 20 miles per hour (mph) over the limit or any speed over 80 can be written as reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor. Avoiding a reckless driving conviction is the most frequent traffic court objective. A good driving record helps considerably. I can review your options with you over the telephone and formulate the best strategy for your case.
Even a simple speeding ticket can have adverse consequences resulting in points against your license and serious insurance consequences.
If you receive a ticket from an accident you need legal advice. As a general rule you should not plead guilty or “no contest” to an accident ticket because that is an admission of liability that can be used against you at a later civil case. Accident cases have many issues to consider in order to present your case in the best light.
Commercial Drivers License (CDL) holders can suffer serious consequences for a simple traffic infraction. Most Judges hold CDL drivers operating a commercial vehicle to a higher standard and are less likely to reduce a charge. Also CDL holders are not permitted to take Driving School classes to reduce or dismiss a ticket, therefore narrowing the Judge’s options.
Virginia has reciprocity with virtually every state so the results of your traffic case are sent back to your home state if you have a non-Virginia license. Different results are important in different states. For example: North Carolina has serious consequences (possible license suspension) for speeding more than 15 MPH over the speed limit and insurance consequences for speeding more than 10 MPH over the limit. I try to assess your situation and get the best result for you.
