When a speeding ticket gets issued, about 97% of the time, the driver is accused of traveling at least 10 miles per hour faster than the posted speed limit. The average is 17 miles per hour over the speed limit. If you get caught speeding in Virginia, you will likely end up with a speeding ticket. While you could handle it on your own, there are several reasons why you shouldn’t do this.
“Consider these six reasons to hire an attorney to help you handle your speeding ticket in Virginia
1. They Know the Law
If you do not work with the law every day, you do not have an in-depth understanding of the law and how it’s applied. Hiring a lawyer can give you access to the knowledge and experience you need to effectively fight your ticket. The law also changes regularly, so hiring a lawyer ensures you know the latest wording. This could mean that your ticket is incorrect based on a particular law’s latest wording or application.
2. They Know Your Rights
When you speak with your attorney, you will explain the circumstances surrounding your speeding ticket. Your lawyer may identify a situation where your rights were violated. Many people are not aware that they are afforded multiple rights when a law enforcement officer initiates a traffic stop and issues a speeding ticket. The ticket may get voided in some circumstances because the officer violated one of these rights.
3. Money Matters
Simply paying your speeding ticket can seem like the easiest thing to do. Many people do this because they assume that hiring an attorney will be more expensive. However, you should consider the total cost of your ticket. There are higher costs beyond those of the ticket fine. Once you admit guilt by paying a ticket, your insurance company gets notified. You will see your insurance premium significantly increase for about the next three years. This could result in you paying thousands more than you would have without the ticket.
If you have too many speeding tickets or a reckless driving charge, you could lose your license. This means increased transportation costs as you pay for a taxi or ride service to get around. Then there could be the cost of losing your job. If your employer requires you to have a valid driver’s license to perform your job, then you could face losing your job as a result. All of these costs are significantly greater than hiring an attorney to fight for dismissal or reduction of your ticket.
4. They Are Familiar With the Court and Judge
If you decide to fight your ticket, you will need to go to court and argue your case in front of a judge. The best way to do this is to prepare. A local lawyer who represents clients with speeding tickets will have experience in the court and in front of the judge that will hear your case. This will give you the best chance at preparing a successful argument for the reduction or dismissal of your case. In addition, some judges are known for having a hard stance on specific issues or going easy on others. This kind of information is helpful to know before you go to court.
5. They Can Save You Time
Without a lawyer, you will spend time reading about the law and learning about your options. Then spend time responding to your ticket and going to the courthouse. You could spend hours waiting for the judge to hear your case. Instead, you can hire an attorney to handle everything for you. This saves you time, reduces stress, and lets you get back to life.
6. You Are Facing Reckless Driving Charges
In Virginia, drivers can face reckless driving charges if they are caught going more than 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit or traveling 85 miles per hour or faster. This is not a minor nuisance traffic violation. It is a ticket that comes with misdemeanor criminal charges and the possibility of jail time. This means it will permanently be on your record and something you will have to disclose if you apply for a job an apartment. A lawyer can help you understand the potential outcome of your case and assist with negotiating for a reduction or dismissal of charges.
