If you find yourself with a speeding ticket in Carroll County, Virginia, you have several options to work to secure a reduction and dismissal of the charge – all without having to appear in court. Our firm may be able to help.
Understanding Virginia’s Speeding Laws
Virginia’s speeding laws are particularly strict, with consequences that vary depending on the severity of the offense. Most speeding tickets are charged as civil infractions under Virginia Code § 46.2-870, with varying points and fines. However, if your speed greatly exceeds the limit, you might be charged with reckless driving under Virginia Code § 46.2-862, a criminal misdemeanor that carries more severe penalties, including potential jail time, fines, and a criminal record.
Being aware of this distinction is crucial since a ticket for reckless driving is significantly more serious than a simple speeding infraction. In Carroll County, where Interstate 77 might provoke drivers to exceed speed limits unwittingly, understanding where your speed falls under these statutes is important for your defense strategy.
Immediate Steps to Take After Receiving a Speeding Ticket
Upon receiving a speeding ticket, you should first review the citation carefully. Check for inaccuracies, such as erroneous vehicle information or incorrectly noted speed limits, which may assist in contesting the ticket. Although it might be tempting to pay the fine outright and dismiss the event as an unfortunate mishap, this action can have ramifications you might not have considered.
In Virginia, pre-paying a speeding ticket is an admission of guilt and will subsequently result in demerit points added to your driving license, as outlined by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Accumulating demerit points can lead to increased insurance rates and potentially result in a suspended license if too many points are incurred over a certain period.
Consider the Option of Contesting the Ticket
Before you prepay the charge, consider contesting the speeding ticket, particularly if you believe you were not speeding or if the consequences may disrupt your DMV record or employment. To contest a speeding ticket, you must plead not guilty and appear at the designated court on the date mentioned on your ticket, or hire a lawyer to appear on your behalf.
If we go to court on your behalf, we can employ various defenses depending on the circumstances of your case. These may include questioning the accuracy of the speed measurement device used, whether it was properly calibrated and maintained as required by law, or if any law enforcement mistakes were made during the ticketing process. It is also possible to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor, which might result in reduced charges or penalties, such as with a driver improvement clinic.
Read This Before Your Prepay a Carroll County Ticket
The bottom line is that if you picked up a speeding ticket in Carroll County, do not just prepay it. Feel free to call our office for a free consultation to go over your options. It may be more cost-effective to hire our office to attend court on your behalf to work for a dismissal or a reduction, to avoid the costs of a fine and insurance increase.