Fairfax Traffic Violation Attorney
Traffic violations in Virginia can range widely, from non-moving violations that result in a minor fine to moving violations that can be charged as criminal offenses. When you are facing charges for a traffic violation or were cited for a traffic offense that could result in a significant penalty, you should seek advice from a Fairfax traffic violation attorney as soon as possible.
What is a Fairfax Traffic Violation?
A traffic violation is typically a citable offense in Virginia that is not charged as a criminal offense. While Virginia does issue both moving and non-moving violations, certain types of traffic-related offenses in Virginia are actually charged as criminal offenses. For example, reckless driving in Virginia (Code of Va. § 46.2-862) is a misdemeanor offense. Reckless driving can be charged when a motorist speeds more than 20 miles per hour beyond the posted speed limit or speeds beyond 80 miles per hour regardless of the posted speed limit. While other states simply might issue a citation in these situations, Virginia can charge a motorist with a misdemeanor offense. Similar to other states, if a motorist is charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, that driver can also face criminal charges.
Common Types of Traffic Violations in Fairfax, Virginia
Non-moving violations in Virginia usually are less serious than moving violations, and they often involve a small or minor monetary fine. Non-moving violations, to be clear, are offenses that a motorist commits while their vehicle is not moving. Examples of non-moving violations include but are not limited to:
- Vehicle safety citation, such as a broken mirror or a burned-out tail light;
- Parking violations, such as letting a meter expire or parking in a no-parking zone; or
- Expired vehicle registration, which is often charged when a motorist is stopped for another offense, often a moving violation.
Moving violations are more serious than non-moving violations, and they can result in substantial monetary fines and, in some cases, criminal charges. Examples of moving violations include but are not limited to:
- Speeding;
- Reckless driving;
- Running a red light or stop sign;
- Passing when unsafe;
- Failure to stop for a pedestrian;
- Following too closely; or
- Passing a stopped school bus.
Penalties for Fairfax Traffic Violations
Most moving violations can result in a motorist incurring points on a driver’s license. Those points fall into the following penalty categories:
- 6 point violations (such as DUIs, reckless driving, manslaughter, and other serious offenses);
- 4 point violations (such as passing when unsafe or following too closely); and
- 3 point violations (such as speeding 1-9 miles per hour beyond the posted speed limit, or changing course after signaling).
Contact a Fairfax, Virginia Traffic Violation Defense Lawyer
If you were recently cited for a traffic violation, it is important to seek advice from an aggressive Fairfax traffic violation attorney. By fighting the ticket or charges, you may be able to avoid having points on your driver’s license, a substantial monetary fine, and in some cases a criminal record and jail time. To be sure, Virginia takes traffic offenses very seriously. As such, you should always have an experienced defense lawyer on your side to help you to avoid the penalty associated with the traffic violation. Contact Simms Showers LLP for more information.
