how to beat a speeding ticket in va without a lawyer

The first step to contesting your Virginia traffic ticket is pleading “not guilty" to the Virginia district OR circuit court in charge of your case. Typically, you'll need to plead in person on the arraignment date printed on your citation. Refer to the instructions on your ticket for specifics on how AND where you can submit your plea.

Full Answer

How do you get a speeding ticket dismissed in Virginia?

There are two ways to get your Virginia speeding ticket dismissed.Find a legal defense with your case.Convince a judge or prosecutor to dismiss your case.

Is it worth fighting a speeding ticket in Virginia?

There are a few different reasons you may want to fight a speeding ticket in Virginia. Two of the most common are: When the offense would put you above the DMV demerit point cutoff, and could result in automatic license suspension. If the ticket could result in significantly higher insurance premiums.

How much is a lawyer for a speeding ticket in VA?

If you want an inexperience and/or high volume lawyer, then probably about $500. If you want an experienced lawyer who will do just your case, depending upon the complexity, $950 for the simplest case and $1,600 – $2,200 for complex cases or speeds greater than 100 mph.

How do you get a reckless driving ticket dismissed in Virginia?

How to Get Out of Reckless Driving TicketIgnore the Reckless Driving Charge. It's a choice, but it's not a good one. ... Send a Letter. The next approach you might take to handling your case is to send a letter to the court. ... Appear by Yourself. ... Hire a Lawyer to Fight the Reckless Driving Charge.

How much is a 20 over speeding ticket in Virginia?

If you are ticketed for driving 20 MPH over the speed limit, you'll face a reckless driving charge and will be required to pay a fee for 3 years. You will be charged with a misdemeanor for your first offense and will face a $350 fine.

What is the best plea for a speeding ticket?

By pleading not guilty, you will avail yourself of the opportunity to receive a negotiation concerning the issued charge. Therefore, in most instances, it is recommended that you plead not guilty upon receiving a traffic citation. Speeding cases are fairly technical in nature.

How much is a 30 over speeding ticket in Virginia?

On average, VA speeding tickets cost between $350 to $400 if you include taxes and other fees. The fine is $6 for every MPH over the speed limit. That increases to $7/mph when speeding in a work or school zone and $8/mph when speeding in residential areas, plus an additional $200 in fees and costs.

How much is a 16 over speeding ticket in Virginia?

How much is a speeding ticket in Virginia? Virginia charges $6 per mile over the speed limit. Don't let the low number fool you — that makes the base price for driving 16 mph over the speed limit in Virginia $96. Factor in the $51 processing fee and the total jumps up to $147.

How much is a reckless driving speeding ticket in Virginia?

If it is Reckless Driving –How Much is a Reckless Speeding Ticket in Virginia? The average fine ranges from $300-$1,000, even though the max fine is $2500. The fine amount is established according to several factors: Your speed.

Do I need a lawyer for a reckless driving ticket in Virginia?

Since reckless driving in VA is a criminal offense, the penalties and long term consequences—such as a criminal record—can be severe. It is in your best interest to consult with a Virginia reckless driving attorney before making any decisions.

Is 85 MPH reckless in Virginia?

Many people also found it problematic that other states' thresholds were 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit for a reckless driving charge. The new amendment to Virginia code raises the Virginia reckless driving speed to 85 miles per hour regardless of the speed limit.

Is 20 over the speed limit reckless driving in Virginia?

Virginia Code Section 46.2-862 indicates that a person can be found guilty of reckless driving by speed if the motorist: Travels 20 miles per hour or more over the applicable maximum speed limit.

Why Should I Fight My Virginia Speeding Ticket?

There are a few different reasons you may want to fight a speeding ticket in Virginia.

What to Do if You Choose to Fight the Ticket

If you do choose to fight the ticket, there are two primary routes you can follow.

Conclusion

If you’re still unsure about whether or not you should fight your speeding ticket, you should schedule a consultation with one of our traffic attorneys.

How to contest a traffic ticket in Virginia?

The first step to contesting your Virginia traffic ticket is pleading “not guilty" to the Virginia district OR circuit court in charge of your case. Typically, you'll need to plead in person on the arraignment date printed on your citation. Refer to the instructions on your ticket for specifics on how AND where you can submit your plea.

How long does it take to notify your employer of a traffic violation in Virginia?

NOTE: If you're a commercial driver in Virginia, federal law requires you notify your employer of any traffic violations within 30 days of conviction .

What happens if you can't settle a traffic ticket?

However, if you can't reach a settlement, the court will assign you a date to return for trial before a jury or judge. Beware of Unsettling Insurance Rates. DID YOU KNOW: Pleading guilty to your traffic charges can increase your auto insurance payment.

What does it mean to plead not guilty in Virginia?

What It Means to Plead Not Guilty. By pleading not guilty, you're using your legal right to stand before a Virginia judge or jury to make a case for your innocence. You're also verifying that you: Have the time to appear in court, potentially on multiple occasions.

What is a pre trial conference in Virginia?

During the pre-trial conference, the Virginia state prosecutor and yourself (or your attorney) will try to negotiate a pre-trial settlement. A pre-trial settlement will typically require: You plead guilty. Reduced penalties for your charges. If a settlement is agreed upon, you can avoid having to go to trial.

What to know before agreeing to a pre trial settlement?

Before agreeing to a pre-trial settlement, make sure you're fully aware of how traffic convictions can affect your insurance rates.

How long does it take to appeal a VA verdict?

To appeal a guilty verdict, you'll need to submit a written notice of appeal to the VA court handling your case. You MUST submit your appeal within 10 days of receiving judgment or conviction. For more information about filing an appeal, contact the district court or circuit court in charge of your case.

What is the number to call for a speeding ticket in Virginia?

Before you plead guilty to a speeding ticket in Virginia give our experienced Virginia traffic lawyers a call for a FREE legal consultation: 804.285.3888.

Does Virginia have a driver improvement program?

The state enlists a Driver Improvement Program for Virginia residents who have been convicted of a traffic violation. The court will notify the Virginia DMV, then the motor vehicle agency will:

What to do if you have a speeding ticket in Virginia?

If you recently received a speeding ticket in Virginia or are facing reckless driving charges, you should not wait any longer to speak with an experienced and aggressive Virginia traffic defense attorney.

How does speeding ticketing affect Virginia?

Virginia speeding ticket fines often increase for each mile driven over the speed limit. The number of miles driven over the speed limit also affects the number of demerit points associated with your ticket. If a driver sustains a certain amount of demerit points, that driver’s license can be suspended or revoked.

How Do I Know Whether I Should Fight My Ticket?

For nearly all drivers, it is worth your time to speak with an experienced Virginia traffic lawyer about your case. Even if I cannot have your ticket or case dismissed, there may be mitigating factors that I can use to reduce your charges.

What Are My Defenses If I Do Choose to Fight My Ticket?

There are numerous defenses in Virginia speeding ticket cases, and I can work with you to build a strong defense that is tailored to the facts of your case. For example, I may be able to argue any of the following mitigating factors in order to have your charges reduced or dismissed:

What If I Am an Out-of-State Driver?

I often work with clients who are out-of-state drivers cited for speeding in Virginia. Whether you live in another nearby state or were visiting Virginia from another country, you should know that you can hire a local Virginia speeding ticket lawyer who can appear on your behalf.

What does 862 mean on a speeding ticket?

The ticket itself should tell you if you are charged with simple speeding or with reckless driving. If you see “862” in the “law section” blank on the ticket, that is reckless driving by speed.

What is the speed limit for reckless driving in Virginia?

To be clear, in Virginia ( Virginia Code 46.2-862 ), reckless driving is charged in either of the following situations: Driving at a speed of 20 miles per hour or more beyond the maximum speed limit; or. Driving in excess of 80 miles per hour regardless of the maximum speed limit. As such, if you were driving in an area with a posted speed limit ...