Virginia’s speeding laws have long been under fire by attorneys who feel that the punishment for driving fast far outweighs the crime. This is because in Virginia, anyone who exceeds a speed of 80 mph, or exceeds the speed limit by 20 mph, will be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor of reckless driving speeding.
Penalties for Virginia reckless driving include fines, license suspensions, a permanent criminal record, and the possibility of time in jail. There are also speed traps in Virginia which are meant to catch offenders, and which may seem like a violation of our basic freedoms and rights. These speed traps however, no matter how unfair they seem, are a perfectly legal means of enforcing Virginia’s traffic laws.
If you have received a Virginia speeding ticket after being stopped at a speed trap, then you can fight your charge with the professional help of a Virginia reckless driving attorney.
Beware on Virginia’s Interstate Highways
Recently, the interstate highways in Virginia have become ground zero for traffic crackdowns. The highways around Richmond (I-95, I-64, I-85) are especially notorious for speed traps in Virginia. These speed traps are manned 24-7 by law enforcement officers, who are more than glad to hand out a Virginia speeding ticket.
If you are determined to have been going over 90 mph, then you may end up spending time in jail in addition to your fees and other penalties. Again, to fight these charges, and avoid paying heavy penalties, you can get the professional help of an experienced Virginia reckless driving attorney.
How can a Virginia reckless driving attorney help?
If you have been hit with a Virginia speeding ticket, then there are several ways that an attorney can help you with your case. First, by investigating your charge, they may find ways to have your Virginia speeding ticket dismissed. Second, they may be able to negotiate a plea bargain, which will have your charge reduced. Third, if you are found guilty, then a Virginia reckless driving attorney can negotiate the terms of your punishment.
By persuading a judge to allow you to attend traffic school, or drive on a temporary license, your penalties for your Virginia speeding ticket may be less damaging than you expect.