Brunswick County Traffic Lawyer

Brunswick County provides many scenic places to drive, but if you are stopped for a traffic violation, the County can quickly become an expensive place to drive, too. A conviction for a violation could incur heavy fines, increased insurance rates, and suspended driving privileges. In some extreme cases, drivers may even face incarceration.

A Brunswick County traffic lawyer could assist in minimizing the negative consequences whether you are handling a speeding ticket or a severe hit and run charge. A defense attorney experienced in fighting traffic violation cases could help protect your rights and your driving privileges.

What are the Different Levels of Traffic Offenses in Brunswick County?

Traffic violations may be treated as felonies, misdemeanors, or mere civil infractions. While infractions are the least serious offenses and do not carry the potential for imprisonment, they could still seriously impact a driver’s record. Examples of common infractions include speeding, failure to yield, and running a red light.

Misdemeanor offenses are generally punishable by imprisonment for up to a year, and the sentence for felonies can be much longer. Driving on a suspended license is a misdemeanor offense, as is reckless driving. Drivers convicted of offenses involving subsequent DUIs or hit and run accidents may be charged with a felony.

Speeding Could Escalate to Reckless Driving

Many people in Brunswick County know that if they drive in excess of the speed limit, they can get a ticket for speeding. This is often treated as an infraction.

However, according to Va. Code Ann. §46.2-862, if a driver operates a vehicle at more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, then the driver may be found guilty of the Class 1 misdemeanor of reckless driving. Similarly, driving at over 80 miles per hour is also considered reckless driving, regardless of the speed limit. Those convicted face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A lawyer in Brunswick County could seek alternative penalties or fight to refute allegations of a traffic violation.

License Suspensions After Traffic Violations

A driver could have their license suspended or revoked for committing serious offenses, or too many minor offenses. Demerits are assigned for every violation, and the points accumulate on a driver’s record until the license is revoked. If points are not challenged when they are assigned, they could quickly lead to a loss of licensure.

Those convicted of driving on a suspended or revoked license may be incarcerated for up to one year and required to pay a fine of up to $2,500. Repeated offenses could be charged as a felony. Moreover, repeated offenses increase the difficulty in gaining reinstatement of a suspended or revoked license. An experienced attorney could work to protect driving privileges in Brunswick County and reduce the impact on a driver’s record by proactively fighting even small traffic infractions such as speeding tickets.

Contact a Brunswick County Traffic Attorney

Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt. Those who accept a ticket and pay the fine will have a conviction for the offense on their record for years to come.

It may be more cost-effective in the long run to invest in experienced legal representation to fight violations. A Brunswick County traffic lawyer who understands how to devise a successful defense strategy for alleged traffic violations could challenge allegations on factual and procedural grounds. To learn more about traffic law, and to get the representation you need, call an experienced law firm to schedule a consultation today.