Traffic Tickets in Fairfax

If you recently got a traffic ticket in Fairfax, your impulse may be to pay it immediately, but depending on the specific circumstances of your case, this could potentially do you more harm than good. Many people don’t know that paying a traffic fine is equivalent to a guilty plea, and will often not only accrue points on your driving record, but lead to years of increased insurance costs. If you find yourself in this situation, before you pay your ticket, it’s a good idea to discuss your case with a qualified Fairfax traffic lawyer. The team at S&R Law Firm offers free consultations in person or on the phone, and can tell you whether or not you may be able to reduce your fines or charges.

How Traffic Ticket Points Work

Different traffic violations carry different points values. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, if you accumulate 18 points against your license in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months, your license will be suspended for 90 days. In addition, to regain your license you will need to take a driver safety course.

Demerit points are assessed according to the severity of your driving offense. For example, speeding between 1 and 9 miles per hour above the posted speed limit, improper U-turns, driving without lights, driving without a license, or failing to obey highway signs are all 3-point violations that will stay on your driving record for 3-5 years. If, however, you speed at 10-19 mph above the posted speed limit, this is considered a 4-point violation.

Following too closely, passing a stopped school bus, or failing to obey a traffic sign are other examples of common 4-point violations which will remain on your driving record for 3 to 5 years. Serious offenses like speeding over 20 mph over the posted speed limit, a charge of reckless driving, or a DUI charge are 6-point violations that will remain on record for 3 to 11 years. You can find a complete list of points violations at the Virginia DMV.

On a more positive note, if you have a good driving record, it is also possible to accumulate safe driving points. Whenever you drive for a complete calendar year without violations or suspensions, you receive one safe driving point, up to a maximum of 5 points. As these points accumulate, they cancel out demerit points on your license. So if you have 3 demerit points and drive safely for three years, you will be back to zero total points. By participating in driver improvement courses, you can also receive 5 positive points on your driving record every two years. If you can prove that you have taken a safety course, it can also help you in court, as it shows that you have taken the initiative to improve your driving.

Should I Pay My Traffic Ticket?

Fairfax County speeding ticket costs can be high, especially if you are traveling far above the posted speed limit. Tickets for other violations can also be incredibly costly. All speeding tickets come with a base charge of $67, plus a charge of $6-8 for each mile over the speed limit, depending on where you were driving when you were pulled over. Some traffic charges, however, such as a DUI, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license, require you to go to court. Depending on the circumstances of your case, a Fairfax traffic attorney may be able to help you

Before paying a traffic ticket, it is a good idea to consider both the short and long-term costs of doing so. While paying your Fairfax County traffic ticket fees upfront can initially save you money over hiring an attorney, depending on the severity of your charges, your insurance rates could skyrocket and remain high for years to come. For many people, this can cause intensive financial hardship. In addition, you will receive DMV demerit points that will remain on your driving record for several years. This will make it difficult to fight any future traffic violations you receive.

If you have a significant number of points on your license, you are facing suspension, or feel that the charges against you were unfairly determined, working with a trusted attorney could be in your best interest. If you are uncertain about whether you need a traffic lawyer, S&R Law Firm can answer your questions, tell you more about your rights, and help you determine whether or not you have a case.

The Benefits of Hiring a Traffic Lawyer

Depending on the charges against you, working with a traffic attorney in Fairfax could be a good decision. The best traffic ticket lawyers can often get your charges dismissed or get the charge reduced so that it carries no demerit points against your license. For example, if you are charged with reckless driving, the goal will typically be to get the charge reduced to a lesser charge. For a simple traffic ticket, we will try to get it dismissed or reduced to a non-moving violation.

In addition, a lawyer can sometimes appear on your behalf in Fairfax traffic court so you do not have to miss work or endure the stress of appearing in court. In the case that you do have to appear in court due to the charges against you, we can help schedule the appearance at a time that is convenient for you. We have worked with many clients who have received a Fairfax traffic ticket and successfully maintained a good driving record. To find out if we can help you, contact us for a free consultation.

Get in Touch With Our Experienced Team

If you are facing Fairfax traffic court or have received a ticket you feel was unjustly determined, S&R Law Firm can help give you a clear understanding of your rights and tell you more about the potential outcomes of your case. Choosing a local Fairfax traffic attorney is a good course of action. As area traffic lawyers, we are in court frequently and have gained years of experience with traffic cases. We have also forged strong relationships with local judges, which can have a positive impact on your case.

Get in touch with us to learn more at (703) 273-6431.