Traffic Violations Attorney Serving Richmond, Virginia
If you drive in Virginia, it is probably safe to say, you have received at least one ticket. If you are a new driver and have not been issued a ticket; unfortunately, your day is likely coming.
At the Thomas Law Firm, PLLC, we primarily handle traffic cases in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and surrounding areas. We have also handled cases as far west as Orange County, as far east as Chesapeake and as far north as Alexandria.
SLOW
In an effort to keep you from needing my services, I want you to remember this acronym before getting into your vehicle or while driving- S.L.O.W.
S. Slow down and reduce your speed
L. Leave early – use Google Maps, Mapquest or another application to determine how long it will take you to reach your destination. Bonus: Add an extra five (5) minutes to account for unknown factors.
O. Observe all signs as there may be changes in allowable speed in your route.
W. Wake up – Falling asleep or sleep deprivation can be just as deadly as driving while intoxicated. If you start feeling tired, pull over at a rest stop and take a break.
The DMV Point System
DMV Points are not the type of “award” points you are seeking. The more points you receive the worse it is for your driving record.
If you are convicted of a traffic offense, DMV will give you demerit points for the conviction.
For example, six (6) point violations that will stay on your driving record for eleven (11) years include convictions for reckless driving, which may include driving over 80 mph or driving 20 mph above the posted speed limit; Driving while Intoxicated; and driving under the Influence of alcohol or drugs.
Examples of Four (4) point violations that will stay on your driving record five (5) years include speeding, which includes driving 80 mph over the posted speed limit and driving over 15-19 mph above the posted speed limit. These Four (4) point violations will stay on your driving record for three (3) years, Passing when Unsafe, Failure to Drive to the Right and Stop for Police/Fire Department, Failure to Yield the Right of Way and Failure to Yield to Funeral Procession.
The most common three (3) point violation conviction that I see is speeding 1-9 mph above the speed limit. This stays on your record for five (5) years. These are some of the often seen three (3) point violations that stay on your record for Three (3) years, Improper Passing, Improper U-Turn, Failure to Obey Highway Signs and No Driver’s License.
Why it's Not a Good Idea to Prepay Your Tickets
If you prepay your ticket, you lose the right to have the ticket dismissed or negotiate to have the ticket reduced to a lesser driving offense.
What Happens Upon Conviction
According to DMV, when you are convicted of a traffic violation, the Court notifies DMV and DMV takes the following action:
Post the conviction to your driving record;
Assigns you demerit points;
Issues an order of suspension, if applicable
Issues an Order requiring the successful completion of a driver Improvement clinic, if applicable; and
Notifies your insurance company upon request.
Contact Us
If you find that you were unable to avoid a traffic ticket, contact The Thomas Law Firm, PLLC for a free consultation.
