Culpeper Speeding Lawyer
While the beautiful countryside surrounding Culpeper creates opportunities for enjoyable drives, there may be a temptation to drive faster than normal, notably when going downhill. Speed limits often decrease suddenly in more densely populated areas, frequently taking drivers by surprise.
Consequently, individuals may be likely to receive a speeding ticket. While many people stopped for speeding near Culpeper find it easiest to just pay a ticket without considering their options, this is often not the optimal course of action.
Paying a ticket is an admission of guilt and that could create problems and added expense in the future. If you have a speeding citation, it is worth your time to consult a Culpeper speeding lawyer. An experienced traffic attorney could explain your options and how to protect your driving privileges.
The Hidden Costs of a Speeding Ticket
Most times when police issue a citation for speeding, the ticket clearly states an amount that should be paid. In certain cases, the amount is not the only cost associated with a speeding ticket.
When a driver pays a ticket and admits to violating the speed limits or other driving laws, that admission of guilt often causes insurance rates to rise. As a seasoned criminal defense attorney could explain, the increased rates may remain in effect for a considerable period of time.
Moreover, once a driver effectively pleads guilty to a driving offense, the next time they are stopped for a suspected offense, a presumption of guilt may arise due to the past record of infractions. Drivers who accumulate too many offenses on the record also risk losing driving privileges.
It may be far more economical to hire a Culpeper speeding attorney to fight the charges and minimize the impact of the offense than it might be to pay the traffic ticket and the years of hidden costs.
Speeding May Be Considered Reckless Driving
Drivers in the Culpeper area may be stopped for driving in excess of speed limits and face a fine calculated under Virginia Code Annotated §46.2-878.3 as equal to $6 or more per mile per hour they exceeded the limit. This is a basic speeding offense.
In certain cases, speeding is treated as the much more serious offense of “reckless driving.” Under Va. Code Ann. §46.2-862, if a driver operates a vehicle at a speed equal to 20 miles per hour over the limit or in excess of 80 miles per hour, then that driver may be found guilty of reckless driving.
When a driver is charged with reckless driving, they typically do not have the option to pay a fine but must appear in court to answer the charges. Reckless driving carries the potential for jail times, heavy fines, and license suspension. A driver facing reckless driving charges due to speeding should consult a traffic attorney in Culpeper to learn the options for defense.
Talk to a Culpeper Speeding Attorney
Speeding offenses vary in severity, so it is important to learn the potential ramifications for your particular situation. While speeding may be treated as a simple, if expensive, infraction, it could also be treated as a criminal offense. Consequently, a conviction could create a criminal record that may impact everything from housing opportunities to security clearances.
If you have been charged with speeding, a Culpeper speeding lawyer could explain potential defense strategies and help you evaluate the pros and cons to reach the right course of action for your situation. For a free consultation, call now.
