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Occoquan Traffic Lawyer

Most people know that traffic violations are a common occurrence, but few people realize how devastating a traffic violation can be and many people wrongly assume that such matters will not require legal services. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, traffic offenses are vigorously prosecuted and can create havoc in your professional and personal life. Drivers run the risk of a suspended license and notification of a conviction on their driving record, which can affect their insurance premiums. Some seemingly simple traffic violations can result in the far more serious reckless driving charge, and repeat offenses can result in a criminal conviction and record. An Occoquan traffic lawyer can assist you in all of these traffic matters, and many more. Whether you are a college or university student, hold a Commercial Driving License or require a military security clearance, she has the experience needed to fight for your rights and reputation. If you are facing such charges, the decision you make as to which lawyer you choose to defend your legal rights is a critical one at this point in your life. Make sure you choose an attorney who is passionate and well-qualified.

Contact an Occoquan Traffic Lawyer Today

An experienced and dedicated Occoquan traffic attorney who has handled numerous traffic cases in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She is here to answer all of your questions and is passionate about protecting the rights and reputation of her clients. If you have been charged a traffic violation, whether this is your first or your third, Ms. Naum will fight vigorously to defend you against the charges. If you have already been convicted of a moving violation charge, you have the automatic right to appeal within 10 days of the conviction. Don’t sit still for any conviction without exhausting all of your legal rights. Call an experienced lawyer today.

Virginia DMV and Your Driving Record

When you are convicted of a traffic violation, the court will notify the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV); which then does the following:

  • Posts the conviction to your driving record;
  • Assigns demerit points based to the severity of your offense;
  • Suspends your license if your moving violation conviction warrants this action;
  • If necessary, requires you to attend and complete instruction at a driver improvement clinic;
  • Notifies your insurance company of your moving violation conviction.

VA Traffic Violations and Your Driving Record

How long a conviction stays on your record depends on the severity of your violation. If you are found guilty and receive an order of revocation, suspension, disqualification, or cancellation of your driving privileges, that conviction could remain on your record for longer than the time that is normally attached to the conviction.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a demerit point system that attaches a value, or assesses points against your license, following each conviction. These points can remain on your record for a few or many years, depending on the severity of the violation.

Your insurance company may also arbitrarily assign points on your insurance record. They are established by each individual company and do not follow the formula for the DMV demerit point system. However, they can remain on your insurance company’s record for many years. And that means higher rates that you could continue paying long after the DMV demerit points have been removed from their records.

A Few Examples of Traffic Violations and DMV Demerit Points

The following are a few examples of the demerit points for Virginia driving traffic violations.  They are grouped by the number of DMV demerit points and length of time they remain on your driving record. For a complete list of violations and their demerit points, visit the “Points and Violations” section of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Website or speak with an Occoquan traffic attorney today.

Six Point Violations – With a few exceptions, these violations remain on your driving record for 11 years:

  • Reckless driving
  • Driving while intoxicated
  • Manslaughter
  • Driving after being declared a habitual offender
  • Driving on suspended license

Four Point Violations – Generally remain on your driving record for five years:

  • Speeding 10-19 over the posted speed limit
  • Passing when unsafe
  • Failure to yield right of way

Three Point Violations – Normally remain on your driving record for three years:

  • Speeding
  • Improper Driving
  • Failure to obey highway sign
  • No Virginia driver’s license

Reckless Driving and other Major Driving Violations

Reckless driving charges stem from serious traffic violations. While some of these offenses—such as driving in excess of 20 mph over the posted limit—are common and well-known, other reckless driving statutes are complicated and somewhat subjective.

  • Excessive speed
  • Failure to signal
  • Failure to yield
  • Illegal passing
  • Drag racing
  • Attempting to elude
  • Accidents

The outcome of your case will depend on a number of factors. These factors include, but may not be limited to, your speed, your interaction with the police officer, and your driving history. In order to obtain the best possible outcome, it is important for your attorney to be patient, but also prepared to go to trial if needed. An attorney may offer a plea to a reduced charge to mitigate whatever penalties you could face, or she may want to argue the matter and seek a judge’s ruling. For this reason, if you have been charged with a criminal traffic offense, it is wise to seek legal counsel from an Occoquan traffic lawyer as soon as possible.