“License, Registration, and Insurance, Please”
We here at Wilson C. Pasley PLC in Roanoke, VA, want you to know your rights when you get a speeding ticket. Whenever you see the blue and red lights flashing in your rearview mirror, you may get a rush of anxiety. You begin to think about what you might have done wrong. Did you run a red light? Did you not use your turn signal? Were you driving at a speed over the limit? If you receive a speeding ticket, there are a few things you can do to possibly remove it from your driving record. In our blog this month, the team at Wilson C. Pasley PLC wants to share a few tips with you.
Contesting a Speeding Ticket
There are some situations in which you might want to contest the ticket. Traffic tickets all come with a demerit point value. Demerit points go on your license when you are convicted of a traffic violation. The demerit points remain valid for two years from the date of the offense. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, an adult driver’s license is subject to suspension when a driver accrues 18 points within 12 months, or 24 points within 24 months. This list shows the number of DMV demerit points assigned to each type of speeding violation:
More than 20 mph over the speed limit | 6 Points |
10-19 mph over | 4 Points |
1-9 mph over | 3 Points |
VA Code 46.2-877 (Driving too slowly) | 3 Points |
There Are Two Options for Contesting a Speeding Ticket in Virginia
The Virginia DMV offers more in-depth information and other important driver resources. There are two main options you have to contest a speeding ticket. The first is to enter a plea deal. While this does require you to admit your guilt for committing the traffic violation, it can reduce the number of points you receive. The second option involves the court. When you ask the court for a full dismissal of your ticket, a few other factors come into play. The court looks at how many speeding cases they handle every day and what your previous driving history shows. It is best to take this action early and have strong evidence to back up your case.
Hire a Lawyer with Traffic Court Experience
Defending traffic stops that result in speeding charges or other offenses requires skill and expertise. After spending many years as a prosecutor, Attorney Pasley knows how to protect the rights of area drivers. Have a talk with Wilson C. Pasley PLC, Attorney at Law, about your traffic offense charges.
For more information on traffic violation representation, give Wilson C. Pasley PLC a call at (540) 266-1545. Like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date with the latest news and information. We are happy to discuss more information about how to know your rights when you get a speeding ticket.