Do I need a lawyer to fight a traffic ticket in Virginia?

Virginia has stiff penalties for traffic tickets, resulting in a criminal record as well as fines and possible license suspensions. Such consequences can damage your ability to make a living, to complete obligations to your family, and to pursue personal interests. While you have the right to fight these charges without the assistance of an attorney, it can have serious repercussions if you lose a case that an attorney could have won.

In Virginia, consequences for traffic tickets can lead to other penalties:

• You can face a 60-day driver’s license suspension for 2 serious traffic violations (or 18 or more points) within 3 years

• You can face a 120-day suspension for 3 serious violations (or 24 or more points) in 3 years

Common violations and their point values include:

• 3 points for speeding 9 mph above the speed limit and improper passing

• 4 points for speeding 10-19 mph over the speed limit, or failure to obey a traffic signal

• 6 points for reckless driving, DUI, and manslaughter

No one wants these serious penalties on their driving record. They can also affect many other areas of life. If you hope to fight a traffic ticket, you should consult a traffic ticket attorney to assess your options. They can give you the advice you need to proceed with your defense, advise you against it, or represent you if that is the best option for you.