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Why You Need Representation For A Traffic Charge

Traffic charges come in various forms. Whatever traffic charge you may be facing, it is important to understand the potential penalties. Before you decide to go to court alone or prepay your ticket, contact Lee Lopez Law to understand your rights and options.

For a consultation regarding your specific situation, call us in Arlington at 703-259-8731 or complete our contact form. We fight for clients facing traffic charges throughout Northern Virginia.

Types Of Traffic Charges

Have you been pulled over and issued a ticket? If so, it is important to know what consequences you are facing if convicted — because not all traffic tickets are the same. Traffic offenses can come in three different classes:

  • Traffic infractions
  • Misdemeanors
  • Felonies

Learn more about common traffic charges in Virginia.

Traffic Infractions

Traffic infractions indirectly impact your license because of the demerit points assessed against your license after each moving violation conviction. Typical examples of traffic infractions include speeding, failure to obey a traffic signal (i.e., running a red light), failure to yield the right of way, and many others. Though traffic infractions do not carry jail time, you can still be assessed a fine, which ranges based on the type of charge, and demerit points. If you accumulate too many demerit points, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will take away your license.

Misdemeanors And Felonies

Misdemeanor and felony traffic offenses, on the other hand carry direct license suspensions as a potential punishment. Most misdemeanors and all felonies carry the possibility of active jail time. Charges like reckless driving and driving while intoxicated, which are misdemeanors, carry up to a year in jail. Felonies, like hit and run and eluding law enforcement, carry substantially more time and start with a minimum range of years of potential jail time.

License Suspensions

Traffic infractions do not directly impact your license but do indirectly impact your license because of the demerit points that are assessed for each moving violation. Misdemeanor and felony traffic offenses, on the other hand, do carry direct license suspensions as a potential punishment. In some cases those license suspensions are mandatory. License suspensions can range in duration, including short term (days) to long term (years or even indefinite license suspension). It is also important to know that some license suspensions do not permit people to get a restricted license. Before you lose your license and privilege to drive, you need to know what else you can do. We are here to help.

License Restoration And Other Dmv Issues

If you have lost your license temporarily or permanently, you may need to go through certain steps to have it reinstated or unsuspended. If you have lost your license for an indefinite period, you must file requests with the court and go through other special procedures. Our traffic attorneys help clients deal with license restoration issues and many other Virginia DMV issues. If you need help after a loss of license, the attorneys at Lee Lopez Law know what to do.

Contact Us As Soon As Possible

To speak with an experienced and dedicated traffic defense lawyer, call Lee Lopez Law PLLC at 703-259-8731 or fill out our contact form. These matters are time-sensitive, so contact us as soon as possible and find out how we can help you.