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Answers
This is a common question since some officers suggest it to the person being ticketed. Most Judges will not consider this type of evidence and therefore do not read letters. The rules of evidence prohibit the consideration of this type of evidence submitted by the person charged unless the Prosecutor agrees to it, since the Prosecutor has no way in Court to question the author about the contents of the letter. Judges are prohibited from considering evidence prior to the trial of a case unless both sides of the matter are present.
A traffic ticket is not a simple matter. Just paying a traffic summons does not always end the matter since the DMV puts points on your license for most traffic violations. Just two or three violations on your record can total up to enough points for you to lose your license. This is why you should defend yourself against a traffic violation - even if it is only your first.
Entering into a business relationship with someone you do not know (be it with an electrician, plumber or Attorney) always involves some uncertainty. The best way to lower your risk with an Attorney is to make sure that they are in good standing with their State Bar. Most states, including Virginia, have websites that allow you to confirm this. Recognition by organizations such as the Better Business Bureau also indicate an Attorney is trustworthy. Lawyers.com is a website that compiles survey data on Attorneys as well. An Attorney who is not rated by this organization may not be the best choice. Finally, experience, in any line of work, can only make you better.
Law is unfamiliar territory to most people which makes it difficult for them to make a good presentation in Court. When fighting a ticket on your own you will be facing the police officer and prosecutor who have usually appeared in court hundreds of times and know how to present their case professionally. Hiring an Attorney who understands the law and is familiar with the court system will increase your chances of a successful outcome. Knowing what types of evidence a Judge likes and dislikes, helps an Attorney present a case in a more logical and persuasive fashion than a non-lawyer.
In 99% of traffic cases you do not have to appear in Court if represented by an Attorney. We’ll notify the court that you have hired us to represent you, work with you gathering information to present in Court, discuss with you the resolution you would like, and work diligently to represent your side of the case on your court date. This question is best answered by your insurance agent. It depends largely on the following: which state holds your license, the exact charge against you, and your driving record/history. Your insurance company regularly reviews public records to find moving violations that their drivers have committed. Your agent may not be able to tell you exactly how much your rates will go up per year, but he or she should be able to let you know if they will increase and for how long. Insurance laws permit companies to impose large increases upon people who have been convicted of traffic violations. In some cases, an insurance company can increase your premiums up to 50% or more depending on your driving record. One ticket violation could cost you hundreds of dollars in additional insurance costs. Worst of all, the insurance increases can stay with you for three years or more after you pay your ticket. Back To TopBorn and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Mr. Stanley understands and appreciates the unique impact a ticket can have on a North Carolina driver. North Carolina residents currently enjoy the fourth lowest car insurance premiums in the nation. However, just one speeding ticket just ten mph over the posted speed limit will rapidly increase a North Carolina driver's insurance premiums. A speeding conviction ten or more mph over the posted speed limit will result in the North Carolina DMV administrative suspension of your license. For more information, please click here.
If you have a Commercial Drivers License the laws have changed and you need to be aware of the danger of just paying a Virginia Speeding Ticket. Truck drivers are subject to a completely different set of rules than the normal driving public. The most recent change is that CDL drivers can no longer attend traffic school or receive a deferment for a speeding ticket. A speeding ticket 15 mph or more over the posted speed limit even occurring in your personal vehicle can lead to a suspsension of your CDL license. Many companies will not hire a truck driver with a ticket on their driving record. For commercial drivers, It pays to fight all tickets even if you must hire an attorney. If you need our help to fight your Virginia speeding ticket, just call us today for your free consultation.
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