What to Do After Receiving a Traffic Ticket
Receiving a traffic ticket can leave you unsure about what happens next. Whether you were cited for speeding, improper driving, or another traffic offense, you may need to decide whether to pay the fine, contest the charge, or seek legal guidance. If you are facing a traffic charge in Charlottesville, a skilled traffic attorney could review the circumstances of your citation and help you understand your options.
Do not assume that paying a ticket is always the simplest solution. A conviction could affect your driving record, result in demerit points, and potentially have consequences for your insurance. La Fratta Law could review the charge, explain the potential consequences, and help you determine whether contesting the ticket may be appropriate. Contact us today to learn more about what to do after receiving a traffic ticket.
Review Your Traffic Ticket Carefully
Your first step after receiving a traffic ticket should be to read your citation carefully and identify the specific offense with which you have been charged. Your summons should provide important information about the alleged violation and your court date, so make note of any deadlines and avoid missing a required appearance.
You should also preserve any information that could help explain what happened. Depending on the circumstances, that could include photographs, dashcam footage, witness information, or other documentation related to the traffic stop. Having these details available could help you and your lawyer evaluate the circumstances surrounding the citation.
How Could a Traffic Conviction Affect Your Driving Record?
A traffic ticket may have consequences beyond the initial fine, making it important to work with an attorney to determine the best action to take. When you are convicted of a traffic violation, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles receives notice from the court and may add the conviction to your driving record and assign demerit points based on the offense. Those points remain valid for two years from the date of the offense, although the conviction itself may remain on your record for longer.
The specific charge matters. For example, Virginia classifies certain speeding offenses as reckless driving. Driving 20 miles per hour or more over the applicable speed limit or driving faster than 85 miles per hour constitutes reckless driving. Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor and carries six DMV demerit points for the listed speeding offenses.
Understand Your Options Before Court
Depending on the charge and circumstances, you may have several options for addressing a traffic citation. Paying the ticket may resolve the case, but it generally means accepting the consequences associated with the conviction. Contesting the charge gives you an opportunity to present your position in court, although the appropriate strategy depends on the specific facts of your case.
Virginia also recognizes improper driving as a distinct offense in certain circumstances. Because the potential consequences can vary significantly between traffic offenses, reviewing your citation before deciding how to proceed could be worthwhile. A lawyer could examine the alleged violation, the circumstances of the traffic stop, and your driving history to help you understand the options available in your situation.
Call a Charlottesville Traffic Attorney for Guidance on What to Do After Receiving a Ticket
You should know what to do after receiving a traffic ticket. Understanding the charge, potential penalties, and effect on your driving record could help you make a more informed decision about how to handle your case.
If you received a traffic citation, La Fratta Law could help you evaluate your options and prepare for the next step. Contact our team at La Fratta Law to discuss your needs and learn more about how your citation could be addressed.
