You may be wondering if you should hire an attorney for your traffic offense. If you opt not to hire a lawyer, this decision could harm you in the end. You may not be able to walk away from the violation without sustaining a substantial fine or other consequences. An attorney may be able to decrease the fine, prevent points from being added onto your license, or lessen the duration of a license suspension.
Preventing Points on Your License
In the state of Virginia, like many other states, you receive points on your license for traffic violations. The number of points depends on the nature of your offense.
Adults in Virginia may only receive 12 points on their licenses in a 12-month period before they lose their driving privileges for a designated amount of time. During a 24-month period, you may only have 18 points against your license before you receive a driver's license suspension.
When you appear in front of the magistrate or courthouse alone, you may not know what to say to reduce your offense and prevent these demerits on your license. An attorney, on the other hand, may be able to lessen the number of points you receive and possibly help you retain your privilege to drive.
Attending on Your Behalf
You have the right to appear in front of the magistrate or judge to plead your case.
If you have to work and can't attend, you have no choice but to plead guilty. If this happens, you lose your right to fight the ticket or negotiate a lesser consequence. When you plead guilty, you accept the standard outcome associated with that violation. Keep in mind that the sentencing worsens depending on the number of offenses you've had in the past.
An attorney can appear on your behalf. You may go to work or handle your other responsibilities without making an appearance at the magistrate's office or courthouse.
Lessening the Fine
Fines may cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the nature of your traffic violation. Additionally, if you've had previous violations for the same offense, you'll receive a higher fine than you would as a first-time offender.
When you're unfamiliar with the law and ways to lessen the severity of your fine, you endure the typical fine for that offense. A lawyer thoroughly understands the law and can lessen the amount of the fine.
Preventing an Insurance Increase
You may be able to handle the cost of the fine, but the possibility of an insurance increase is another factor that you must take into consideration when you're deciding whether you want to hire an attorney.
For some offenses, your insurance company receives notification of the violation. The company then has the option to increase your premium because of it. Depending on the number of previous offenses you've had as well as the nature of the current violation, you may receive an extensive insurance increase.
Dismissing the Ticket
In some cases, an attorney can have the ticket dismissed completely. In other words, you won't be responsible for any fines, nor will you receive any points on your license. The offense also never goes on your record, and it won't affect your insurance. When you hire legal representation, you have a better chance of the magistrate or judge dismissing the ticket.
You may benefit from hiring an attorney for traffic violations. An attorney may speak on your behalf and prevent you from receiving points on your license, suffering from an insurance increase, or even serving jail time. Contact Tolbert & Tolbert, LLP, serving Hillsville, VA, and the nearby region, to see how we can help if you've had a recent traffic offense.
