A traffic ticket is a warning given by a law enforcement official to a driver or other road user who has broken a traffic rule. he experience of receiving a traffic citation can be unpleasant and if you are caught running a red light, speeding, or any other traffic violations can result in paying high fines, increased insurance premiums, and points on your driving license. The Law Offices Of SRIS.P.C. in Virginia has a team of experienced Traffic Attorneys who can handle all types of traffic violation cases and support you with legal assistance.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the legal options available for dealing with traffic tickets in Virginia and Maryland states. Knowing these alternatives can help you make well-informed decisions and potentially reduce the effects of driving infractions.
Traffic Ticket in Virginia
Virginia state has a distinctive approach to traffic offenses, and it’s required to be informed of your legal alternatives when handling traffic tickets.
1. Paying the Penalty
Paying the fine associated with the infraction is the simplest method of action for handling a traffic ticket in Virginia state. Paying the fee is an admission of guilt, and your driving record will be updated with the corresponding points. This approach is typically appropriate for minor offenses, but it’s crucial to remember that pulling up too many points can lead to license suspension or higher insurance costs.
2. Attending Traffic School
In Virginia, an alternative way to paying the fine or receiving points on your driving record is attending a state-approved traffic school. By completing this traffic course, you may have the choice of having the violation dismissed or reduced. However, it is significant to confirm if your particular offense qualifies for this option and to follow the court’s guidelines and timeframes.
3. Contesting the ticket
You can fight the ticket in court if you think you have a strong defense or desire to do so. In Virginia, you have the option of a trial by jury or a trial by judge. It is advisable to seek legal advice from a knowledgeable Virginia Traffic Lawyer while disputing a traffic ticket. They can help you through the procedure, compile proof, and put out a compelling defense on your behalf. The result of a trial can vary, ranging from cancellation of the charges to conviction, so it’s important to thoroughly prepare your case.
4. Negotiating a Plea Bargain
In some circumstances, it can be possible to negotiate a plea deal with the lawyer. To do this, you must negotiate a deal in which you admit guilt to a lesser crime in return for fewer consequences. Plea agreements may be advantageous if there is solid evidence against you or if the original accusation carries serious repercussions. However, the availability and success of a plea can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the particulars of your case.
5. Seeking a Deferral
There is a deferral program available in Virginia for some traffic violations. With the help of this program, first-time offenders can have their charges dropped after completing a probationary period, which may entail attending driving school, making payment of fines, or refraining from committing any other offenses over the deferral period. This course completion can prevent points added to your driving record and protect your insurance rating from rising.
Traffic Ticket in Maryland
Similar to Virginia, you can choose to pay the fine associated with the traffic ticket in Maryland. Other than that, this state has various options to handle the traffic ticket, they are as follows,
1. Requesting a Waiver Hearing
You may be qualified for a waiver hearing in Maryland, which allows you to ask for the fine to be reduced or eliminated without coming to court. For this eligibility, you must not have been convicted of a traffic offense within the previous 12 months, the infraction should not be a misdemeanor or need a required court appearance. It is vital to review the guidelines and specific requirements established by the court before asking for a waiver hearing.
2. Attending a Driver Improvement Program
Participating in a Driver Improvement Program can be a good alternative in some cases. The Point System Conference (PSC) is a program followed in Maryland that aims to teach drivers safe driving habits and lessen the number of points on their driving record. By completing this program, you may be qualified to have points removed from your record. However, this driver improvement program can not be an option for all traffic violations. So consult a Traffic Attorney near you to know more details about the legal options for traffic tickets in Maryland.
3. Requesting Probation Before Judgement
For some traffic infractions, Maryland provides a novel alternative known as Probation Before Judgement (PBJ). It enables the court to withhold judgment and the charges may be dismissed if you complete a probationary period. As a result, there won’t be any points added to your driving record, which could prevent you from paying higher insurance costs. However, it’s necessary to speak with a lawyer to determine your eligibility for PBJ and whether it is an appropriate course of action for your particular circumstance.
Conclusion
Understanding your legal alternatives and taking careful considerations can help you deal with traffic fines in Virginia and Maryland. And it could be a possible approach to minimize the insurance premiums and consequences on your driving history. Whether you attend traffic school, contest the ticket, or choose to pay the fine in court, know the potential implications and consider getting legal assistance when it is required. Following traffic laws, staying informed, and being proactive can help you to maintain and handle a clean driving record. Always remember that prevention is the finest approach, so drive safely and avoid traffic violations. Schedule a meeting with the skilled Traffic Attorney from The Law Offices Of SRIS.P.C. to fight against your traffic ticket charges and provide you with a favorable outcome.