Virginia is known throughout the country as the state with some of the toughest traffic laws. Whether you are a resident or a non-resident, the traffic laws apply equally. With the increase in accidents resulting from speeding offenses, the authorities have been very strict on speeding offenses. Most people are surprised to learn they will be facing criminal cases, as a result of speeding violations. Well, if you are in that situation, you need to contact speeding ticket attorneys right away. If you fail to hire experienced Prince George County VA speeding ticket attorneys, then you might end up paying a steep cost for your speeding actions.
Speeding in Prince George County
Virginia has various statutes that address speed limits. First, there is the general statute that sets the maximum speed limit for the majority of the interstate highways at 45 mph for semis, trucks and other large vehicles while passenger vehicles should not exceed 55 mph. On some highways, the maximum speed for passenger vehicles stands at 70 mph. The maximum speed limit for streets stands at 25 mph. Highways passing in towns and cities have a speed limit of 35 mph. However, municipalities have the discretion of setting their own speed limits on roads under their jurisdiction. Towns, counties, and cities also have the discretion of reducing the speed limits on roads under their jurisdiction. Exceeding any of these limits can lead to a standard speeding ticket or a reckless driving by speed ticket. Driving at 19 mph above the posted speed limit will lead to a general speeding ticket. For example, if you are driving at 60 mph on a highway whose speed limit is 45 mph, then you will be issued with a standard speeding ticket. You have up to 90 days to pay for the ticket. However, anything above 20 mph will lead to reckless driving by speed charges. Also, speeding at 80 mph regardless of the posted speed limit will automatically qualify for reckless driving by speed.
Penalties for Speeding Violations
The Virginia Supreme Court has set a uniform fine schedule, for those who wish to pre-pay the tickets, without contesting them in court. The fine schedule applies in all counties under the Commonwealth of Virginia. Magistrates and court clerks are not permitted to impose other fines. They are required to abide by those allowed by the rules. However, if you challenge the ticket and the matter proceeds to court, then the magistrate or judge is not obliged to follow the fine schedule. The actual fine amount depends on various factors. For example, those caught speeding on highway work zones or school zones will pay a higher fine. The fine schedule also changes yearly. What you paid last year may not be the same this year, and it is, therefore, advisable to remain informed on these changes.
Apart from fines, being convicted of speeding or pleading guilty will lead to demerit points against your driving record. The points can be anywhere from 3 to 6. If you were speeding at 1 to 9 mph above the posted speed limit, then you will receive 3 points. Speeding at 10 to 19 mph above the allowed speed limit leads to 4 points while speeding at 20 mph above the limit earns you 6 points. A speeding ticket can also lead to increased insurance rates. However, that will depend on your motor vehicle insurance provider. It’s advisable to consult your insurance company before paying any speeding ticket, to understand how a conviction or guilty plea will affect your policy rates. If you choose to pre-pay the ticket, then you must do it in various ways. Pre-payment needs to be done before the hearing date indicated on your ticket. Also, your ticket should indicate the court handling the case, and that’s why you should pay. You can pay at the court, via mail or even online.
If you choose to mail the ticket, you can do so via a certified check, money order or ordinary check to the court indicated on the ticket. It’s also advisable to make the payment well in advance, to ensure it’s processed on time. You can also pay for the ticket by visiting the clerk’s office of the court indicated on your ticket. There is also an online payment provision, which can be done via a debit or credit card. However, you cannot pre-pay a reckless driving charge. You will be required by law to appear in court or hire Prince George County VA speeding ticket attorneys to represent you.
Experienced Speeding Ticket Attorneys
When it comes to handling speeding tickets, any mistake can prove extremely costly. Hiring attorneys who are not traffic attorneys by trade should be avoided at all costs. As much as speeding offenses are common in Prince George County, it doesn’t mean you should take them lightly. Even general speeding tickets can lead to major problems in future, especially when they accumulate. Therefore, you need to consult Prince George County VA speeding ticket attorneys immediately you have received a speeding ticket. At Joyner Law PLLC, we will assess your ticket and then advise you on how best to proceed with the case. If you have a clean driving record and you want to get over with the issue, then you can simply mail the fine. However, if you have prior speeding ticket convictions, then it’s advisable to fight these charges. We will help you to put together a strong defense strategy to challenge the ticket. Having handled similar cases before, we know how best to proceed with the case, as well as the path to pursue. Although every case is unique, we can draw upon our competence, skills and experience to obtain a positive outcome in your case. If you have been charged with speeding in Virginia and you are unsure on how to proceed, reach out to us and we will advise you accordingly. We are your best chance when it comes to speeding ticket charges.
Contact Us Today
If you have been charged with any speeding violation in Prince George County, Virginia, reach out to us and we may be able to help. A conviction from speeding offenses can lead to possible jail time, heavy fines and suspension of your driving license. However, we are here to help you and give you the best chance of avoiding those consequences. Contact us today and schedule for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.