Legal Question in Traffic Law in Virginia

66 on a 45...got a continuance however signed the waiver of trial...

On Prince William County I was caught doing 66 on a 45 with a speed gun (the officer let me off easy by just giving me a speeding ticket not reckless). My court date was for 7/28/06 but since I am going to be out of the country I went to the general districts court ( i went to the traffic/crime section not the judge) to get a continuance for 8/25/06. One thing bugs me about this, I asked for a continuance thinking that i wasn't goint to get one, but hoping for the best (i was planning to pay the pretrial waiver) the lady at the traffic/crime office gave me the continuance. However I forgot that I signed and dated the waiver of trial column and she made a copy of my ticket with signature and all. Is that signature going to void the continuance? If it doesn't should I pay for the ticket the day of my court date?


Asked on 7/17/06, 3:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: 66 on a 45...got a continuance however signed the waiver of trial...

Better check with the clerk's office on this to make sure that your continuance has not been rendered moot, as they say in the law by your inadvertent signing of the waiver of trial on the ticket.

By going to court and negotiating with the prosecutor on the date scheduled for your continuance hearing, you may be able to reduce the charged infraction down by another 10 mph or so.

FYI, any defendant in either a criminal or traffic case, is normally entitled to at least one continuance for whatever reason. No special cogent excuses or reasons need to be offered to justify it.

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Answered on 7/17/06, 4:19 pm


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