Legal Question in Traffic Law in Virginia
options to reduce a speeding ticket
I was clocked for speeding 74/55 mph while going to the airport. I have a clean record, as i have not received a ticket for some time, about 6 years at least. I am thinking about going to court to fight the ticket, but i was wondering if there was something i could either do beforehand, or at the court date where i could convince the judge to lower the penalty for the ticket. I heard in the past that you could ask for a probation without judgement (something to that effect) where as if you don't get a ticket for another year, they would wipe the ticket. I also heard that you can goto traffic school to lessen your punishment as well. Is there any truth to these? I have a MD license, do points transfer over from va?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: options to reduce a speeding ticket
Thankfully the speed you are charged with does not qualify as reckless driving in Virginia, which would be punishable as a criminal offense. Any demerit points you may receive for a conviction of this charge would depend on the Maryland DMV, but the Virginia DMV would likely report a conviction to the MD DMV. There are a couple of things you can do before going to court to help yourself. One, attend a driver improvement course (traffic school). Two, get your speedometer calibrated and obtain a certificate of calibration. Three, obtain your most recent DMV transcript to take with you to court. I would recommend consulting with an attorney familiar with the jurisdiction in which you are charged. Each jurisdiction may have slightly different ways of proceeding with these types of cases. For more info on speeding, reckless driving and DUI, visit the Virginia Criminal and Traffic Law Blog.
Re: options to reduce a speeding ticket
The Virginia equivalent of what Maryland calls
Probation Before Judgment(PBJ)is termed Suspended
Imposition of Sentence(SIS).
It is a disposition available only to first time
offenders, generally, only for minor crimes(misdemeanors)as opposed to felonies, and is not applicable to traffic infractions such as you've been charged with.
Re: options to reduce a speeding ticket
In Maryland much will depend on the judge and actions that you have taken beforehand. Your record will have much to do with the judge's determination. Legal representation may be beneficial and you should discuss your case with an attorney. I will require that you provide a complete driving record prior to a free consultation.
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