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New Kent Traffic Lawyer

While a traffic ticket may seem like a mere inconvenience, it has the potential to have far more significant implications than you realize. For instance, some traffic violations lead to criminal charges, which can have significant repercussions. A New Kent traffic lawyer could fully explain the potential penalties that you may be facing as a result of your alleged offenses and determine an effective strategy to handle your situation.

These offenses may have consequences for your job, family, and finances. Additionally, the loss of a license could have a major impact on your ability to work and earn a living. A skilled criminal attorney could help you minimize these potential ramifications.

DMV Demerit Points and Traffic Violations

Whether an individual is facing traffic tickets or driving-related criminal offenses, such as DUI, they may receive demerits points on their driving records from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Drivers can earn three, four, or six points for each violation, depending on the gravity of the offense.

A minor speeding ticket may result in three demerit points, whereas a DUI conviction may lead to six demerit points. Once assessed, demerit points remain on a motorist’s driving record for two years. Additionally, these demerit points could lead to significantly increased insurance premiums.

If a driver cannot avoid the assessment of demerit points on their record, they still may be able to improve their situation with the help of a traffic attorney in New Kent. Eligible individuals may be able to attend driver improvement courses to earn safe driving points, which could potentially remove demerit points from their driving records.

Criminal Traffic Offenses vs Minor Offenses in New Kent

Some offenses only result in traffic tickets, which are civil violations. Individuals cannot receive jail time as a result of these tickets, but they still may face a fine. For more serious offenses, however, drivers may face criminal charges, which may be misdemeanor or felony offenses.

Tickets usually include violations such as speeding a few miles over the posted limit, failing to stop at red lights or stop signs, or disobeying other traffic rules. Although these violations are only punishable by fines, they may still add demerit points to a motorist’s driving record and increase their insurance premium.

Other traffic offenses may result in misdemeanor or felony charges. For instance, a first-time DUI, reckless driving, and driving on a suspended license all may result in misdemeanor criminal charges. Third offense DUIs or leaving the scene of an accident, however, may result in felony criminal charges.

Penalties for Traffic Offenses

Traffic offenses that are equivalent to criminal charges can have harsh repercussions. In addition to the high fines and increased insurance premiums that accompany any traffic violation, individuals also may face criminal penalties. These penalties may include jail or prison time, probation, the costs of installing and maintaining an ignition interlock device, and driver license suspension.

Traffic-related misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses also create a permanent criminal record that can be highly detrimental to further endeavors. A poor driving record or the loss of a driver’s license may make people ineligible for some jobs and careers. A traffic lawyer in New Kent could help minimize the potential penalties in a criminal traffic case.

Talk to a New Kent Traffic Attorney Today

Working with a New Kent traffic lawyer may be vital to reaching a favorable resolution in your case. Whether you have accrued multiple traffic tickets or are facing driving-related criminal charges, obtaining legal advice could alter the ultimate disposition of your case. Call today to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated attorneys.

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