Virginia Traffic Lawyer in Annandale, VA

What You're Facing After a Traffic Charge in Virginia

Maybe you were running late for work and got caught speeding. Maybe you didn't know your license was suspended. Or maybe a police officer claims you were driving recklessly, even though traffic was moving at the same pace. Now, you're facing:

• Points on your license: Virginia's demerit point system can lead to higher insurance rates and possible suspension.
• Fines and court costs: Even a simple speeding ticket can cost hundreds or thousands in fines and insurance hikes.
• License suspension: Accumulating too many points or certain violations can result in loss of driving privileges.
• Criminal charges: Some offenses, like reckless driving or driving on a suspended license, are misdemeanors that stay on your record permanently.

Before you assume you have no options, contact a Virginia speeding ticket lawyer who can fight for you. A traffic attorney in Virginia can challenge the evidence, negotiate reduced charges, or get tickets dismissed.

Reckless Driving in Virginia: A Criminal Offense, Not Just a Ticket

In Virginia, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor—not just a traffic violation. It's a criminal charge that goes on your permanent record. You could be charged with reckless driving if you:

• Drive 20 mph over the posted speed limit or over 85 mph, regardless of the speed limit
• Cause an accident due to excessive speed or aggressive driving
• Pass a school bus, emergency vehicle, or another car improperly
• Drive recklessly or endanger others

Penalties for reckless driving include:

• Up to 12 months in jail
• Fines up to $2,500
• License suspension for up to six months
• Six demerit points on your driving record
• Permanent criminal record

If you've been charged with reckless driving, do not plead guilty without speaking to an attorney first. Our Virginia traffic ticket lawyer will fight to get charges reduced to a simple traffic infraction or dismissed entirely. The difference between a criminal conviction and a traffic infraction can impact your job, insurance, and future.

Common Traffic Offenses We Defend in Virginia

As attorneys for traffic violations, we handle a wide range of charges that threaten your license and record.

DUI – Driving Under the Influence

DUI is a criminal offense with serious consequences including license suspension, fines up to $2,500, and possible jail time. We aggressively defend DUI charges. Learn more about our DUI defense services.

Suspended or No Valid License

Driving without a valid license or on a suspended license can result in extended suspension, fines, and jail time for repeat offenses. We work to restore your driving privileges.

Hit-and-Run (Leaving the Scene of an Accident)

Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offense in Virginia. Depending on the circumstances:

• Property damage under $1,000: Class 1 misdemeanor
• Injury or damage over $1,000: Class 5 felony

Penalties include license suspension, fines, and jail time. Immediate legal representation is critical.

Virginia's Demerit Point System

Virginia assigns points based on violation severity. Accumulating too many points leads to suspension:

• Six-point violations: Reckless driving, DUI, driving on suspended license
• Four-point violations: Speeding 10-19 mph over limit, failing to yield, following too closely
• Three-point violations: Speeding 1-9 mph over limit, improper passing

Suspension triggers:

• 18 points in 12 months
• 24 points in 24 months

Even a single speeding ticket increases insurance rates significantly. Our speeding ticket lawyer can fight to reduce or dismiss charges, saving you points, money, and higher premiums.

How Virginia Traffic Attorneys Fight Your Charges

Most people assume they have no choice but to pay the fine and accept the consequences. That's not true—many traffic charges can be reduced or dismissed with the right legal defense.

Common defense strategies include:

• Challenging radar accuracy: Officers rely on radar and lidar devices that can be inaccurate due to calibration errors, weather conditions, or operator mistakes.
• Emergency circumstances: In some cases, circumstances beyond your control—like avoiding an accident or a medical emergency—can justify your actions.
• Procedural violations: If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights or failed to follow proper procedures, your case could be dismissed.
• Mistaken identity or faulty evidence: We challenge the prosecution's evidence and witness testimony.
• Negotiating reduced charges: A reckless driving charge can sometimes be reduced to improper driving, avoiding a criminal record.

We fight to get your charges reduced or dropped so you can protect your license and move forward with your life.

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Why Choose Palacio Law as Your Traffic Lawyer

Edwin Palacio is a former public defender—he knows the Virginia court system inside and out. When your license and record are on the line, you need experienced representation.

What sets us apart:

• Direct attorney access: You work with Edwin Palacio personally, not a junior lawyer or case manager.
• Courtroom experience: As a former public defender, Edwin has handled thousands of cases and knows how prosecutors and judges think.
• We often appear without you: In many traffic cases, we can represent you in court without you needing to take time off work.
• Bilingual services: Hablamos Español. We ensure Spanish-speaking clients fully understand their rights and options.

Whether you're facing a speeding ticket or serious traffic charges, you deserve an attorney who will fight for the best possible outcome.

Protect Your License – Contact Our Virginia Traffic Lawyer Today

Don't risk your license, your insurance rates, and your freedom. Whether you're fighting a speeding ticket, reckless driving charge, DUI, or license suspension, Palacio Law is here to defend you.

Call now for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your driving record.

Serving drivers throughout Virginia including Annandale, Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, and surrounding areas.