Traffic Matters

Charged with a Traffic Offense? Here’s What You’re Up Against

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

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

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Before you assume you have no options, talk to a traffic defense attorney who can fight for you.

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Reckless Driving – A Criminal Offense, Not Just a Ticket

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In Virginia, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor—meaning it’s not just a traffic violation. You could be charged with reckless driving if you:

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• Drive 20 mph over the posted speed limit or over 85 mph, no matter the speed limit.
• Cause an accident due to excessive speed or aggressive driving.
• Pass a school bus, emergency vehicle, or another car improperly.

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Penalties for reckless driving include:

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• 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

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If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, do not plead guilty without speaking to an attorney first. We fight to get charges reduced or dismissed.

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DUI – Driving Under the Influence

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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Even a first DUI conviction can lead to:

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• A one-year license suspension
• Fines between $250 and $2,500
• Increased insurance costs
• Possible jail time, especially with a high BAC

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We aggressively fight DUI charges to protect your record and your future.

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Driving Without a License or on a Suspended License

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If you are caught driving without a valid license or with a suspended license, you could be facing:

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• An extended suspension period
• Fines and court fees
• Possible jail time for repeat offenses
• We can help fight your charges and work toward restoring your driving privileges.

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Leaving After Colliding (Hit-and-Run)

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Leaving the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offense in Virginia, especially if injuries or property damage are involved. Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with:

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• A Class 1 misdemeanor for property damage under $1,000
• A Class 5 felony if someone was injured or if damage exceeded $1,000
• Penalties can include license suspension, fines, and jail time.

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Speeding & Traffic Tickets

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Virginia has a strict demerit point system that assigns penalties based on the severity of the offense.

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• Six-point violations: Reckless driving, DUI, driving on a suspended license
• Four-point violations: Speeding 10-19 mph over the limit, failing to yield, following too closely
• Three-point violations: Speeding 1-9 mph over the limit, improper passing
• License Suspension Risk: If you accumulate 18 points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months, your license will be suspended.

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Even a single speeding ticket can increase your insurance rates. Fighting a ticket could save you points, money, and stress.

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Can You Fight a Traffic Charge? Yes. Here’s How.

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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. Possible defenses include:

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• Challenging radar and speed detection accuracy – Officers rely on radar and lidar devices, which aren’t always accurate.
• Proving a lack of intent or emergency circumstances – In some cases, circumstances beyond your control (like avoiding an accident) can justify your actions.
• Procedural errors – If law enforcement violated your rights or failed to follow procedures, your case could be dismissed.

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We fight to get your charges reduced or dropped so you can move on with your life.

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Why You Need a Lawyer (and Not a Public Defender or DIY Defense)

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Edwin Palacio was a public defender—he knows how overworked they are. They work hard, but they have too many cases to handle at once. That means less time to strategize and fight for your case.

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At Palacio Law, PLLC, you get:

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• Personal attention – You work directly with Edwin Palacio, not a junior lawyer or assistant.
• A former public defender on your side – We know how the system works, and we know how to fight back.
• Spanish-speaking representation – Hablamos Español.

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Don’t Risk Your License—Get a Former Public Defender on Your Side

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At Palacio Law, PLLC, we take every case seriously. Whether you’re fighting a DUI, reckless driving charge, or license suspension, we’re here to fight for you. Call now for a consultation and start protecting your future.