DC Traffic Lawyer
An experienced DC Traffic Lawyer from Scrofano Law PC can help if you are facing a variety of traffic or driving-related infractions.
Work with an Expert DC Traffic Lawyer
When visiting or living in the U.S. national capital, you do not expect to require a traffic lawyer. According to the State Highway Patrol, however, approximately 41 million people in the United States annually receive speeding tickets. That is $6-billion paid out each year. If you find yourself the recipient of a speeding or traffic ticket, you may decide you want to dispute it in a traffic court. If you do, a skilled Washington DC traffic lawyer like one from Scrofano Law can help prepare you and let you know what to expect.
On the day of your hearing for your speeding ticket, you will proceed to the waiting area until you are called. If you plan on testifying, you will be asked to take an oath by the hearing examiner. Then, you will be asked how you plan to respond to your speeding traffic ticket. This is where you have options. You can opt to admit guilt, admit with an explanation like an emergency, or deny your citation.
If you are found responsible, you will be required to pay the fine associated with the ticket. Associated points will be added to your license.
When Should You Employ DC Traffic Lawyers?
Many people do not employ Washington DC traffic lawyers when going to traffic court for a speeding ticket. They feel that it is just a simple traffic citation, but it is not. You could face fines, points on your license, loss of license, and possible jail time if you are found driving recklessly.
Don’t take the risk – schedule a free consultation with an attorney to make sure you are making the right choice.
Washington DC Speeding Ticket FAQs
A Washington DC speeding ticket is a traffic infraction that is handled at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or in court. The penalties of speeding generally depend on how much over the speed limit you were driving.
Here is a look at the penalties you can expect for speeding:
- 1-10 miles over the speed limit = $75.00 fine and two points
- 11-15 miles over the speed limit = $125.00 and three points
- 16-20 miles over the speed limit = $150.00 and four points
- 21 or more miles over the speed limit = $200.00 and five points
The DC DMV has a point system for different traffic offenses, associating every offense with a certain amount of points. Typically, associated points stay on an individual’s driving record for two years. However, they can be dismissed after completing a DC defensive driving course. But that request has to be previously approved by the DMV hearing examiner.
Individuals have to contest traffic citations they have received and request an administrative hearing. It’s up to the hearing examiner to decide whether the request for driving school will be approved after considering the severity of the traffic offense and the person’s driving record.
Incurring too many points can result in your driver’s license being suspended or revoked. Accumulating 10 points leads to a license suspension, while 12 points result in driver’s license revocation for at least 6 months. In addition, if an individual has too many points on their driving record, that will likely lead to increased insurance premiums and even impact’s one’s livelihood if they are working as a commercial driver.
Getting a Reckless Driving Charge
Depending on the specifics of the case, speeding can also lead to being charged with reckless driving. For example, going in excess of 20 mph over the posted limit, eluding police, and failure to move over when being approached by an emergency vehicle are some of the traffic violations that can result in reckless driving charges. These charges come with serious consequences like:
- Fines up to $1,000.00 and loss of driving privileges
- Several points on your driving record
- Higher insurance premiums
- Possible jail time for you
Do You Need an Experienced Traffic Attorney When Facing Reckless Driving Charge?
Reckless driving is more than just a simple traffic violation. It is, in fact, a misdemeanor that results in adding points to a person’s driving record.
Aggravated reckless driving occurs when a driver is, for example, going 30mph over the posted limit. It can also happen when the driver caused bodily harm to other parties in the accident or property damage in excess of $1,000.
Besides fines, higher insurance premiums, and an impact on the driving record, a driver charged with reckless driving or aggravated reckless driving in the District of Columbia may also spend up to 90 days in jail. In addition, there are also personal consequences such as not being able to rent in an area that you prefer or being past over for a promotion. Although this is a misdemeanor offense, it can seriously threaten an individual’s driving privileges and may even result in a criminal record.
Reckless driving, in addition to other serious traffic violations like DUI or DWI, can also result in a suspended license. That means the driver isn’t allowed to operate a vehicle anywhere within the state. Even other less serious traffic violations can lead to a suspended license. Accumulation of 10 or more points on a driver’s license is often a primary reason, but a driver’s license can also be suspended if the driver failed to pay court-ordered child support.
Driving on a suspended license is considered a serious traffic offense that can lead to fines up to $5,000, severe legal consequences as well as further driving privilege penalties.
Any traffic lawyer can negotiate with the hearing examiner on your behalf to waive the points, reduce the fine, and ask for work privileges if your license is suspended. If you are facing a more serious charge like a DUI or driving while your driver’s license is suspended your best bet is to have an attorney with traffic offense and criminal defense experience like Joseph Scrofano in your corner.
What to Do Before Hiring a Traffic Violation Attorney in Washington, DC
Hiring a traffic violation attorney in Washington, DC is no small decision. Whether you are looking for legal representation for yourself or someone close to you, knowing which factors to consider before hiring the right lawyer can help ensure that your needs are met appropriately and that your legal rights are respected.
Before taking any action, you should know what to do while being pulled over for a traffic violation. If the officer asks for your driver’s license and registration after issuing the ticket, be sure to provide them. Even if you feel that the stop or ticket is unwarranted, it’s important to remain calm and respectful to prevent the situation from escalating.
If you do believe your traffic violation is unwarranted, be sure to get the officer’s name (or badge number) as well as details about what happened. With these details in hand, you’ll be better prepared for any potential disputes.
Once you have received the ticket, you will want to consider whether your situation warrants hiring a traffic violation attorney. A recent study by the Federal Reserve shows that the average American could not afford an extra, surprise expense of $400. If you’re facing a ticket that you cannot pay or that you fear will have negative consequences on your insurance rates or license points, you will probably benefit from reaching out to a DC traffic attorney.
There are many different ways to go about finding the right traffic lawyer, but the key is to find someone with a positive reputation and a solid record of success. The attorneys at Scrofano Law offer free consultations, so reaching out carries zero risk.
What Is DC Ticket Adjudication?
Washington DC traffic adjudication can be a good idea in some situations. This process is where you go to court to state your case. A DC attorney can help you navigate traffic court and prevent you from paying costly fees.
To get convicted of traffic violations like a speeding ticket, an officer must prove a violation with clear evidence and testify in person. You are permitted to ask the officer any questions related to their testimony and your violation. The ticket may be dismissed if the officer does not bring the report, he or she does not remember what happened, or they do not appear at the scheduled time.
A nolo contendere in a Washington DC speeding ticket case is a plea of no contest. When pleading no contest, you are not necessarily admitting guilt or disputing the charge. In DC speeding ticket cases, there are three ways to answer a citation: accept, admit with explanation, or deny.
There can be mitigating factors when a person is ticketed for speeding. For example, their speedometer may indicate a lower speed and should be checked by a mechanic for accuracy. This way, you can show the hearing examiner that your speedometer was tested. (A mechanic will issue you a Speedometer Calibration Certificate, which will show how many miles per hour your speedometer was off.) You can use this to show your speedometer was off at the time of the incident.
The Benefits of a DC Traffic Lawyer
How can a Washington D.C. traffic attorney assist you in winning a traffic case? They can help in the following ways:
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Offer you advice
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Negotiate a resolution for you and help contest the ticket on your behalf
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Represent the client in traffic court
A good D.C. traffic lawyer may even be able to argue that your ticket should be entirely dismissed.
What Are the Possible Defenses for a Reckless Driving Charge?
An experienced DC traffic lawyer can employ a variety of defenses to challenge a reckless driving charge, depending on the specifics of the case and the DC traffic laws applicable. One common defense is challenging the accuracy of the evidence, such as disputing the reliability of speed measuring devices in DC traffic lawyer speeding cases.
Another strategy involves questioning the subjective judgment of the law enforcement officer who issued the charge, particularly in instances where the definition of reckless driving is open to interpretation under DC traffic laws. A lawyer may argue that the driver’s actions were not reckless but were rather a minor traffic infraction or a moving violation.
In cases where a suspended or revoked license is involved, the lawyer can scrutinize the procedures followed by the authorities and ensure that the driver’s right to due process was upheld. They can also examine whether the driver was unaware of the suspended or revoked license, which could be a valid defense in DC Superior Court.
Additionally, a DC traffic lawyer can explore whether external factors, such as road conditions or the actions of other drivers, contributed to the alleged reckless driving. For instance, if another driver failed to yield the right of way, leading to a situation where the accused had to make a sudden maneuver, this could be used as a defense.
The impact of a reckless driving charge on one’s personal life, security clearance, and accumulation of demerit points can be significant. Therefore, hiring a traffic ticket lawyer who is well-versed in handling traffic cases in DC Superior Court can be crucial. They can meticulously review the case, identify any procedural errors, and work towards minimizing the potential consequences, such as personal injury claims or additional penalties for the accused.
Why Should You Choose a DC Traffic Attorney?
As a driver with a speeding traffic ticket, here is what a DC traffic attorney can tell you if you plan on fighting it. Imagine you get a ticket while on vacation in DC. You should look for a local traffic lawyer who knows the DC ordinances.
However, beware of reduced fees. While prepaid legal services may seem like a good idea, the lawyer may not know much about traffic court. Instead, look for a traffic ticket attorney who has experience with the type of traffic ticket you’re dealing with, and who shows they are dedicated to your legal case. A trustworthy, knowledgeable DC traffic lawyer who will represent you as well as consult with you about your legal rights will help you get the best possible outcome. Contact Scrofano Law PC today for top traffic ticket representation.
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