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Virginia Traffic Violations
Throughout Richmond and the entire state of Virginia, traffic violations are categorized as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. Each classification comes with unique penalties that can impact your driving privileges, employment, and financial standing. Understanding the specific charge on your citation—whether it's a speeding ticket on Broad Street or a DUI on the Downtown Expressway—is crucial for developing an appropriate legal response. Our traffic ticket attorneys in Richmond are well-versed in local court procedures at the John Marshall Courts Building, ensuring clients are fully informed about their rights and legal options.
Many drivers are unaware that even a minor citation can quickly escalate if ignored, potentially resulting in suspended driving privileges, additional fines, or DMV complications under Virginia law. Addressing your Richmond traffic ticket proactively with help from an experienced traffic ticket lawyer in Richmond helps you minimize risk, better understand your situation, and plan an effective defense strategy in line with local court expectations and practices.
Janus & Stone, P.C. provides competent and aggressive legal representation for all traffic violations, including the following:
- DUI. This complex traffic offense is typically charged as a misdemeanor for a first offense, carrying penalties including jail time, significant fines, license suspension, and other serious consequences. Our traffic ticket attorneys in Richmond handle these cases with in-depth knowledge of local court policies and procedures.
- Reckless driving. As a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, reckless driving can bring fines up to $2,500. Actual penalties vary based on your driving record, the specific facts of your case, and the judge's discretion, but you will also receive 6 demerit points on your record. Our team understands how local enforcement and Richmond prosecutors approach these offenses.
- Improper driving. Under Virginia law, you may have a reckless driving charge reduced to improper driving if your culpability is slight. While this carries a reduced fine of up to $500, it still impacts your record. It's important that your Richmond traffic ticket attorney negotiates on your behalf for the best possible outcome.
- Speeding. Speeding tickets result in fines and demerit points based on the speed over the limit: 20 mph or more above gets six points, 10-19 mph over results in four points, and one to nine mph over earns three points. Speed enforcement hotspots in Richmond—such as I-64, I-95, and downtown corridors—are frequently monitored for violations.
- Hit and run. This offense is charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on severity and harm caused. Penalties include fines up to $2,500, license suspension, and possible jail time. Working with a local traffic ticket lawyer in Richmond is crucial due to the serious long-term legal implications.
- Aggressive driving. Virginia law defines aggressive driving as a range of behaviors including following too closely, failing to yield, and creating hazards for other drivers. Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor penalties can involve fines, license suspension, jail time, and four demerit points. Our firm regularly defends clients against these allegations in Richmond courts.
- Driving on a suspended license. This misdemeanor carries up to a year in jail, a $2,500 fine, additional license suspension, six demerit points, and reinstatement fees. Richmond law enforcement and traffic court officials treat these cases seriously, underscoring the need for experienced representation.
Many drivers receive traffic citations in high-traffic zones throughout Richmond such as Broad Street, Carytown, or major highways like I-64 and I-95, where law enforcement actively enforces traffic laws. Local courts—particularly judges at the John Marshall Courts Building—take these offenses seriously, and penalties can be steep even for first-time violations. At Janus & Stone, we have in-depth knowledge of the types of violations that occur in Richmond and how each charge is handled locally. Our Richmond traffic ticket attorneys provide a defense strategy tailored to city-specific procedures, always monitoring updates from the Virginia DMV and General Assembly that may affect your outcome. By seeking help from a knowledgeable traffic ticket lawyer in Richmond, you are taking proactive steps to protect your rights and ability to drive.
- Habitual offender. You may be declared a habitual offender if you receive three major or 12 minor traffic convictions within a 10-year period. Driving after this declaration is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. DUI or endangerment offenses while labeled a habitual offender may become felony charges. Our Richmond traffic ticket attorneys advise drivers facing these severe consequences in court.
For any traffic offense—even if you believe you are guilty—a strong, informed defense may still be available. Our Richmond traffic ticket lawyers often negotiate reduced charges or dismissal upon completion of driving school. Reductions can prevent DMV points and long-term insurance increases. If your license has been suspended, revoked, or restricted, or if you have been declared a habitual offender, our attorneys can petition the court for reinstatement. Virginia will suspend your license if you accumulate 18 points in 12 months or 24 in 24 months—a serious risk many Richmond drivers are unaware of.
Get Trusted Legal Help from Our Richmond Traffic Law Lawyer
Traffic violations in Richmond can lead to multiple consequences, from DMV points and sharply increased insurance rates to serious fines and the risk of a damaged record. Having a traffic ticket attorney in Richmond on your side means you benefit from professional advocacy and detailed knowledge of the local courts. Our attorney’s relationships with Richmond prosecutors and judges help us negotiate effectively for our clients’ best interests. Schedule a consultation with our Richmond traffic ticket lawyer to discuss the strategies best suited for your case and specific goals.
Contact Janus & Stone, P.C. online or at (804) 265-4441 today.
Our experience managing Richmond traffic cases means we regularly help clients cited in construction and school zones, downtown corridors, and near civic events where police monitoring is heightened. We also guide out-of-state drivers ticketed in Richmond, explaining how Virginia law may affect your record at home. From a first citation through representation in the John Marshall Courts Building, our process-driven advocacy aims for the best possible result. Our client communication is prompt and transparent, so you always know what to expect—whether you’re considering driving school, disputing a charge, or applying for license restoration. When you partner with Janus & Stone, you’re choosing a Richmond traffic ticket attorney who is committed to your defense, your understanding of the law, and your best possible results in court.
Why Hire a Richmond Traffic Ticket Attorney?
Choosing a traffic ticket attorney in Richmond can greatly improve the outcome of your case and ease the stress of a court appearance. While some may attempt to handle a ticket alone, working with legal counsel from Janus & Stone provides you with an in-depth evaluation of your citation, identification of any procedural errors, and the ability to develop a strong defense based on local laws. Our Richmond traffic ticket attorney understands the specific priorities of city prosecutors and the procedures at the John Marshall Courts Building—which regularly handles high volumes of traffic cases for the region. Using a client-focused, results-driven approach, we provide clear communication from start to finish, advocate for charge reductions or point mitigation, and in many cases can negotiate alternative resolutions such as driving school or court dismissal when allowed under Virginia law.
For Richmond residents, a traffic ticket can have direct and lasting impacts—not just on insurance premiums, but also on job requirements, CDL endorsements, and daily transportation needs given Richmond’s limited public transit. At Janus & Stone, we prioritize your unique concerns and tailor our legal strategies accordingly, always working to limit both immediate and long-term consequences. Throughout dealings with law enforcement and in court, you’ll benefit from clear, consistent updates, help with paperwork and deadlines, and strong advocacy in both negotiations and trial when needed. Trust our experience as you navigate the Richmond traffic court system—and let us help protect your driving record and future opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Ignore a Traffic Ticket in Richmond, VA?
If you ignore or fail to pay a traffic ticket in Richmond, VA, the court may impose additional penalties, including substantial late fees, license suspension, or even an arrest warrant in aggravated cases. The Virginia DMV will be notified of any unresolved violations, leading to added complications and possible holds on vehicle registration. For individuals with a commercial driver’s license or out-of-state license, your employer and home state may also be notified, potentially creating professional or licensing issues. Responding promptly—whether by paying, contesting, or contacting a Richmond traffic ticket attorney—is vital to prevent compounded legal trouble and maintain your right to drive in Richmond and beyond.
Will a Traffic Ticket Affect My Insurance Rates in Richmond?
Nearly all traffic tickets issued in Richmond are reported to your insurance provider via your DMV record. Insurers typically increase rates after convictions for violations such as speeding, reckless driving, or DUI—sometimes significantly, especially for young or commercial drivers. The accumulation of Virginia DMV points often triggers premium hikes as well. Retaining a traffic ticket attorney in Richmond can help you pursue reduction options or negotiate alternative outcomes, such as attending driving school, to minimize insurance impact. Because insurance policies and thresholds vary, even a single violation can result in higher rates in Richmond's urban marketplace, making legal guidance important for the best long-term outcome.
How Does the Points System Work for Traffic Tickets in Richmond, VA?
Virginia’s DMV uses a demerit points system that applies to all licensed drivers, including those living or cited in Richmond. Each moving violation carries a point value—ranging from three for minor speeding to six for reckless driving or DUI. Points remain active for two years, but the actual violation stays on your record longer. If you accumulate 18 points in 12 months or 24 points in 24 months, your license may be suspended, requiring you to address the issue in traffic court and pay reinstatement fees. Sometimes, a DMV-approved driver improvement course can help reduce points. A Richmond traffic ticket attorney can advise you on the best way to protect your record and maintain your driving privileges after a ticket.
Why Choose Janus & Stone, P.C.?
We Will Fight to Protect Your Rights, Freedom, and Future
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Experience You Can Count On
For more than 20 years, Attorney Taylor B. Stone has successfully handled over a thousand cases due to his unparalleled trial experience and exceptional negotiation skills.
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Accessibility to ClientsAt Janus & Stone, we pride ourselves on the ability to effectively communicate with our clients. We strive to return calls and emails as quickly as possible to ensure we are providing every client with high-quality service.
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Great ReputationOver the years, Attorney Taylor B. Stone has established a great foundation in his community by creating great working relationships with his clients and those in the legal field.
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Personalized AttentionWe put our clients first. Our firm specializes in creating effective relationships with our clients in order to work towards the best possible outcome in their case.
Meet Your Attorney
Experienced & Trial-Tested
"Mr. Stone went to work on my behalf and came out with a positive result that allowed me to continue working in my career."Emcnell