Sussex Traffic Lawyer

Driving down major interstates such as Interstate 95 (I-95) or US Route 460, you may not notice your speed until it is too late to slow down. Just because you were “keeping with traffic” doesn’t mean you are not at risk of receiving a speeding ticket. Sussex County Sheriffs strictly enforce the speed limit, and drivers need to know that driving 85 miles per hour is considered reckless driving in Virginia, no matter what the posted speed limit is.

Contact the experienced traffic attorneys at Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn PC to see how their legal team can help your case.

Types of Traffic Violations in Sussex County, Virginia

There are three main categories of traffic violations in Virginia:

• Infractions
• Misdemeanors
• Felonies

The consequences for moving violations in Virginia (meaning traffic violations that happen while the car is in motion) depend on the severity of the violation and your record of previous violations.

Infractions

Traffic infractions are non-criminal violations. They are less serious than misdemeanors or felonies.

Examples of traffic infractions include:

• Simple speeding
• Running a red light
• Following another vehicle too closely (tailgating)

Traffic infractions can result in fines of up to 0 and points on your driver’s license. It will not appear on background checks and will eventually leave your driving record.

Misdemeanors

Misdemeanors are more serious than infractions but less serious than felonies. Examples of traffic misdemeanors include:

• Reckless driving
• Driving without a license
• First- or second-offense DUI
• Aggressive driving

Depending on the class of misdemeanor, punishments can include:

• Jail time for up to one year
• A fine of up to $2,500
• Points on your license
• Suspension of your driving privileges
• Mandatory driver improvement clinics

Felonies

Felony traffic violations are extremely serious. Examples of traffic felonies include:

• Leaving an accident when the accident resulted in injury or death or if the accident resulted in more than $1000 of property damage
• Felony eluding
• Third-offense DUI

Punishments for felony traffic violations include:

• Imprisonment or jail
• Steep fines
• Points on your license
• Suspension of your license

What is Reckless Driving in Sussex County, Virginia?

Under Virginia law, reckless driving is a charge applied when a vehicle is operated in a manner considered reckless that puts other people and property at risk. Reckless driving could include:

• Significant disregard for the rules of the road
• Driving in a way that causes accidents
• Driving in a dangerous manner
• Driving carelessly

The law creates numerous interpretations of reckless behavior. Commonly, the following types of driving can be considered reckless where such driving significantly endangers the safety of another:

• Distracted driving
• High speeds (20+ over speed limit)
• Not yielding the right of way
• Tailgating
• Aggressive driving

Traffic Violation Penalties in Sussex County, Virginia

If you engage in any type of traffic violation, you face the risk of significant consequences. Those range from warnings to fines, jail time, and even the loss of your license. The excessiveness of your alleged actions, including the speed over the limit you are driving, also influences the severity of your charges.

Penalties for Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers face enhanced penalties when they violate the law. If you currently have a commercial driver’s license (CDL), violations like texting while driving, following too closely, or speeding could result in enhanced consequences.

You may lose your CDL for major violations under the law, which include:

• Driving while under the influence
• Causing an injury due to reckless driving
• Committing a felony while behind the wheel
• Refusing to submit to a breath and/or blood test
• Failing to stop at the scene of an accident that involves your commercial motor vehicle if the accident causes injury or death

Virginia’s Demerit System

Take traffic tickets seriously. Virginia uses a demerit system, which means if you engage in various types of traffic violations, you will have points added to your license. Those demerit points build up over time and could lead to the loss of your license.

If you reach 18 demerit points within 12 months or 24 points within 24 months, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) could suspend your license at that point.

The following are 3-demerit offenses that typically remain on your record for 3-5 years:

• Speeding up to 9 miles over the speed limit
• Impeding traffic by driving too slowly
• Improper passing
• Improper driving
• Failure to stop at the scene of a crash
• Improper turning or backing
• Failure to obey traffic signals or signs

The following are 4-demerit offenses that could remain on your record for 3-11 years:

• Speeding 10 miles or more over the speed limit
• Passing to the left of an approaching vehicle
• Failure to yield

The following are 6-demerit offenses that could lead to either misdemeanor charges or felonies and could remain on your record for up to 11 years:

• Reckless driving charges
• Speeding 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol
• Driving with a suspended license
• Driving a commercial vehicle without a license to do so

Why Clients Choose Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC

An infraction on your driver’s license is a serious charge, and seeking legal advice is nearly always recommended. At Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC, our law firm has the experience and dedication to help our clients fight back against these types of charges. If you are facing a criminal offense from a reckless driving ticket or another offense, you can trust our legal team to be there to fight it for you in traffic court. We will work with you on your case, help determine if the charge can be dismissed or reduced, and fight for you in court.

Testimonials

Nothing but the best! Jack may seem a little high-strung, but believe me when I tell you the comfort he brings watching him in action. Jack is able to navigate the legal system in a way only a true professional who loves their job can. […] His staff is amazing as well and always willing to help. As with any profession, you are only as good as your staff, and Jack has a GREAT staff that pulls the strings so his clients do not have to. Jack and his team were able to finally bring a true peace to my family, which I will never forget.” – Andrew S.

“AMAZING Team! Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn took both of my cases in late 2021 and 2022. Kept great communication with me throughout the whole process for both court appearances. If you’re looking for someone to represent you I 100% recommend them! Lori also made the whole process very easy to send her information through mail and email great problem solver and always available! I was impressed with Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn and their professionalism and competence both in and out of court.” – Jonathan G.

Additional Resources

• Can You Warn Other Drivers About Speed Traps in Virginia: While it may be tempting to warn other drivers about speed traps, is it legal? Learn more about the potential consequences of warning drivers about speed traps.
• Will a Traffic Violation Show Up on My Background Check: Our Virginia traffic lawyers encourage you to seek out immediate legal help if you are facing a traffic violation that could warrant a criminal charge, as these could show up on your criminal record.
• Does Virginia Report Traffic Violations to Other States: If you are an out-of-state driver, you need to know what to expect the state to do when you violate traffic laws in Sussex County, Virginia.

Contest Your Sussex County Traffic Violation

At Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC, our traffic attorneys are available to offer insight and guidance to you about whether fighting a traffic ticket in Sussex County makes sense in your situation. Fill out our online contact form or call 757-742-6115 to learn more about how we can help you.