D.C. area residents appreciate less commuting time. Expensive tickets and misdemeanor charges they could do without.
Virginia’s Speed Pass Lanes are allowing drivers the opportunity to get around The Beltway and other D.C. interstates more quickly. So quickly, in fact, drivers have noticed the heavy fines associated with speeding through I-95, I-495 and other Express Lanes. It is one thing to get a speeding ticket for going a little over the speed limit. In D.C., however, not paying much attention to the speedometer can get a driver into serious trouble.
In Virginia, drivers who go only 11 mph over a 70 mph speed limit on interstate highways face criminal charges for reckless driving. Going 81 mph or more, even on a blank stretch of highway, could lead to potential jail time, license suspension, and potentially increased car insurance costs.
That may change in the future. This January, a House of Delegates panel approved legislation that would raise the speed required for a reckless driving charge to 85 mph. Delegate Jeffrey Campbell, the sponsor of the bill, has noted that in residential neighborhoods a driver must be 19 mph over the speed limit before incurring reckless driving charges. This “illogical juxtaposition” is something the bill aims to address, according to CBS DC.
The bill may also help reduce the number of drivers, especially out of state, pulled over who opt to pay a fine, unknowingly pleading guilty to a class one misdemeanor.
Toll violations and other traffic offenses
Officers are also cracking down on toll violations and other associated traffic offenses throughout the area. Since December 29, drivers on I-95 must pay a toll similar to those on I-495. To determine if a driver is paying tolls, law enforcement officers use EZ pass readers, which can tell if an EZ Flex is in toll mode or HOV mode.
Drivers must beware; a fourth ticket within five years for violating the EZ pass car pool carries a $1,000 fine. This can be easy to do, as there is a learning curve associated with the toll system. For example, solo drivers commuting to work who wish to use the Express Lanes during rush hours can do so, except in Arlington. In 2009 Arlington sued the Virginia Department of Transportation to stop the Express Lanes from continuing into the D.C. border. So drivers must exit the Express Lanes before Edsall Road or risk getting a $50 fine.
Defending traffic tickets
In the D.C.area traffic can be difficult to navigate. Unfortunately, in many cases minor confusion can lead to major fines. Drivers, especially younger drivers, may not realize passing a stopped school bus can be the beginning of serious criminal proceedings.
A class one misdemeanor is a serious charge, capable of showing up on criminal background checks. A misdemeanor can affect many aspects of a person’s life, from the fines associated with a conviction to negative consequences on a career.
Plea bargaining may reduce a criminal misdemeanor charge and mitigate the difficulty associated with a license revocation. An expungement can seal records associated with an arrest and subsequent criminal proceedings for eligible petitioners.
Virginia drivers facing traffic charges should contact the skilled attorneys at Lawrence, Smith & Gardner, to discuss their legal options moving forward.
Keywords: Traffic offenses, misdemeanor, speeding, speed pass lane, express lane, reckless driving.
Reviews & Testimonials
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Dear Mr. Brillantine and Mr. Smith,- Previous Client
Thank you so much for your time and effort in the past several weeks. I am forever grateful for your help! Thank you. -
Dear Mr. Smith,- Previous Client
I just wanted to drop you a note to express my thanks and appreciation for your professional and courteous help and service. The efficient way you and your staff handled my case, resulted in less anxiety for me. -
Dear Mr. Smith,- Previous Client
We just want to thank you for all your help in our son’s recent traffic case. Things were looking extremely bleak. However, thanks to your knowledge of the law, persistence, ability to talk to people, hard work and grace … What a relief it has been. We also appreciate the courtesy and professionalism of your wonderful staff. -
Dear Ron,- Previous Client
I am consumed with awe for your legal maneuvering to assist me in court yesterday. Thank you for making it possible for me to continue with my life. -
To Ron Smith,- Previous Client
I just wanted to extend my gratitude to you for representing me earlier this month when I went back to court to obtain my restricted license. I appreciate the courtesy and professionalism from you and your staff and under no circumstances hope to ever need your services for a serious matter like that again. -
Dear Mr. Smith,- Previous Client
Thank you for all your help. Please extend my thanks also to Martin for his patient support of an incoherent client, as well as to Lisa for her many phone calls. Thanks for that usually elusive gift … a second chance. -
Ron,- Previous Client
I can’t thank you enough for everything. If it weren’t for you I would be in a world of hurt today. I owe you so many thanks. If you ever need anything!! Please pass along all my thanks to your staff and co-workers. Please let Lisa I’m so sorry you missed her lunch too. Thanks again Ron you ROCK! -
Dear Mr. Smith,- Previous Client
I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your help with my recent difficult situation. I was amazed at your skill and knowledge of the court system, and appreciative of your insight in these matters. I can look back on this experience as a valuable lesson and continue on with my life. Thank you for giving me that opportunity.