Virginia Traffic Violations Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an Attorney?
If you have been charged with a criminal and/or traffic offense, like reckless driving, DWI/DUI or driving on a suspended licnese, then you very likely need an attorney from the Parrish Law Firm to help protect your freedom, as well as preserve your driver's license and permanent record . Reckless driving, DUI/DWI and driving on suspended convictions will haunt you for several years in the forms of extremely expensive insurance premiums, increased inability to obtain employment that requires any type of vehicle operation and points on DMV record.  Additionally, criminal convictions will remain a permanent part of your record for the rest of your life and can harm your ability to purchase a home, obtain credit and gain security clearances at your job. Our attorneys will do everything possible to save you from these devastating effects and allow you to prosper in the future.

Why should you hire the Parrish Law Firm?
The Parrish Law Firm provides representation to those charged with traffic and criminal offenses. Attorney James Parrish formerly instructed  and represented local Virginia law enforcement officers and knows the “ins and outs” of criminal/traffic practice. This experience benefits clients because it means that your rights will not be exploited by an overzealous police officer or Commonwealth’s Attorney.

What will this cost me?
Criminal/traffic cases fees vary depending on the severity of the charges and usually handled on a "flat fee" basis (i.e., a one-time fee, so you know how much your legal fees will be rather than being charged "by the hour," which could result in a much higher legal bill).

What do I bring to the Initial Consultation?
Everything. For criminal/traffic cases, please bring all Court documents and any other items associated with your situation.

Should I go to Safe Driving School before Court?

It depends.  While completion of Safe Driving School prior to Court can help in certain situations, this is a matter which should be discussed with your Virginia traffic lawyer in order to put you in the best possible position when you go to Court for hearing of your case.  Sometimes Court ordered attendance and completion of safe driving school can be used a bargaining chip when negotiationg with a prosecutor, so waiting to enroll in such a course may best serve you.

The Virginia police officer who charged me with reckless driving had a video camera in his cruiser.  Can a tape of my driving be obtained?

Yes.  Most of the time, the Commonwealth Attorney's office will voluntarily share this type of evidence with traffic defense lawyers; however, if an informal arrangement cannot be reached, then an experienced Virginia traffic attorney can obtain the video through via a Court order. 

Does the police officer need to prove that his radar was in good working order when he clocked me?

Yes. Virginia Code Section 46.2-882 requires that:

"In any court or legal proceeding in which any question arises about the calibration or accuracy of any laser speed determination device, radar, or microcomputer device as described in this section used to determine the speed of any motor vehicle, a certificate, or a true copy thereof, showing the calibration or accuracy of (i) the speedometer of any vehicle, (ii) any tuning fork employed in calibrating or testing the radar or other speed determination device or (iii) any other method employed in calibrating or testing any laser speed determination device, and when and by whom the calibration was made, shall be admissible as evidence of the facts therein stated. No calibration or testing of such device shall be valid for longer than six months."

I have a clean driving record.  Won't the Judge or prosecutor just dismiss the reckless driving charge against me?

While anything is possible, this is highly unlikely.  Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor crime and the Courts of Virginia, including Judges and prosecutors, treat these cases very seriously and regularly impose high fines, jail sentences and license suspensions if you are convicted.

What's the next step?
Contact the Parrish Law Firm via our online form or by calling (571) 229-1800, to schedule an initial consultation. During our meeting, we will discuss your situation and devise a strategy to make sure that your legal rights are protected and preserved.