Virginia Traffic Offenses

Cerulean Law Group represents clients throughout Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and the surrounding areas by providing strategic, results-driven defense for traffic infraction and criminal charges involving speeding, reckless driving, hit and run, driving without a license, driving with a suspended or revoked license, eluding police, driving with an expired registration, and other serious traffic violations. What may seem like a “simple ticket” in Virginia can carry criminal penalties, license suspension, and long-term financial consequences, which is why experienced legal guidance matters.

In Virginia, what appears to be a routine traffic citation may actually be a significant offense with substantial fines, DMV points, insurance increases, mandatory court appearance, and potential jail time. Virginia’s traffic laws are among the strictest in the United States, and prosecutors in Northern Virginia often pursue these cases aggressively.

Not all traffic violations are the same. While a standard speeding ticket is an infraction, many other charges carry criminal penalties. Understanding the difference is critical:

Consequences of a Standard Speeding Infraction

• Fines (usually capped at $250 to $500)
• DMV demerit points
• Insurance rate increases

Examples of Criminal Traffic Offenses

• Reckless driving by conduct (racing, passing a stopped school bus, failure to yield to emergency vehicles)
• Reckless driving by speed (usually 20+ over the speed limit or 85+ regardless of the speed limit)
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Hit and run
• Eluding law enforcement
• Driving without a valid license

These offenses can result in:

• Heavy fines (up to $2,500)
• Driver's license suspension
• Criminal records
• Possible jail time
• Significant insurance consequences

Even minor details like speed measurement errors, improper traffic stops, or gaps in the evidence can dramatically change outcomes.

Many drivers find themselves facing a suspended license for reasons they didn’t expect: too many DMV demerit points, failure to maintain insurance, or prior criminal charges. Whatever the cause, driving while your license is suspended or revoked is a serious offense under Virginia law.

Penalties May Include:

• Additional suspension equal to the original suspension or up to 90 days
• Fines up to $2,500
• Up to 12 months in jail
• Mandatory minimum jail time for repeat offenses
• Possible restricted license in limited circumstances

Driving while suspended due to a DUI carries even harsher penalties, including:

• A separate one-year additional suspension
• Mandatory minimum jail time
• Potential felony charges with up to five years in prison and a three-year loss of driving privileges

If you’ve been charged with driving on a suspended or revoked license, contacting an experienced Northern Virginia traffic lawyer immediately is crucial.

Leaving the scene of an accident, even a minor one, can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the severity of the damage and whether anybody was injured.

Consequences may include:

• Criminal conviction
• Significant fines
• License suspension
• Potential jail time
• Impact on employment and insurance
• Potential collateral consequences of a felony conviction including loss of rights to vote or possess firearms

Prompt legal action is essential to protect your rights and mitigate the consequences.

Although considered a lower-level offense, driving with expired tags or an unregistered vehicle can still result in:

• Fines
• Additional DMV fees
• Possible related charges if the lapse is tied to insurance or inspection issues

Taking care of registration issues quickly and with experienced legal counsel, can help minimize penalties or lead to dismissal.

You should speak with an experienced Northern Virginia traffic attorney if you’ve been charged with:

• Speeding at high speeds or in special circumstances
• Driving without a license
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Hit and run
• Eluding law enforcement
• Expired registration with additional complications
• Any other traffic offense that could impact your record, insurance, or driving privileges

Even if you’re unsure whether you need representation, a free consultation can help you understand your options and the potential consequences of the charge.

Traffic cases move quickly, and outcomes often depend on preparation, negotiation, and understanding of local court practices. At Cerulean Law Group, our attorneys:

• Review evidence for errors in speed readings or traffic stops
• Identify legal and procedural defenses
• Seek reductions to lesser offenses or infractions
• Negotiate alternative sentencing, driver improvement courses, or dismissals
• Protect your license, record, and insurance rates
• Provide clear guidance at every stage of the case

A proactive defense can be the difference between a criminal conviction and a manageable infraction.

When you’ve been charged with a serious traffic offense, exceptional legal representation matters. Cerulean Law Group provides strategic, results-oriented traffic defense for clients facing felony and misdemeanor criminal traffic charges and traffic infractions in courts throughout Northern Virginia, including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to consult with an experienced Northern Virginia traffic attorney and develop a clear plan to protect your rights and your future.