7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Virginia Traffic Attorney

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Virginia came in second place for the highest number of speeding tickets in 2021. Whether you’ve been charged with driving recklessly or simply want to contest a speeding ticket, it’s important to have the law on your side. To do this you need a traffic attorney to help you state your case.

Not only does a traffic attorney know the laws and regulations in your area, but they can help ensure that your best interests are protected. Keep reading to find out more about the seven questions you need to ask before hiring a Virginia traffic attorney.

1. How Many Cases Like Mine Have You Handled Successfully?

It’s important to know how long your potential attorney has been working in the field and find out if they are experienced in your specific case. When it comes to traffic violations, there are a whole range of offenses and each type requires a different handling method.

If you’ve been accused of reckless driving in Virginia, you won’t be able to just pay the citation. These cases require you to appear in court for sentencing. This is why it’s important to know if your potential lawyer has handled a similar case in the past.

While knowing your lawyer is experienced and has worked in the field for numerous years is a good sign, it’s crucial that you find out how many cases they’ve handled successfully. If you choose a traffic defense lawyer that has a proven track record of successful cases, then the odds of your case being handled successfully increase.

2. Should I Challenge It?

You might wonder if it’s even worth it to fight a ticket if it’s just a minor infraction. With your busy life, it might sound easier to simply pay the citation and go on with your life. But it’s always best to challenge it if you feel that your ticket was given unfairly.

Not only will you end up spending unnecessary money, but you’ll also suffer from negative points on your license.

The equipment used to measure car speeds makes mistakes, so it’s possible to be fined for something you never did. By hiring a skilled traffic lawyer, you’ll be able to fight the fine and get the negative points removed from your record.

3. What Is the Cost?

When it comes to hiring a traffic attorney, you need to keep your budget in mind. A common misconception is that it’s incredibly expensive to hire a lawyer. While some lawyers are expensive, it depends on the specific lawyer and the type of case you’re dealing with.

If you’re looking for affordable traffic lawyers in Virginia, the best course of action is to simply ask what the cost will be. Each lawyer will have different pricing structures and ways they charge. You might need to ask around a bit, but you’ll be able to find a lawyer that suits your needs and budget.

Just remember, every situation is different, so the lawyer you contact might not be able to give you an exact quote, but they should be able to give you an estimate. You can also discuss what factors might influence the fee to get a better understanding of how much you can expect to pay.

Once you’ve decided on a lawyer, make sure you have a written agreement where the costs are stated. This way you won’t be surprised afterward.

4. Who Will Work on My Case?

If you contact a firm, the lawyer you discuss your case with might not be the person that defends you in court. Depending on the firm, there might be associates that handle the various aspects of preparing your case. This is usually done to save you money as their hourly rate won’t be as high as your actual lawyer’s.

While this process shouldn’t be an issue, it’s still important to find out exactly who will be representing you on the day. This way you’ll know exactly what to expect from day one.

If you don’t want anyone else working on your case, you can also discuss this with your lawyer. They will then handle all the aspects of your case, but it will end up costing you more money.

5. What Is a Successful Outcome in My Case?

You might have an idea of what a successful outcome will look like to you. Depending on your case, it might be as simple as getting a ticket dismissed or reducing the fine you need to pay.

It’s important to discuss what you see as a success with your traffic ticket defense attorney to ensure you’re on the same page. This way your lawyer can work towards the same outcome.

Your lawyer will also be able to tell you if your ideal outcome is unobtainable and give you some options.

The best way to ensure everyone is on the same page is to have a candid discussion at the beginning of the process. This way you can both plan on how to achieve this from day one.

Hire a Virginia Traffic Attorney Today

When it comes to hiring a Virginia traffic attorney, you need to know exactly what you’re looking for. Your specific needs will determine what lawyer is right for you. So do your research and ensure you get the best traffic defense lawyer available.

If you’re in need of a traffic attorney in Fairfax VA, contact us today. Mark Nicewicz understands Virginia criminal law and procedure, as well as the importance of protecting the rights of individuals.