Living in the state of Virginia, being in a traffic accident might seem like commonplace. Then again, you could say that about any other state you reside in. Still, when it does happen, what do you do? Do you plead guilty? Do you plead innocent? This is always the million dollar question.
What Consitutes A Driving Defense In Virginia
- Speeding
- Driving Under the Influence
- Reckless driving
Now the third one can have many implications. Driving reckless could be something as simple as cutting someone off in traffic, thereby causing an accident. It could also include running a red light, thereby impacting all the other drivers on the road. Running a red light can also be included under speeding. Either way you look at it, it’s still a sticky situation. What should you do?
What The Situation Depends On
- What kind of lawyer you hire. Are you hiring someone who is experienced and knows what he or she is doing? Are you hiring someone fresh off the block, who has yet to try a case. This first point needs to be taken into account every time. If you hire someone who is fresh off the block, you might not be getting the representation you deserve.
- It also depends on the judge that presides over the case. Certain judges grant certain mercies. Judges also have jurisdictions in specific areas. If you get a judge who will grant you certain clemencies, then this will be a good thing. It also depends on who fair he or she is. Some judges happen to be very fair and give people a second chances, especially if it’s only a first or second time offense. Mistakes happen and those judges recognize that. Then there are judges that offer no sympathy whatsoever. Not all judges will go to bat for you, even if it’s not your fault. It’s just the way they are. You can’t change that.
Inside The Courtroom
When you are inside the courtroom not everything goes according to plan. Even if you plead innocence and know you are, the court may not see it that way. Again, there are many varying facts and details. You could get up on the stand and give the best defense of your life, speaking your truth. Unfortunately, the court system sometimes has other plans.
Even for a first-time misdemeanor you might end up paying the price. The court may understand your side, it doesn’t necessarily mean the court will be on it.
The Model Citizen
This happens all the time, especially to model citizens. It doesn’t matter if you are a single person or have a family, these are some of the first cases to get the rough end of the stick. You could be the person who pays his or her bills on time and never makes any bad choices. The court doesn’t look at things like this. Sometimes in the court, the truth is deaf, dumb and blind. It is meant to be impartial.
What Can You Do To Make Amends Of The Situation
Once the ruling goes down, there is no turning back, unless you appeal. Either way you look at it, you need to be smart about this. Which is why number one is so important. Hire someone who has a clear understanding of Virginia law and the traffic laws. This is of the utmost importance. There are so many who don’t hire someone with experience and get a backlash because of it. If you don’t want this to happen to you, you need to hire good representation. This will go along way of improving your chances, whether you plead guilty or not.
Have You Been Involved In A Car Accident In Virginia, Maryland or Washington D.C.?
If you've been hurt in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Vienna, Virgnia office directly at 703.991.7978 or our Rockville, Maryland office at 301.637.5392 to schedule your case consultation.
