Speed Limit in Virginia: Is it Really Enforced by Aircraft?

We’ve all seen those signs in Virginia stating that the speed limit is enforced by aircraft and we’ve all wondered if that is actually true. It turns out that Virginia state police have actually lacked the funding for using speed-detecting aircraft for the last 7 years. So if you’re one of the many people who have looked up at the sky while driving on Virginia’s highways and never saw an aircraft, that’s because there is nothing up there monitoring your speed. Instead, you should be paying attention to the roadways and looking out for state police vehicles detecting speed the old-fashioned way with radar guns. Virginia employs strict penalties for speeders and reckless drivers in Virginia. Remember that if you are 20mph over the posted speed limit, or you are over 80mph, that is considered reckless driving in Virginia. If you are pulled over for speeding or reckless driving in Virginia, call Portner & Shure and let us fight that ticket.

How to Handle a Traffic Stop

        Being pulled over is nerve wracking for everyone. It does not matter if you think you have done anything wrong or not, we all get skittish, However, it is the way you handle the traffic stop that could either leave you with a warning, or behind bars. There are probably some questions you are asking yourself during this time, and there are a few things you need to keep in mind. 

        There is not a specific time frame for a traffic stop. While you're sitting on the side of the road, every minute that passes equates to an hour. You just need to remember the officer can take as long as he deems necessary to finish the stop as long as it is not unreasonable. Also, you do not have to agree to let the officer search your vehicle if your ask; this is part of your 4th amendment rights to protect against unreasonable searches and seizures. Simply advise the officer that you are opposing the search, but be sure to remain cool, calm, and collected during this discussion. Your attitude is your biggest advocate for yourself. In regards to your person being searched, the officer is only allowed to search you if there is reasonable suspicion for them to search you.

        If you or a family member have received a ticket in the state of Virginia and would like to speak with an experienced attorney for a free consultation, contact our office at (703) 916-1227 to schedule an appointment at one of our Virginia locations or visit us online at  http://www.portnerandshure.com/Maryland-Criminal-Defense/Maryland-DUI-DWI/Virginia-Criminal.shtml

Virginia Criminal Defense Attorney: Everything Drivers Need to Know About Speeding in Virginia

           In most states, speeding is not viewed as a serious offense, and for that reason, drivers do not worry about being pulled over for going over the limit.  In Virginia, drivers must beware of the harsh consequences they will face for speeding if caught by police.  There is no simple fine to pay and you go on with your life.  Instead, jail time is a real possibility for speeders.

            

          Laws in Virginia prohibit going over 80mph or more than 20mph over the speed limit.  If caught doing either of these things, you will be charged with reckless driving, which is treated the same way as a DUI: it is a criminal misdemeanor offense.  Many drivers speed every day on the roads without any hesitation.  If you are in Virginia, you should pay attention to speed limits and your own speed.  It is not worth it to risk going to jail and/or losing your driver’s license just because you want to get to your destination a few minutes earlier.

           

         If you receive a regular speeding ticket or a reckless driving ticket, it is important to hire an experienced local Virginia attorney to help you defend the charges and limit the consequences you face.  Every county is different in terms of what speed usually results in jail time.  Some counties will order jail time if you were going 100mph or more; others will order jail time if you were going 90mph or more.  Your attorney can try and drop the reckless driving charge down to a regular speeding ticket to avoid any jail time.  However, if you have multiple speeding offenses on your driving record, judges will not look favorably on that and a more severe penalty is likely.

If you are charged with speeding or reckless driving in Virginia and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information please feel free to contact our office at (703) 916-1227 and schedule an appointment at our office in Vienna or throughout Virginia, or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/