For over two decades, I have dedicated my practice to defending individuals facing traffic charges right here in Fredericksburg and the surrounding Rappahannock Region. A traffic ticket in Virginia is not merely an inconvenience; it can be a criminal charge with lasting consequences. Whether you were cited for reckless driving on I-95, face a DUI charge in the City of Fredericksburg, or received a speeding ticket in Stafford or Spotsylvania County, you are confronting a legal system with serious penalties. As a seasoned Fredericksburg traffic lawyer, I provide the knowledgeable and determined legal representation necessary to protect your rights, your license, and your future. My firm, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., understands the local courts and is prepared to navigate your case toward a favorable resolution.
At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., we provide focused legal representation across the full spectrum of traffic offenses. My extensive experience as a Fredericksburg criminal and traffic defense attorney allows me to build strong defense strategies tailored to the specific charge and circumstances our clients face. We handle cases with the seriousness they deserve, from minor infractions to life-altering criminal charges.
A reckless driving charge in Virginia is far more severe than a simple speeding ticket. Under Virginia Code § 46.2-852 through § 46.2-862, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the same class as a DUI. A conviction can result in jail time, a six-month license suspension, and a permanent criminal record that can affect employment and security clearances. As a Fredericksburg reckless driving attorney, I have defended hundreds of clients charged on I-95, Route 1, Route 3 (Plank Road), and Route 17. Whether you were charged with reckless driving by speed (e.g., 20 mph over the limit or any speed over 85 mph) or another driving behavior deemed a danger to life, limb, or property, you need a strong defense. We are committed to fighting your reckless driving ticket in Fredericksburg and challenging the evidence against you.
Being charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) under Virginia Code § 18.2-266 is an overwhelming experience. As your DUI lawyer in Fredericksburg, VA, my first priority is to scrutinize every aspect of the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breath or blood test administration. For a first offense DUI in Fredericksburg, the penalties are still severe, including mandatory fines and license suspension. The consequences escalate dramatically for subsequent offenses. We provide comprehensive DWI legal representation in Fredericksburg, Virginia, for those facing a drunk driving charge, working to protect your freedom and driving privileges.
While a standard speeding ticket may seem minor, prepaying it can lead to high fines, insurance premium increases, and the accumulation of DMV demerit points. For charges of excessive speeding, you could even face a reckless driving charge. As a speeding ticket lawyer in Fredericksburg, VA, I help clients contest tickets issued on major roadways like I-95 and local streets. We also represent individuals charged with aggressive driving, a separate misdemeanor offense that requires a robust defense to avoid serious penalties.
Driving on a suspended or revoked license (Virginia Code § 46.2-301) is a serious Class 1 misdemeanor. A conviction carries the possibility of jail time and an additional period of license suspension. I serve as a dedicated lawyer for driving on a suspended license in Fredericksburg, VA, helping clients understand the reason for their suspension and building a defense to mitigate these harsh consequences. If you’ve been charged with driving without a valid license, it is crucial to seek legal counsel immediately.
Our firm handles a wide array of other traffic matters in the Fredericksburg General District Court and surrounding jurisdictions, including:
Our firm’s deep roots in the Fredericksburg area provide our clients with a distinct advantage. We have a thorough understanding of the local court systems, judges, and prosecuting attorneys in the City of Fredericksburg and the surrounding counties, which is invaluable when crafting a defense strategy for traffic cases in the Fredericksburg, VA courthouse and beyond.
As a seasoned FXBG traffic lawyer, my practice is centered on the courts where your case will be heard. We regularly represent clients charged with traffic offenses in:
Furthermore, we possess extensive experience defending clients cited on the major arteries of the Rappahannock Region, including Interstate 95 (I-95), US Route 1, Route 3 (Plank Road), and US Route 17. Whether you are a local resident, a commuter, or an out-of-state driver, our firm provides the knowledgeable local representation you need. We proudly serve clients in zip codes including 22401, 22405, 22407, and 22408.
In Virginia, the consequences of a traffic conviction extend far beyond the initial fine. Understanding the potential penalties is the first step toward building an effective defense. A conviction can impact your finances, your freedom, your employment, and your ability to drive for years to come, which is why contesting a traffic ticket in Fredericksburg with a seasoned lawyer is so critical.
Depending on the specific offense, you could be facing:
After being pulled over and issued a ticket, the minutes and days that follow are critical. What you do—and what you don’t do—can significantly impact the outcome of your case. To empower our clients, we’ve developed this actionable checklist to help you preserve evidence and prepare for your defense from the very beginning.
When you are facing a traffic charge, particularly a misdemeanor, attempting to handle it alone can be a significant risk. The legal system is complex, and the stakes are high. Retaining a seasoned Fredericksburg traffic defense lawyer provides you with a knowledgeable advocate dedicated to protecting your interests and navigating the local court process on your behalf.
With over 20 years of experience, I bring a level of insight and preparation to each case that comes only from decades of focused practice. Here’s how our firm can help:
The actions you take immediately after receiving a traffic ticket can have a significant impact on your case. Avoiding these common pitfalls is crucial for protecting your rights and enabling your attorney to build the strongest possible defense. As a lawyer for traffic tickets in Fredericksburg, VA, I’ve seen these errors compromise otherwise defensible cases.
To fight a traffic ticket, you plead "not guilty" and appear on your court date. The most effective way to fight it is by hiring a local traffic attorney who can appear on your behalf, review the evidence, identify defenses (such as issues with the officer's speed measurement device or a lack of evidence), and negotiate with the prosecutor or argue your case before the judge in the Fredericksburg General District Court.
The penalties for reckless driving in Spotsylvania County are the same as they are statewide in Virginia. As a Class 1 misdemeanor, a conviction can result in up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, a driver's license suspension for up to six months, and six demerit points on your Virginia driving record. It also creates a permanent criminal record.
While not legally required, it is highly advisable. A lawyer can often negotiate a reduction of the charge to a lesser offense with fewer or no demerit points, potentially saving you from significant insurance increases. If your speed was high enough to be charged as reckless driving, legal representation is critical to avoid a criminal conviction.
A dismissal can be achieved in several ways. Your attorney might find a fatal flaw in the prosecution's case, such as improper procedure by the officer. Sometimes, a dismissal can be negotiated in exchange for completing a driver improvement course or a period of good behavior. An outright dismissal at trial happens if the judge finds you "not guilty" after hearing the evidence.
The Virginia DMV uses a points system to track driving behavior. Convictions for traffic violations result in demerit points being added to your record (3, 4, or 6 points depending on severity). Accumulating too many points in a 12 or 24-month period can lead to DMV-mandated driver improvement clinics and license suspension.
In many traffic infraction and some misdemeanor cases, an attorney can appear in court on your behalf, meaning you may not have to miss work or travel to Fredericksburg for your court date. This is a significant benefit, especially for out-of-state drivers. You and your attorney will discuss whether your presence is required.
A traffic infraction (like a simple speeding ticket) is a violation of the law punishable by fines and demerit points but not jail time. A traffic misdemeanor (like DUI or Reckless Driving) is a criminal offense, punishable by jail, large fines, and license suspension, and it results in a permanent criminal record.
CDL holders are held to a much higher standard. Many convictions that are minor for regular drivers can lead to the suspension or disqualification of your CDL, which can end your career. It is absolutely essential for any CDL holder who receives a ticket in the Fredericksburg area to consult a lawyer for traffic violations.
Many experienced traffic lawyers in the Fredericksburg area, including our firm, handle traffic cases on a flat-fee basis. This means you pay one set price for the lawyer's representation for your specific case. This provides clarity and predictability, so you know the full cost of legal representation upfront without worrying about hourly billing.
Sometimes, a judge or prosecutor may allow you to complete a driver improvement clinic to have a charge reduced or dismissed. However, this is not automatic. It is often a result of a negotiation by your attorney. Relying on this possibility without legal guidance is risky, as the court may not offer it to you if you are unrepresented.
A traffic charge in Virginia demands a serious and immediate response. Do not risk your future by underestimating the consequences. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case with a seasoned Fredericksburg traffic defense attorney.
Call us today at 888-437-7747 or complete our online contact form to schedule a confidential case assessment.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome in future cases.
With 25+ years of experience, Our professional traffic lawyers provide legal representation for your case. Contact us today for reliable legal assistance.
Criminal Law, DUI Defense & Traffic Law
KRISTEN M. FISHER Licensed in VA, MDFormer Prosecutor (Of Counsel)