Top 10 Tips for Alexandria Traffic Court

Consult A Lawyer If You Have A Case in the Alexandria Traffic Court

In this post, Alexandria traffic attorney Jean Humbrecht explains her top 10 tips for Alexandria traffic court.  This post is useful for anyone with a case in the Alexandria traffic court, whether the case involves a minor traffic infraction or a serious criminal traffic offense.

Consult an Attorney

Many traffic cases in the Alexandria traffic court have severe consequences, both short and long-term. Most traffic offenses in Alexandria traffic court will result in automatic DMV demerit points.  Additionally, some traffic convictions result in suspension of your Virginia driver’s license.  If you are caught driving after your license has been suspended, that will result in another, more serious charge.

Most importantly, some traffic offenses are actually crimes in Virginia.  Convictions for these offenses will remain on your permanent CRIMINAL record.  It would be wise to consult an Alexandria traffic attorney to discuss the consequences of your particular case.

Do Not Ignore Your Court Date

If you have a pre-payable traffic ticket and you do not pay it before court, it is assumed that you are going to court to contest your ticket. Failing to show up will result in being tried (and most likely convicted) in your absence.  You will be responsible for the fine and court costs.  If you have a case in Alexandria traffic court which is NOT a pre-payable offense, such as reckless driving or DUI, and you do not show up, you will have an additional charge of failure to appear and there will likely be a bench warrant out for your arrest.

Arrive Early

If you decide to contest your ticket, arrive early and make sure you arrive to your court room on time.  If you are not in the court room and your name is called, you will be tried and found guilty in your absence or the judge could issue a bench warrant for your arrest.  If you arrive late, the judge may or may not hear your case in court that day.  Your only recourse is to appeal.

Go to the Right Court Room

It might sound obvious, but every day people go to the wrong court room.  Court is always packed with people and moves fast.  If you are in the wrong court room, you will likely be tried and found guilty in your absence, or, as stated above, the court might issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Turn Off Your Cell Phone

The deputies in the Alexandria traffic court WILL take your cell phone if it goes off during court or if they see you on the phone.  You will not be able to get your phone back until the end of the day.

Dress Appropriately

Court is not a club.  Court is not the beach.  You do not need to wear an expensive suit, but dress nicely.  It shows respect for the court, the judicial process, and that you are taking your case seriously.

Be Prepared for Additional Fees

Court costs are added to all cases that result in convictions in the Alexandria traffic court.  Your court costs will be higher if you have a court-appointed attorney.  If you are paying your fines with a credit card, there is an automatic 4% fee added.

Fines and Court Costs Must be Paid Within 30 Days

If you do not pay off all of your fees you owe to the court within 30 days, the DMV will suspend your driver’s license. The clerk will likely grant you an extension if you ask, but you must make the arrangements with the clerk’s office within 30 days.

Be Prepared for the Outcome

Many Offenses in the Alexandria Traffic Court are Punished with Jail

Many Alexandria traffic court convictions can result in jail.  Some of these offenses include driving on suspended license convictions, reckless driving convictions, and DUI convictions. There is a very real possibility that if found guilty, you could be doing some active jail time. The sheriff will be taking you into custody immediately.  Make sure your employer knows you might not be returning to work the next day if this pertains to you.

You Only Have 10 Days to Appeal A Conviction in the Alexandria Traffic Court

If you are going to appeal an Alexandria traffic court conviction, you only have ten days from the date you were convicted.  There are NO exceptions.