Top 10 Tips for Loudoun County Traffic Court

Consult A Lawyer Before Pre-Paying A Loudoun County Traffic Ticket

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

Consult an Attorney

Many traffic cases in the Loudoun County traffic court have severe consequences, both short and long-term.  Most charges in the Loudoun County traffic court will result in automatic DMV demerit points. Some traffic convictions will result in driver’s license suspension.  If you are caught driving after your license has been suspended, that will result in another, more serious charge.  Additionally, some traffic offenses in Loudoun County are actually crimes and convictions for these offenses will remain on your permanent CRIMINAL record.  It would be wise to consult a Loudoun County 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 the court date, it is assumed that you are going to court to contest your ticket.  If you do not show up, you will be tried (and most likely convicted) in your absence.  In addition to a fine, you will be responsible for court costs.  If you have a case in Loudoun County 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.  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.  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.

Dress Appropriately

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

You Cannot Bring A Cell Phone Into Loudoun County Traffic Court

Leave Your Cell Phone in the Car

You cannot bring a cell phone into court in Loudoun County.  If you do not leave your cell phone in the car, you will have to lock it in a locker before going through security and cannot get your phone until you leave.

Be Prepared for Additional Fees

Court costs are added to all cases that result in convictions in the Loudoun County 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 additional 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 to pay, but you must make the arrangements with the clerk’s office before the 30 days are over.

Be Prepared for the Outcome

Many Loudoun County 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 go to jail.  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 Case in the Loudoun County Traffic Court

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