What are my options for contesting traffic tickets in VA?

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cchen
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What are my options for contesting traffic tickets in VA?

Post by cchen »

Basically, I got 2 tickets today. One was BS, one maybe was my fault. I was driving near Dulles Airport, on my way home after a one day contracting job. I took a specific route home because that's the way my employer said to take. Anyway, that road turned out to be some restricted road for airport users only. The road was deserted, so I came to a quick stop at a stop sign and turned right. The cop was hiding behind a bush and pulled me over, citing that I didn't come to a complete stop, and also for driving on a restricted road. I had no clue that the road was restricted, I'd never driven on that road before, and I'm not even from the area.
Also, in VA, the cop gets to set the court date? He handed me the two tickets with court dates already written on them.

I know in CA you can contest the tickets via mail. Is that possible in VA? Am I able to change the court date? What options do I have to contest the tickets? Any info would be helpful, thanks in advance
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Sean
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Post by Sean »

A long wase from home? I'd say you could contest both of them, saying you were confused...the road was deserted. Even the COP wouldn't come to a complete stop. Why was he sitting there anyway? He going to pull over airport workers for going 10 in a 5? :p

I'd say your first stop should be City Hall. the courthouse, or whatever is easier to get to. just find someone that has information about that type of thing and ask what you can do.

I'm not sure what the rules are, but I'm sure someone does. Hey, someone, step forward. ;)

Good luck!
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FlyingPenguin
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Post by FlyingPenguin »

I'm not law expert here - just my opinion:

Worth fighting. Like Sean said, I'd claim you were confused (you're telling the truth). Fight the restricted road crap, and maybe plead no contest to the other citation.

If you've got a good driving record you've got a good chance of getting it dropped, or maybe getting a withhold of judication on the stop sign ticket. You may have to still pay a fine, but if there's no points on your license that's a small price to pay.

If you want zero aggravation, and willing to eat the cost, go talk to one of those traffic attorneys. For a couple hundred bucks I'm sure you can get it settled without points.
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cchen
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Post by cchen »

thanks...


anyone else have any ideas?
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MK888
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Post by MK888 »

As far as I see it.... No sign that says restricted? Then the road is not restiricted. If the was a sign and it said airport personel only, then I would guess that would be a private road. Does a state cop have jurisdiction on a private road?


Oh, and kick your bosses ass for sending you that way!!!!!
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