To get a ticket off your record in Virginia, you primarily have a few strategies, including completing a state-approved driver improvement course, contesting the ticket in court, or negotiating with the prosecutor.
Understanding "Getting a Ticket Off Your Record"
"Getting a ticket off your record" can refer to a few different outcomes in Virginia:
- Dismissal: The charge is dropped entirely, meaning it won't appear as a conviction on your driving record. This is often the goal and can sometimes be achieved by completing a driver improvement course as part of a court order or plea agreement.
- Reduction of Charge: The original charge is reduced to a lesser offense, which might carry fewer demerit points or a smaller fine.
- Safe Driving Points Credit: Earning positive points on your record to offset existing or future demerit points, which can be done voluntarily by completing a driver improvement course.
Utilizing a Driver Improvement Course for Dismissal or Credit
Completing a Virginia state-approved driver improvement course is a key method for addressing traffic tickets, whether for outright dismissal (often court-ordered) or for earning safe driving points.
1. Clarify the Reason for the Course
Before enrolling, understand why you're taking the course:
- Court-Ordered Dismissal/Reduction: A judge or prosecutor might offer to dismiss or reduce your charge if you complete a driver improvement course by a specific deadline. This is a common strategy for first-time offenders or minor infractions.
- Voluntary Safe Driver Credit: If you have demerit points on your record, or simply want to proactively add positive points, you can voluntarily complete a course to earn "safe driving points."
2. Enroll in a State-Approved Driver Improvement Course
It's crucial to enroll in a course approved by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). These courses are often offered online or in-person by various providers. The course will cover traffic laws, defensive driving techniques, and the dangers of impaired driving.
- Ensure the course is certified for use in Virginia.
- Complete all required hours and coursework as per the program's guidelines.
3. Provide Your Certificate of Course Completion
Once you successfully complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.
- For Court-Ordered Cases: If the court directed you to take the course for dismissal or charge reduction, you must provide this certificate to the court by the specified deadline. The court will then process the dismissal or reduction.
- For Voluntary Safe Driver Credit: To claim your safe driver credit, you must provide your certificate of course completion to the Virginia DMV. Completing a driver improvement clinic can earn you up to 5 safe driving points every two years, which can offset negative demerit points accumulated from violations.
Other Avenues to Address a Traffic Ticket
While a driver improvement course is a primary tool, other strategies can help manage or remove a ticket's impact.
Contesting the Ticket in Court
Appearing in court gives you the opportunity to:
- Plea Bargain: You can often speak with the prosecuting attorney before your case is called. They might offer to reduce the charge, or even dismiss it, in exchange for your completion of a driver improvement course, payment of court costs, or a period of good behavior (deferred disposition).
- Present Your Case: If negotiation isn't successful, you can present your defense to the judge. This involves explaining your side of the story, presenting evidence, or questioning the officer's account.
Seeking Legal Counsel
Hiring a traffic attorney can significantly improve your chances of getting a ticket dismissed or reduced. An attorney can:
- Navigate the Legal System: They understand local court procedures and traffic laws.
- Negotiate on Your Behalf: Attorneys are often skilled at negotiating with prosecutors to achieve favorable outcomes.
- Represent You in Court: They can appear in court on your behalf, present arguments, and question witnesses.
Impact on Your Driving Record
Virginia uses a point system to track driving behavior:
- Demerit Points: Issued for traffic violations (e.g., speeding, reckless driving). Accumulating too many can lead to license suspension.
- Safe Driving Points: Earned for good driving behavior or by completing an approved driver improvement course. These points can offset demerit points.
Example of Demerit Points for Common Offenses:
| Violation Type | Points |
|---|---|
| Reckless Driving | 6 |
| Speeding (20+ mph over limit) | 6 |
| Speeding (10-19 mph over limit) | 4 |
| Improper Lane Change | 3 |
| Failure to Yield | 3 |
Remember, addressing a traffic ticket promptly and appropriately can help maintain a clean driving record and prevent potential increases in insurance premiums.
