It is an unfortunate reality that traffic accidents can happen to anyone, but sadly in some instances, an unforeseen crash can result in criminal traffic charges. If you are accused of a criminal traffic violation, it is important to find an attorney with extensive experience to protect your rights. This experience recently helped an out of state woman, who was traveling through Roanoke for business. While she was in a remote area, she lost control on a gravel road and totaled her car. No one else was involved or injured, but when police arrived, she was cited for failing to maintain control of her vehicle, which is a class 1 misdemeanor and a six point violation. The woman, who already had to deal with the aftermath of crashing her car, now had to worry about a criminal conviction and a serious mark on her driving record. In an effort to avoid any long-lasting repercussions, she retained the Roanoke traffic attorneys with Copenhaver, Ellett & Derrico to review her available options.
Using her knowledge in Virginia traffic law, attorney Michelle Derrico argued that the prosecution could not substantiate the charge against her client. Essentially, the police arrived after the accident and there was no evidence to corroborate that her client’s driving caused the accident. The Judge agreed with this assertion and dismissed the citation. The woman was relieved, because although her accident could have ended with a looming criminal conviction, choosing to have capable legal representation kept her criminal and driving records unblemished.
The outcome of an individual case depends on a variety of factors unique to that case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any similar or future case.