Traffic Tickets

Washington, D.C. Traffic Ticket Defense Lawyer

Fighting to Dismiss Traffic Citations for D.C. Drivers

Traffic tickets can be a real headache. While traffic violations may not seem like a big deal, they can still result in a range of negative impacts, including points on your driving record, higher insurance premiums, hefty fines, and even the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. As a driver, it’s important to know and exercise your rights to avoid unjust penalties after a traffic citation.

If you were unfairly ticketed in Washington, D.C., seeking sound counsel from a qualified traffic ticket defense lawyer is essential to avoid unjust fines, loss of driving privileges, and other legal consequences. Fortunately, our highly skilled attorney at Riley Legal is well-versed in the legal nuances of traffic laws to defend against all types of traffic citations. From speeding tickets to improper U-turns, our firm can fight for the dismissal of your traffic citation.

If you were cited for a traffic violation, Riley Legal help you avoid unintended penalties by fighting for its swift dismissal. Contact us online to discuss your case with our traffic ticket attorney!

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Why Choose Riley Legal?

Aggressive Representation
Our firm offers assertive representation supported by a deep understanding of traffic laws, administrative regulations, and criminal law in both jurisdictions.
Free Consultations
Take advantage of our free consultation to discuss your legal options with a member of our team.
5000+ Traffic Ticket Cases Handled
With over 5,000 traffic ticket cases handled, our team offers top-tier representation with unmatched experience.

Common Traffic Citations We Defend Against

At Riley Legal, we aim to get every ticket dismissed in every case we take on. Our firm has helped thousands of clients with the dismissal of traffic citations. We can defend your right to drive while protecting your freedom on the road, helping you avoid the inconvenience and financial hardships of a suspended driver’s license.

Below are some common traffic citations we defend against:

Speeding tickets: Exceeding speed limits can result in significant fines and points on your license. Our expertise can help challenge the evidence and protect your driving record.
Red light violations: Being cited for running a red light can be contested with the right legal approach, potentially saving you from points and fines.
Stop sign violations: Failure to come to a complete stop at stop signs is a common ticket citation. We can dispute the ticket by employing an effective defense on your behalf.
Illegal U-turns: Making a U-turn in prohibited areas can result in a traffic citation. We can thoroughly evaluate the circumstances of your case and advocate for dismissal, especially in instances where signage was unclear or absent.
Failure to yield: Tickets for failing to yield can affect your driving record. We can employ a strong defense to get the citation dismissed.
Reckless driving: Reckless driving is a serious traffic violation that carries harsh penalties. We can aggressively defend against these citations and challenge important details of the alleged offense.
Driving without insurance: Operating a vehicle without proper insurance can lead to hefty fines. We can help you mitigate the legal intricacies of these citations.

Read What Our Clients are Saying

Reviews and Testimonials

"This is the lawyer you need to be hiring if you need a well-educated and experienced lawyer. Mr. Riley cares about his clients."

- Matthew A.
"Sean was so helpful and professional. He made everything so easy and really seemed to care about helping. I even missed our first meeting together and he still fought for me. Thanks!"

- Sam L.
"Mr. Riley was very professional while keeping things comfortable and positive. Very quick response as well a better understanding of my case. A great pick to have in your corner. 10/10! Thanks again Mr. Riley."

- Tasia M.
"Mr. Sean Riley dismissed my ticket which would have added 3 points to my license. He was efficient and quick to help me with my needs. I recommend Mr. Sean Riley. He will take care of your tickets!"

- Mauricio H.

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Understanding Traffic Laws in D.C.

Washington, D.C. has decriminalized minor traffic violations. This means that minor traffic violations are considered civil infractions rather than criminal offenses. Traffic tickets or “notices of infraction” are administrative, non-incarcerable violations that carry only administrative sanctions, the imposition of points, and a civil penalty of a fine. However, more serious traffic violations—such as reckless driving and driving under the influence (DUI)—are still considered criminal offenses and can lead to serious penalties if convicted.

Moving vs. Non-Moving Violations

In Washington, D.C., traffic tickets are categorized as one of the following:

Non-moving violations: These refer to tickets unrelated to the movement of a vehicle, such as parking tickets or expired tags. Penalties for non-moving violations are assessed on the registration of the vehicle and are the legal responsibility of the owner of the vehicle.
Moving violations: Unlike parking tickets, moving violations are committed by drivers and assessed on the driver’s license, not the tag. Moving violation tickets are personally served by a police officer who witnessed the driver violate traffic laws. Often, moving violations result in points being added to the motorist's driving record.

How Long Do I Have to Contest a Traffic Ticket?

If you were issued a traffic ticket, time is of the essence. To contest a citation, respondents must schedule a hearing within 60 calendar days of the date the ticket was issued. Failure to schedule a hearing within 30 calendar days can double the ticket fine. Failure to respond within 60 calendar days can result in license suspension or the revocation of driving privileges.

Can I Still Contest a Traffic Ticket if I Pay the Fine?

If you want to contest your ticket, do not pay the fine! Even if you’re only disputing the penalty, paying any portion of the citation is considered an admission of guilt and will eliminate your ability to adjudicate the ticket. Points may be imposed when you pay a ticket.

Responding to a Traffic Citation

Traffic tickets may be contested at the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) before hearing officers at DMV Adjudication Services at 955 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, on the Promenade Level. Respondents must choose from one of the following options:

Pay the ticket. This option constitutes your admission to the infraction.
Admit liability with an explanation. This option allows for an explanation of the events that led to the infraction and may result in a reduced fine or points.
Deny the ticket. This option allows for an explanation of the events that led to the infraction and may result in a reduced fine or points.

Keep in mind that admitting liability carries consequences beyond paying the fine. It can result in points on your driving record and potential insurance increases. That’s why it’s important to seek legal counsel from an experienced traffic ticket defense lawyer before deciding how to respond to a traffic citation. Our firm can evaluate your unique circumstances with a practiced legal eye to determine the best path forward!

Do I Need a Lawyer for a DMV Hearing?

While a minor traffic violation won’t affect your criminal record, this doesn’t mean that traffic citations should be taken lightly, as they can still result in significant fines and points on your license. DMV hearings are notoriously unpredictable and confusing to navigate, especially without an in-depth understanding of traffic laws.

Respondents in DMV hearings aren’t entitled to the same Fifth and Sixth Amendment protections as criminal defendants, so seeking counsel is imperative to safeguard your rights and driving privileges. DMV hearing decisions are made by hearing examiners, not judges, based on lower standards of evidence and a lower burden of proof, resulting in a high likelihood that you’ll be found liable.

If your license is important to you, don’t fight your traffic citation by yourself. Our experienced attorney can help you contest your citation while ensuring your rights are protected from start to finish.

How Do Driver’s License Points Work?

The DMV uses a point system to track drivers' traffic violations. Points are assigned to moving violations and remain on your record for two years from the date of conviction. In Washington, D.C., the DMV is required to delete points added to driving records two years after the date of assessment.

The DMV must also assign one safe driving point per calendar year to driving records that haven’t assessed points during the last 12 months for a maximum of 5 points. Safe points expire after 5 years. Out-of-state tickets may receive points according to the point system for the same or similar violation in their home state.

If you accumulate too many points, you may lose your driving privileges. The DMV may suspend your license if you accumulate 8 points or more. Suspension is mandatory if you accrue 10 points, and mandatory revocation applies if you accumulate 12 points or more. Our trusted lawyer at Riley Legal can help you navigate the legal intricacies of the points system to avoid unintended penalties.

Defending Your Right to Drive Freely

At Riley Legal, we’re committed to protecting your right to drive freely in D.C. Attorney Sean Riley has defended thousands of drivers against a variety of traffic citations. Our winning track record of results and longstanding reputation as a trusted authority on traffic laws allows us to guide our clients’ steps with wisdom and care. With our extensive knowledge of administrative and criminal law, you can trust our firm to provide the zealous representation you deserve. From unlawful lane changes to failure to yield to pedestrians or emergency vehicles, turn to our traffic ticket defense attorney to protect your future and safeguard your driving privileges.

Contesting a traffic citation? Turn to Riley Legal for reliable, affordable representation! Call (771) 220-7271 to schedule a free consultation.

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Your Defense Starts With Riley Legal Protect Your License

Don't risk handling your ticket alone - leave it to our team at Riley Legal. Our mission is to dismiss every ticket, every time. Take action now: (771) 220-7271.

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