When I first began to practice law in Virginia, I heard that most people make it through life without ever needing a lawyer. They never see the inside of a courtroom. However, for those who do, often it is because of a traffic offense.
From my observation, most of these individuals go to traffic court without a lawyer. That may be OK for the person who just wants to pay the ticket quickly and leave; however, for a person whose job and family depend on a licensed driver, who wants to challenge the charge, or being guilty, wants to explain particular circumstances to the judge, representing yourself may not be the wisest decision. Remember you are at a disadvantage when stepping into a courtroom alone. The judge, the clerk, prosecuting attorney and bailiffs are all familiar with the proceedings. You, on the other hand are the outsider. A lawyer, for the innocent & guilty, works to make the playing field level and fair.
I have been practicing law since 1980 and have defended D.U.I. and traffic cases in the City of Richmond and Petersburg, in the counties of Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Caroline, New Kent, Goochland, Powhatan, Amelia, and Prince George. I have tried cases in the General District Courts of these locations as well as the Circuit Courts. I have tried case before judges and juries. I am a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and, most importantly, the National College for D.U.I. Defense. As a member of this group I regularly attend their seminars keeping abreast of developments in the science and the law.
