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Editor: Bob Battle
Profession: DUI Defense Lawyer

Category: Random Posts

True, an increased Civil Remedial Fee would help defray transportation costs. But when levied on Virginia's voters, they lose faith in the measure.

Such was the pulse of a Washington Post survey in Northern Virginia. Fifty-six percent of respondents would not support a legislator who lobbied for a fee increase, even though most nodded affirmation that traffic-choked highways and secondary roads were the area's most numbing headache.

The proposed fees were designed to raise revenue by adding a $1,050 tax on top of an existing $2,500 maximum fine for offenses that include driving 15 MPH over the limit in a 65 zone. Motorists cited for clocking 80 mph in a 65 mph zone represent only 4% of Virginia residents. Thus, the proposed levy would have no financial effect on 96% of the Commonwealth's residents

Nearly 177,000 voters have pledged to vote against fee supporters in the Virginia General Assembly. Some have signed an online petition in a "class action" protest. Opponents are urging legislators to repeal sections of House Bill 3202.

Delegates May Think Twice About Fee Politicking

This also means trouble for Speaker of the House of Delegates William J. Howell (R), who supports the fees and blocked efforts of fellow Republicans to call a special session for their repeal.

Only 19% of the Post's respondents supported abuser fees. The poll asked whether voters thought the proposed fees were "too high," to which 50% said yes.

A majority of legislators have no opposition in the upcoming election. The candidates' filing deadline elapsed before fees were publicized.