Located at the heart of Southwest Virginia, Russell County boasts thriving and diversified business and cultural sectors.[1] The rugged and mountainous area is one of the most beautiful and biologically rich regions in the world, which is why over 28,000 residents and countless visitors flock to the area to take advantage of the abounding recreational opportunities each year. Spanning the county’s length, The Clinch Valley has been hailed as “one of the last great places” by the Nature Conservancy.[2]
From golf, hiking, and biking to fishing, festivals, fairs, and the Vincent’s Vineyard, Russell County is seemingly ideal in every way. Unfortunately, the endless activities and increased traffic have their drawbacks, as local law enforcement officers frequently set up speed traps along Highway 19 to catch unsuspecting drivers.
When people receive a traffic ticket – such as for speeding or reckless driving – they may not believe that they have any options other than paying a fine (and pleading guilty to the charge). This is not the only option.
At the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we’ve helped thousands of clients achieve a better outcome than simply paying a fine. Call us 24/7 to schedule a free consult. We offer an affordable fixed fee for traffic ticket representation, and we accept credit card payments.
Understanding the Ramifications of a Traffic Ticket
It’s important to understand that even minor moving violations can result in harsh penalties, including:
- Fines
- Demerit Points on a Driving Record
- Increased Insurance Premiums
- Jeoparded Commercial Drivers’ License (commercial drivers only)
- Job Loss
- Incarceration (up to one year)
Unlike many other states, Virginia has strict traffic laws, and, for tickets that are actually a criminal offense (like reckless driving), there is no expungement. As such, if you received a traffic citation, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with Russell County traffic lawyer Mark Hurt (even if you think the charges you are facing are relatively minor). Our team can review the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and assist in seeking a better outcome.
What Types of Traffic Cases Does The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt Handle?
Firm-founding attorney Mark Hurt has been successfully helping residents and visitors mitigate damages in traffic citation cases for over three decades. Mark offers fixed-fee representation for moving violations and is experienced in representing clients in both a wide range of traffic charges in a numerous counties. His experience includes charges involving:
- Speeding
- Speeding that Results in a Crash
- Moving Violations
- Failing to Stop at a Traffic Signal
- Passing a Stopped School Bus
- Reckless Driving
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash
- DUI or DWI
- Improper Lane Change
- Violation of a Traffic Sign
- Child Restraint Violation
- Cell Phone Use Violation
- Littering
- Tailgating
- Failing to Wear a Safety Belt
- Racing
In Russell County, even minor violations can result in harsh ramifications; thus, it is critical to hire a Virginia traffic attorney who regularly works within the local court system and knows how to argue for reduced penalties, charge dismissal, and not guilty verdicts.
Points on Your License Can Lead to a Driver’s License Suspension in Virginia.
Like many states, Virginia uses a demerit point system. Each ticket an individual receives results in a number of points on a license. These demerits vary with the severity of an offense. For example, the following are points that are often assigned for common traffic violations (along with the number of years a conviction will stay on a DMV record):
| Reckless Driving – Over 85 mph | 6 Points | 11 Years |
| Reckless Driving – Racing | 6 Points | 11 Years |
| Reckless Driving – Faulty Breaks | 6 Points | 11 Years |
| Reckless Speeding – 20 mph or more | 6 Points | 5 Years |
| Driving While Intoxicated | 6 Points | 11 Years |
| Refusing a Blood/Breath Test | 6 Points | 11 Years |
| Driving on a Suspended License | 6 Points | 11 Years |
| Speeding – Under 20 mph | 4 Points | 5 Years |
| Passing When Unsafe | 4 Points | 3 Years |
| Failing to Yield | 4 Points | 3 Years |
| Following Too Closely | 4 Points | 3 Years |
| Improper Signaling | 4 Points | 3 Years |
| Improper Passing | 3 Points | 3 Years |
| Coasting with Gears in Neutral | 3 Points | 3 Years |
| Improper Turning | 3 Points | 3 Years[3] |
Once a certain number of points is reached within a given time frame, a person’s license can be suspended, which can result in increased insurance premiums and occupational difficulties.
Driving Only 15 MPH Over a 70 MPH Speed Limit Can Result in a Permanent Criminal Record in Virginia.
A reckless driving conviction is considered a permanent criminal offense, as Virginia does not allow expungements at a later date. Unfortunately, many traffic violations could lead to a Class 1 misdemeanor or Class 6 felony. For example, driving over 85 mph (regardless of the posted speed limit) is considered reckless driving, a Class 1 misdemeanor. This means you could incur a lifelong criminal record for driving merely 15 mph over a 70 mph posted speed limit.[4] Further, if the offense causes a fatal accident or the charged individual has a suspended license at the time of the citation, the charges can be upgraded to a serious felony.
Some jobs perform background checks; if a criminal record for reckless driving is reported, it could have devastating effects on a person’s career or job prospects. Therefore, it is vital to speak with a Russell County, Virginia traffic ticket lawyer who can assist in seeking reduced penalties and to prevent any permanent damages.
Can a Russell County, VA Reckless Driving Ticket Land Me in Jail?
Yes! Virginia is notorious for how serious it takes reckless driving. Therefore, reckless driving is not merely a moving violation; instead, it is a criminal charge. A conviction is punishable by up to one year in jail, six months suspended driver’s license, six demerit points on a driving record, and a fine up to $2,500.
In addition to speeding 20 mph over the posted limit or 85 mph (regardless of the posted speed), other reasons for reckless driving include:
- Failure to Give Proper Signals
- Failure to Yield the Right of Way
- Passing an Emergency Vehicle or School Buss
- Not Being in Full Control of a Vehicle
- Operating a Vehicle with Faulty Breaks
- Racing
- Several Other Discretionary Offenses
Experienced Russell County traffic ticket lawyer Mark Hurt is familiar with the local court system and can assist in advocating on your behalf for ticket dismissal, reduced penalties and a waiver of jail time, or fighting for you in seeking a not guilty verdict.
Call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation!
A Virginia traffic violation conviction can have long-lasting and devastating ramifications. If you’ve received a ticket, we would urge you to call our office today to schedule a free consultation.
We offer affordable fixed fees and accept credit card payments!
[1] Russell County Chamber of Commerce, Russell Count, VA, https://russellcountyva.org/.
[2] Russell, Virginia is for Lovers, https://www.virginia.org/counties/Russell/.
[3] Moving Violations and Point Assessments, Virginia DMV, https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/drivers/#points_assess.asp.
[4] VA Code § 46.2-862.
Client Review
Frankie was the best. She helped me mentally, lawfully, she communicates and I appreciate her. I would never ever contact anyone else other than her if I’m ever in a situation in VA and if this law firm can cross state lines I would pay them! I felt so secure and safe! Thanks so much!
Shanelle
