Reckless Driving Lawyer Emporia, VA

Reckless Driving Lawyer for Emporia VAAre you looking for a reckless driving lawyer in Emporia, Virginia to help fight a recent ticket? If so, you have come to the right place. Read on to discover how the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt represents individuals charged with reckless driving in seeking to have charges dismissed or reduced.

Have You Been Charged with Reckless Driving in Emporia or the Surrounding Areas?

Reckless driving is a very serious moving vehicle violation. Depending on the law that applies to your ticket, “reckless driving” is typically defined as the driver having complete disregard for the safety of others when behind the wheel. A reckless driving conviction can result in expensive fines, revocation or suspension of your driver’s license, and even jail time. Call Mark T. Hurt, an experience Virginia speeding ticket lawyer, to find out how you can make the best out of your reckless driving charge.

Why Is Reckless Driving Particularly Significant?

In the legal context, the term “reckless” is generally applies behavior that is more dangerous than “negligent” behavior. Harm resulting from reckless behavior does not rise to the level of intentional harm, but it is treated more severely than harm caused as a result of negligence.

What does this mean for you? It means that punishments and stigmas associated with reckless driving are significantly more severe than those associated with negligent driving.

What are the Potential Consequences for Reckless Driving in Virginia?

The potential consequences for reckless driving depend on the specifics of your charge. If no one was hurt as a result of your driving, you will face criminal charges in court that carry hefty fines, a chance of losing your license, and potential jail time.

If, however, someone was injured as a result of your driving, you will likely face these criminal charges in addition a civil lawsuit brought by the injured individual or his or her insurance company. If the person injured is successful in their lawsuit, you may be responsible for paying for both economic damages, such as hospital and car repair bills, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering. These civil damages are in addition to the sentencing of the criminal court.

Some reckless driving offenses are treated as criminal misdemeanors, while others can rise to felony levels depending on factors involved. As a result, some reckless drivers may be compelled to pay fines, while others are required to perform community service or to remain incarcerated for a specific period.

What Types of Actions are Considered “Reckless Driving” in Virginia?

In Virginia, some actions are automatically considered reckless driving under various state laws, while others may be considered reckless driving at the discretion of an officer. For example, driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit, or anything over 85 miles per hour, will be ticketed as reckless driving, regardless of whether you were driving erratically, violated any other traffic laws, or caused an accident.

Running a stop sign or traffic light is also generally considered to be reckless behavior. Some states consider texting while driving to be reckless behavior, which may impact both criminal and civil consequences for any harm caused by your “distracted driving.” As a reckless driving lawyer, I can evaluate your situation and determine what type of penalties you may be facing.

If you have been cited for reckless driving, I can help you to determine your next steps. If you call me, I can discuss with you the options available for contesting a reckless driving changes, and explain how I can help in this process.

Protect Your Record

Most people don’t think of reckless driving as a crime, especially if they were ticketed driving at 86 mph. If you’re ticketed solely for speeding, the police officer may not even mention that the ticket is for reckless driving, leaving you to think that the ticket is not all that serious.

While a police officer may not point out how serious it is when they pull you over, one of the first things you will probably notice is that unlike other traffic tickets (which usually can be paid in advance of the court date if a person wishes to plead guilty), there isn’t the option to pay for a reckless driving ticket in advance. As a result of receiving a reckless driving ticket, you are being ordered to appear in court to answer for the reckless driving charge. If you don’t live in Virginia, the prospect of having to return to Virginia can be daunting and expensive, and yet at the same time, because of the criminal consequences, the ticket should not be ignored.

Let Me Help and Appear in Court on Your Behalf

I and my office can help, whether you are a local Emporia resident or if you live out-of-state. In most cases, if I and my firm are retained, I will be able to appear in court on your behalf. You don’t have to fight your ticket alone.

Why should I hire an attorney?

Put simply, the advantages are:

  • In most cases, I can appear in court on your behalf to contest your ticket. My appearance can save you both time and money.
  • I will work vigorously with the prosecution to see if the charges can be reduced or dismissed. While a successful out cannot be guaranteed, having an experienced speeding and reckless driving lawyer on your side contesting your ticket is a good step in seeking a better outcome than simply pleading guilty.
  • An attorney can be very helpful if you have a bad driving record in seeking to avoid both a guilty finding, as well as the more severe consequences that can result from having a prior bad driving record if a conviction occurs.

Get the Reckless Driving Defense You Deserve

It’s a long road from accusation to conviction. There are many angles from which we defend reckless driving charges. Here are a few of the defenses that may be available to you, depending on the facts of your case:

  • Inaccurate Radar Guns or Laser Devices
    If the police officer measured the speed of your vehicle prior to and leading up to arresting you for reckless driving, the device they used may have been inaccurate. In fact, this is such a common problem that the law might require the officer to provide documentation proving the gun or laser device was recently calibrated. You have the right to examine the calibration report. Additionally, for the device’s reading to be considered valid in court, the report must show the identity of the person who conducted the calibration test and the date that the calibration test was conducted.
  • Faulty Speedometer
    If there is sufficient reason to believe that your vehicle’s speedometer might be malfunctioning, defective, or otherwise faulty, it may be wise to submit the speedometer to a shop for calibration testing. As an experienced speeding and reckless driving lawyer, I can oversee this process. If the law enforcement officer reported you as driving only a few miles faster than what would qualify as a traffic infraction rather than a criminal charge, it may be a good idea to check your speedometer calibration.
  • Mistaken Identity
    Depending on the circumstances of what led up to your arrest for reckless driving, it’s possible that the arresting officer mistook you for someone else. This occurs frequently during chaotic accident scenes. When there are several drivers or injured persons involved and the officer may have been overwhelmed by the circumstances of managing everything until backup arrived.

Remember, a reckless driving charge is very serious and potentially life-changing. It is possible to have your charges reduced or dropped entirely, but you will likely need the help of an experienced and competent Emporia, VA speeding ticket lawyer. Call the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt today to find out what he can do for you.

We invite you to call our office today for a complimentary case review to learn how we can help.

Let experienced traffic attorney Mark Hurt fight to get your ticket reduced or dismissed. Call 276-623-0808.

Client Review

“Very helpful staff that will walk you through your legal process. My case was dismissed. Very much worth the reasonable cost.”

J.B.

What Our Clients Say

Mary, Bart, and Mark helped me tremendously with my workers compensation case. We navigated a long (over a year) road together and they helped me to not only win my case, but obtain a settlement of over $125k. I would recommend the Offices of Mark Hurt to anyone needing someone to stand with them in their corner! Thanks again Mary and Bart!! :-)
Charles Dutcher
Charles Dutcher
1685471585
Extremely pleased with the prompt support and guidance from Michael. He and the office staff were great to work with. They walked us through the process and were able to have my daughter's traffic violation dismissed with 0 points.
ga thomson
ga thomson
1684936164
Bart and Mary were very professional and helpful with my claim. I appreciate all that you did for me. You were great.Thanks forall that you've done.Clifford E Boyer
Clifford Boyer
Clifford Boyer
1683668004
I started receiving services through this law firm in 2017 for my workers compensation case. Over the years, this firm has been attentive, kind, patient and understanding to my needs. My calls were returned promptly, if the associate was unavailable at that time and I have had ample opportunity to speak with Mr Hurt directly concerning my case. With Mary Wilson, Bart Conway, Mr Hurt and others behind the scene, my case has progressed smoothly. I am very pleased with the services and attention I received at this firm and would recommend Mr Hurt, Mary and Bart for your needs.
Teresa Harris
Teresa Harris
1683569779
We hired Mr. Hurt to help settle a worker’s comp injury case for my husband. Mark, Bart, and Mary worked tirelessly to resolve his case and reach a settlement we were pleased with. They were always available to answer questions and returned calls in a timely manner.
K F
K F
1682489385
We were fortunate to find the Law Offices of Mark T. Hunt to help us set up our estate. Melanie was a joy to work with. She did a wonderful job putting together all of the documents needed to complete our estate planning.
Roxanne Mcfall
Roxanne Mcfall
1681766365
The office got right back to me and were compassionate about my sensitive situation
polly deal
polly deal
1680754180
Jessica was helpful in assisting me with my disability claim!
Amber Snapp
Amber Snapp
1680618358
Jessica was super helpful when I had questions about submitting my claim for disability. She also got me a case manager quickly!
Amber Petrovich
Amber Petrovich
1680618228
I have only praise for the Mark T Hurt firm and especially Michael Miles. Michael was very helpful in guiding me through the court process ans assuring a good outcome. I would recommend this firm and Michael in particular if you need representation in Virginia!
Dave Dalpiaz
Dave Dalpiaz
1680114987
I called and spoke with Jessica in the Disability Dept. after my Denial and she was right on top of getting me the paperwork to Hire them as my Representatives to Handle my claim from here on out
Allen Smith
Allen Smith
1679416063
Jessica was extremely helpful at assisting me with getting me in the process to file my disability case.
Jason Harris
Jason Harris
1678138281
Thank youJessica from the Social security DeptU were very Helpful
Christal Postema
Christal Postema
1678134153
Jessica in theSoccial Secuity Dept was great
Bryon Nimmo
Bryon Nimmo
1678130439
I spoke with Jessica and she was fantastic! She helped me get my social security disability application started and set up with a case manager.
Rebecca Hunt Ford
Rebecca Hunt Ford
1678128980
Jessica @ Social Security Department was very helpful and friendly with us today.
Winonia Blankenship
Winonia Blankenship
1678125271
I had a ticket and was upset. I did not want points on my license. Frankie was amazing and made sure all my bases were covered. The Law Office of Mark Hurt did a wonderful job and got my ticket completely dismissed!!!! I am so glad they helped me. They were so nice and answered all my questions. I never had to worry after I talked with them. I would highly recommend that anyone who needs help with a ticket to talk with this firm!! Thank you so much for everything!!!
Nichloas Wyatt
Nichloas Wyatt
1677981214
Jessica in Disability is awesome!! She replies quickly and gets things done. I’m very satisfied with my choice and feel great that it is in their hands!
laura dykes
laura dykes
1677875154
The individuals I spoke with were courteous, helpful, and thorough. Thank you Jessica.
RoseMarie Whisnant
RoseMarie Whisnant
1677785574
Jessica and the disability dept are very helpful and give excellent assistance with filling a claim very glad I contacted them
Jessie Hawks
Jessie Hawks
1677680471
Was very easy process. Jessica was very friendly and helpful while applying for Social Security Disability.
Darlene Robinson
Darlene Robinson
1677623644
Thank you so much Jessica for helping me with my social security disability case! You were kind, helpful, and understanding. I greatly appreciate you!
Kelly Bragg
Kelly Bragg
1677613932
Jessica and the group started helping me with my disability case the same day I called. 10/10 recommend
Brittany Poole
Brittany Poole
1677612031
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