Traffic Lawyer Emporia, VA

Discover how you can fight your traffic ticket by calling a traffic ticket lawyer from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt.

For over 25 years, we, at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, have been working with the Virginia legal system and traffic courts. In our experience, we have successfully defended thousands of tickets for men and women who have been charged with a traffic violation of all sorts. By utilizing a traffic lawyer Emporia, VA trusts, you may save money, time, and penalties. Rest assured, we will do our best to contest the violations against you and ask to have your charges dropped or sentence reduced, or seek a reduction in fines or penalties. By taking legal action, you may prevent a license suspension or revocation, as well as, increased insurance premiums. For a consultation with an Emporia, VA traffic lawyer, call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt.

What You Should Understand About Traffic Tickets

As a traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA, we would like to take time to explain the potential outcomes of getting a traffic ticket. Although their possibility might not all be removed with the help of a legal advocate, they could be decreased. 

Discover how you can fight your traffic ticket by calling a traffic ticket lawyer from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt.

For over 25 years, we, at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, have been working with the Virginia legal system and traffic courts. In our experience, we have successfully defended thousands of tickets for men and women who have been charged with a traffic violation of all sorts. By utilizing a traffic lawyer Emporia, VA trusts, you may save money, time, and penalties. Rest assured, we will do our best to contest the violations against you and ask to have your charges dropped or sentence reduced, or seek a reduction in fines or penalties. By taking legal action, you may prevent a license suspension or revocation, as well as, increased insurance premiums. For a consultation with an Emporia, VA traffic lawyer, call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt.

What You Should Understand About Traffic Tickets

As a traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA, we would like to take time to explain the potential outcomes of getting a traffic ticket. Although their possibility might not all be removed with the help of a legal advocate, they could be decreased. 

What are the potential consequences of a traffic ticket?

If you’ve been given a traffic ticket, you might not only face fines, points on a license, or an increased insurance premium – all of which may inevitably result. Rather, you may also face prosecution and sentencing. As a traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA might explain to you, certain misdemeanor traffic offenses could lead to jail time and heavy fines. Felony convictions tend to be more severe, and may include a prison sentence and fines over $20,000.

These consequences do not include collateral effects of a traffic ticket convictions. If you are found guilty you may risk losing your job, and depending on the circumstances, you might struggle to find employment. Housing and federal benefits, as well as certain loans could also prove difficult to get. It is possible to face social stigmas; something that typically follows people with a criminal record. Travelling to some countries, or even out of state (if you are on probation), may not be an option without permission. Finally, if you have shared or permanent custody of a child, depending on the traffic ticket, your custody could be interrupted by the Family Court. If you are concerned about these consequences, please speak with a traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA now. 

Should You Fight a Traffic Ticket Charge?

You may be thinking that you should simply pay your ticket and avoid the hassle of court appearances, and other things that come with fighting the accusation. A traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA might explain to you that it is not typically recommended to pay your ticket without considering your other options. In general, there will be some way to fight a traffic ticket. To find out what these options might be, call a traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA.

Reasons to Fight Your Charge

Traffic Violations Will Almost Certainly Result in Points on a Driver’s License

A clean driving record is important, and it may be worth keeping because you don’t know what the future holds. If you’re in an accident or involved in another traffic incident that carries points, you could eventually risk losing your license. This could have devastating consequences. 

Your Insurance Premium Will Go Up

At first thought you might feel that a traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA  is expensive. Yes, you will have to pay for this service; however, what you pay a lawyer could actually be less than the fines and financial losses associated with an admission of guilt. One infraction could result in a 25-60% increase in your insurance premium. This increase typically lasts for three to five years. Any further traffic violation or accident over this period of time will also increase your insurance. It is highly recommended to consider the total costs of  a guilty admission versus hiring a traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA who may help you reduce the violation or have it dismissed altogether. 

You Can Lose Your License to Drive

Traffic tickets might seem like they’re not that big of a deal; however, simply paying the summons will not necessarily end the matter. The DMV will review the incident and apply points to your license for most infractions. If you have two or three summons, or a certain total of points, you could lose the right to drive. The number of points you may receive will largely depend on the infraction; for example, some carry heavy points which could result in an automatic license suspension! For this reason, it is important that you defend your violation by asking a traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA for help. 

Your Insurance Premium Will Likely Increase

Under insurance laws, insurance companies have the right to impose immediately increases upon people who are found guilty of a traffic violation. In some instances, it is possible for a person’s policy to increase by fifty percent. One traffic violation could result in thousands of dollars in insurance costs alone. Furthermore, this increase could remain for the next three to five years – which may be the same case for your drivers license points. 

What You Can Do About Your Traffic Violation?

If you have been given a traffic violation, you should strongly defend yourself. Even though you were issued a ticket doesn’t mean you are guilty, and it is your right to plead not guilty. Bear in mind, if this is your plan, it will be important to prepare for your day in court. In addition to consulting an Emporia, Virginia traffic lawyer, you should take photographs, get the details of any witnesses, and even create diagrams of what happened. These things can help you to defend yourself, and it is advisable to bring them with you to your first consultation with The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt.

Can The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt Really Help?

Traffic court is similar to other legal proceedings. If you are not familiar with the law, the process, or what is expected of you, you may struggle with effectively presenting yourself. For example, when you prepare to defend your violation, there is a good chance the police officer who ticketed you will be there too. This police officer will have been to court many times and will know exactly what to expect. By having a traffic ticket lawyer from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt to stand by your side, the chances of winning your case may greatly increase. For a consultation with a traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA, call our firm today. 

Trust Us To Help You With Your Case

If you would like to know more about how a traffic lawyer in Emporia, VA can help you with your traffic ticket, please call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt today. 

Fighting a Reckless Driving Charge 

If you have never faced reckless driving charges before, you may think that an accusation of reckless driving by a police officer is no more serious than receiving a straightforward traffic ticket. However, if you are charged with reckless driving in Virginia, you are actually facing much more serious legal challenges than a standard traffic ticket presents. It is therefore particularly important that you connect with an experienced Emporia, VA traffic lawyer at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt if you’ve been charged with reckless driving. It’s important to act as soon as you can to preserve your legal options and begin preparing a strong defense. 

The definition of “reckless driving” you’ve been charged under depends upon the state in which you received your infraction. Each state defines reckless driving differently. Generally speaking, if a driver behaves in a “wanton or willful” way that puts other people or property at risk of harm, they can be charged with reckless driving. If you’re unsure of whether your traffic ticket is considered a reckless driving infraction or you may be at risk of having your traffic ticket “elevated” to reckless driving status due to complicating circumstances, please seek clarification by speaking with an Emporia, VA traffic lawyer. You can’t make informed decisions about your situation until you know exactly what your situation is. 

Most reckless driving charges are charged as a Class A misdemeanor and depending on the circumstances of the case and the driver’s past record, a conviction could result in up to 12 month in jail. There are cases, however, where the charges will be upgraded to aggravated reckless driving. For example, if a driver is speeding in a school zone and a crossing guard is injured as a result, police could charge the driver with Class 4 felony reckless driving. A conviction could result in up to three years of imprisonment. A crime of reckless driving that causes a victim to suffer catastrophic injury or permanent disability or disfigurement, the driver is likely to be charged with a Class 3 felony and a conviction could mean the driver ends up in prison for up to five years.

Despite the seriousness of the charges and potential penalties, it is not inevitable that a driver will end up in jail. A big part of what the prosecutor needs to prove is the “intent” of the driver – that the driver willfully intended to drive recklessly. This can be difficult to prove. A seasoned Emporia, VA traffic lawyer can work to get the charges dropped or reduced, depending on the circumstances of the case, potentially resulting in a much lesser penalty if the driver is found guilty.

Get in Touch with a Reckless Driving Attorney

If you have been accused of reckless driving, it is imperative that you connect with an Emporia, VA traffic lawyer right away. Many people do not think reckless driving is a serious offense, but a reckless driving accusation means more than just paying a fine before the situation can be resolved. Reckless driving charges are criminal charges and need to be taken seriously. 

Client Review

“I grew up in a family of lawyers so I’ve always been really selective with counsel. Mark Hurt and team exceeded my high standards by a mile. They stayed in touch with me and kept me abreast of any updates or changes in my case. I would (and will) recommend the Law Offices of Mark Hurt for any of your legal needs, especially in regards to traffic/moving violations or reckless driving charges. I was thrilled with the outcome and I’m convinced they put their best effort into my case. I can’t say enough about the service and representation they provided. Thanks to the Team at Mark Hurt!”

Clifton Bray