Greensville County, VA Traffic Lawyer

Mark Hurt Law Firm are more than adequate to serve as your Greensville County, VA Traffic Lawyer. A traffic violation may seem like a minor issue, but you should take it seriously so that you do not suffer severe consequences. Turning to a trusted lawyer who has experience helping many clients with traffic violations can Whether you have received a ticket for speeding or other reasons, we are here to help.

There are various traffic tickets out there that can be fought. Tickets are issued for various reasons that range from mild to severe. The fines associated with these tickets also range from under $100 to sometimes much more. With a lawyer by your side to defend your rights, you can increase the chances of the charges being reduced or dropped. It is possible to fight a traffic charge to not have to worry about it affecting your record. Talk to a trusted traffic lawyer today to learn how you can set up a consultation.  

Common Traffic Tickets

Traffic tickets are received for many reasons. Some of them include speeding, reckless driving, and other offenses like driving through a stop sign or red light. You could have been driving past the posted speed limit on an unfamiliar road, or maybe you were in a rush to get to work on time. Whatever the reason for your traffic ticket, a lawyer can provide you with urgent legal assistance so that you can fight the charge.

If you have received a ticket for one of these offenses, there is no reason to worry. Tickets can be fought, resulting in no repercussions on your driving record or fines given if dealt with correctly. Fighting the ticket can result in fewer points on your record, lesser fines, or sometimes complete dismissal of the ticket, depending on circumstances. 

When you first receive a traffic ticket, it will include basic information. Your Virginia speeding ticket will have the fine for your offense printed on it, so you know what you need to pay, and it is not a mystery. How a fee is calculated depends on where you were caught speeding. This fee is $6 per every mile over the limit you were driving, and jumps to $7 a mile when driving in a school or work zone, or $8 a mile over in residential areas. 

On the flip, you can even be cited a $30 fine if you are caught driving too slowly. You must be driving within the speed limit, but you should also be mindful of the flow of traffic. Driving too slow can disrupt the traffic around you and cause unnecessary slows or stops. Virginia also allows a traffic ticket conviction fee of $63. Traffic ticket fines are often due within 40 days of the citation, and failing to pay them can cause you to face interest charges; your ticket may go to collections, and a judge may issue a warrant for arrest. 

The Driving Safety Tips You Need To Know

You probably depend on your car every day. You need it to get to work, school, or around town. As you drive, you might have a lot on your mind; however, you cannot overlook the importance of safety. No matter what you do, make sure you protect yourself, those in your car, and those around you. Even if you get a traffic ticket, reach out to a Greensville County, VA Traffic Lawyer, such as an attorney from the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, who can assist you. What are a few driving safety tips you should know?

Always Wear a Seatbelt

You need to make sure you always wear your seatbelt when you are in the car. Furthermore, you should not start your car until everyone in your vehicle has his or her seatbelt on. Even if you trust yourself behind the wheel, you cannot necessarily trust the other drivers on the road. You never know when you might be involved in an accident, and a seatbelt could save your life or the lives of the other people in your car.

Put Down the Cell Phone

One common tip that a Greensville County, VA Traffic Lawyer will always tell you is that you need to put down the cell phone. We depend on our cell phones for just about everything. Many of us would not know what to do if we lost our phones for even a day. Regardless, it can wait. Do not talk on the phone while driving, and certainly do not attempt to send a text message while operating a motor vehicle.

Get Your Car Maintained 

You have already spent enough money on your car. If it is working well, why do you need to take it to the shop? The point of routine maintenance is to prevent issues from happening. If you do not get your car maintained, it might not respond quickly when you need it most. Proper maintenance is essential for safe driving. 

Reach Out to a Lawyer With any Questions

These are just a few of the most important safety tips you need to keep in mind. Even though you think about safety, not everyone is the same way. If you have questions about a traffic ticket, reach out to a Greensville County, VA Traffic Lawyer, such as a lawyer from the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, who can protect your rights. 

Do’s and Don’ts of Traffic Court

Do Be Respectful and Courteous When You’re in Court

Judges notice courtesy and respect and may be inclined to let you plead to lesser charges or drop the charges altogether. A little kindness can go a long way in an adversarial system like traffic court. 

Do Read the Law You’re Being Charged With

Make sure you understand exactly what the ticketing officer says you did wrong. The exact laws should be found at your local public library. If you don’t understand the statutes, a Greensville County, VA traffic lawyer at the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt can explain them to you. 

Do Pay Attention To Other People’s Cases

You never know what you might pick up on from listening to other people’s cases as they’re tried before yours. You may notice  that people are using certain phrases that correlate with a reduction in sentencing or fines due.

Do Be Prepared To Spend Half Your Day in Court

Traffic court is backed up, due in part to economic reasons; people would rather spend a few hours trying to avoid paying a few hundred dollars. Mark Hurt Law Firm, your Greensville County, VA traffic lawyer, should be able to give you a rough estimate of how long you may have to sit in court.

Don’t Wear Inappropriate Clothing to Court

Shorts and tank tops may be appropriate for the weather, but they are not appropriate for the courtroom. Slacks or a skirt with a blouse for women and a blazer and tie for men are safe bets. Wearing inappropriate clothes could be taken as a sign of disrespect. If you’re not sure about the outfit you’ve chosen, ask a Greensville County, VA traffic lawyer if it’s acceptable for court.

Don’t Interrupt or Talk Over the Judge Hearing Your Case

This is just good manners. Don’t talk over or interrupt anybody involved in your traffic case, least of all the person who’ll decide your fate. Traffic court judges are people, too, and as such, they appreciate being allowed to finish their sentences. 

Don’t Sit In the Audience and Talk While Other Cases Are Being Heard

Talking while another case is being tried is simply rude. It’s disrespectful to the judge, the court staff, the person whose case is being tried at the moment and anyone in the gallery who’s trying to pay attention to what’s going on.

Don’t Take Your Frustration With Having a Ticket Out on Courtroom Staff

The courtroom staff didn’t issue you the ticket, and may have little to nothing to do with the disposition of your case. It’s unfair to take your frustrations out on these hardworking civil servants. 

The Virginia Point System

All across Virginia, every traffic offense has demerit points attached to it. Whether you’re caught speeding, just a little over the limit, or gassing the pedal, you may end up with 3 to 6 demerit points tacked onto your driving record. Even if you have multiple minor offenses, the points can add up quickly before you know it. These points remain on your record for two years, and the ticket may stay there for even longer. 

You may be eligible to take the Virginia driver improvement court, which can be used on 3 or 4 point violations to earn safe driving points that can offset your demerit points. However, if you have been ordered by the court to take these courses, it will not count for safe driving points. 

Auto Insurance Increase

Auto insurance carriers will often use your driving record to determine how much to charge you for their premiums. Drivers who are charged with traffic tickets may underestimate how tickets affect their insurance costs. So if you receive demerit points, you may find your insurance bill is raised. 

License Suspension or Revocation

The more demerit points you have on your license, the higher your chances of having your license suspended or revoked. The state can revoke or suspend your privilege to drive if you are convicted of certain serious offenses. Violations may result in suspended licenses, and some of those violations are:

• Failing to pay your court fee.
• Failure to appear in court.
• Failure to complete a court-ordered DIP clinic.
• Too many demerit points on your record.

Some traffic violations are much more severe, resulting in you losing your license quicker. If you are convicted for driving while intoxicated, a hit and run, or manslaughter with a motor vehicle (no matter involuntary and voluntary status), you may find yourself with your driving privilege revoked right away. 

Commercial Drivers Licenses

These are CDLs or commercial driver’s licenses. This means you are driving a commercial vehicle such as a large truck that transports across state lines. Traffic laws are enforced more strictly against commercial drivers. It is much harder to drive a large commercial truck. Even minor offenses can have significant consequences.

If you are convicted of certain traffic offenses or a major violation such as driving while under the influence, hit and run, or some other offense, you may find yourself disqualified from driving your commercial vehicle for a year. A second conviction of similar nature may cause you to lose your commercial driving license for three years or even lifetime disqualification depending on the conviction. 

Fighting a Traffic Ticket

Tickets are something that you can fight. It may take extra work, but hiring a skilled traffic lawyer to help you fight your ticket is worth the investment. With proper legal help, you may be able to avoid the worst consequences, such as paying a minor fine and avoiding jail time.

When fighting your traffic ticket, one place to start is your dashcam or GPS. If you have GPS or even a dashcam in your car, you may be able to prove that the ticket you received was given in error. Your dashcam or electronic equipment may prove that you were not speeding or that you were not driving recklessly. A traffic lawyer may look into the equipment that the police officer was using to see if there were any defects or if there was a miscalculation. The equipment that the police use is not always up to par and may be problematic.

A lawyer could also look into whether an officer’s inexperience played a role or if they violated any policies. This is something to keep in mind for fighting your speeding ticket. Mark Hurt Law Firm have years of experience helping clients fight traffic tickets. 

Potential Negative Effects from Traffic Tickets

There are certain risks that traffic tickets can pose if you decide not to fight them. If a ticket is not fought in court, then there is the possibility that some adverse effects could come from not fighting the case. Some of those effects that a Greensville County, VA traffic lawyer will tell you about are as follows:

• Loss of License – Loss of license can occur in some instances, meaning you will be unable to drive your car and lose those privileges lawfully.
• Large Fines – Fines in excess of 300$ and more can be given for some ticket types.
• Points on License – Receiving points on your license can lead to license suspension and a mandatory hearing.
• Insurance Rates Raised – Tickets received can and will lead to your insurance rates rising. The more dangerous the insurance company sees you as a driver, the more they will charge you on their plan.

It is up to you to determine if you would rather accept the possible negative consequences or go out of your way to seek a qualified lawyer to combat the ticket. It is worth talking to a lawyer to help you understand your best course of action. 

What to Do After Receiving a Traffic Ticket

When you first receive a traffic ticket, you may be concerned and upset. You may not know how to handle the charge, and you might now know where to start. If you have received a ticket and you think that the authorities who issued it may have gotten the details wrong or made a mistake, you should strongly consider fighting the ticket.

Legal representatives can help you with the details of your case and go over any questions that you may have. They can help you obtain the best possible results and avoid going through the worst consequences that can impact your record. Receiving points on your license, increased insurance premiums, or significant fines are not something anybody desires. A lawyer from Mark Hurt Law Firm can help you with your case. Contact us today for a free consultation. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you.

How to Fight Your Ticket

Fighting your ticket isn’t easy, but a Greensville County, Virginia traffic lawyer can help. Traffic tickets are more than an inconvenience – they’re a financial burden that can make your future more expensive, all because of a minor infraction. You might think it’s easiest to pay for your ticket and move on with your life, but have you considered how much more money you’ll be spending on insurance over the next few years?

Your money should be used on rent, mortgages, car payments, and anything else you want to spend it on. It shouldn’t go towards paying off a traffic ticket and hiked-up insurance rates. Instead, you should consider fighting your ticket. While squaring off against a police officer, a judge, and a jury may seem intimidating to some people may seem intimidating, with the right strategies, you can save your money and your driving record.

Before choosing to fight your ticket, you should remember that not all strategies are created equal. Some arguments work, and some don’t. It’s essential to know how best to proceed with your traffic ticket case, and it’s important to know what not to do when you’re fighting your ticket in court.

What NOT to Do:

If you choose to fight your ticket, you’ve made the right decision. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. When you’re fighting your ticket, here are some important things to remember about building your case:

• Emotional appeals don’t work. Saying something like “I had a really rough day” or unpacking all of your personal baggage in court is not a winning strategy. A judge is supposed to be impartial, and if you try to talk up how difficult your life is, they are probably going to torpedo your case by asking what makes your difficulties more critical than anyone else’s. Your life might be challenging, but save it for your blog or your diary. It’s not going to win you any points in court.
• Don’t make excuses. You might think you can get out of your ticket by saying you weren’t aware of the speed limit or you didn’t see a stop sign. Unfortunately, that won’t work either. Making excuses about violating the law isn’t a valid strategy, and (even more importantly) it’s an argument that partially admits guilt. You wouldn’t fight a ticket for an illegal left turn by saying you took an illegal left turn, would you?

Fighting a ticket can be a challenge, and it pays to know the right strategies to make your case a success. It’s easy to assume that your arguments will hold up in court, but it’s even easier to get in touch with a traffic lawyer who can do the heavy lifting for you.

Reasons Your Lawyer Should Fight a Ticket

We know that getting a ticket is not a fun experience to go through, but the vast majority of people will get one or more tickets in their lifetime. It may be worth hiring a lawyer who understands the nuances of traffic law to fight your ticket. Traffic tickets can raise your insurance rates, result in expensive fines, and impact your driving record too. Here are some reasons why your lawyer should help fight your recent traffic ticket:

They Know Law Best

Your initial instinct after a traffic ticket is probably to pay it as soon as you can and then move on. But, a lawyer knows the law best and can find things that your everyday person cannot. For instance, your lawyer may notice an error on the ticket that makes it null and void, thus getting it dismissed.

They Can Get It Reduced

If there is no way to get the ticket dismissed, then it is still possible that your lawyer can get it reduced. You may have to take accountability for the ticket being issued, but that doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to have to pay the entire fee. A good driving record or other reason may convince the judge that reducing the ticket is valid. However, negotiating this without assistance from a lawyer can be difficult.

Lawyers are More Intimidating

If you represent yourself and try to fight your ticket, the prosecutor is unlikely to be intimidated. Because most people don’t know how to fight a ticket, it’s going to be hard to get the result they want. But as soon as a lawyer is present, prosecutors will realize that they can’t take advantage of the defendant. Prosecutors know that lawyers understand what they are doing, which means you are less likely to have to pay the full extent of your ticket.

Influences Judge’s Ruling

Most people who know they committed what the ticket says will either show up in court hoping the officer doesn’t or just pay it right away. If you are invested in your ticket case and hire a lawyer to help you, the judge may be more influenced into believing you are innocent and rule in your favor, whether you are guilty or not.

Why You Shouldn’t Always Pay a Traffic Ticket Fine

When you receive a traffic ticket, there is usually a spot that tells you the fine. You can pay the fine and be done with the whole situation.

However, that is not always the best course of action. You should always consult with a Greensville County, VA, traffic lawyer before making any decisions. You admit guilt once you pay the fine and have no further rights to fight the ticket.

Basic Considerations

The main thing that will determine what you should do is the consequences of admitting guilt. Paying the fine waives all your rights, so you do not want to pay it if you feel you were not in the wrong or you worry about the consequences of admitting your guilt.

If you do not know the consequences, your Greenville County, VA traffic lawyer can help explain them. You need to think about quite a few considerations, depending on your situation.

Potential Consequences

When it comes to the consequences of a traffic ticket, a lot depends on the violation and your situation. However, here are some potential consequences you may face when paying a ticket and admitting fault.

• Insurance increase: The result may be higher insurance costs for some tickets. This is especially true if the ticket results in points on your driving record. In some cases, too many points may require special SR-22 insurance that is more costly than other coverage.
• License suspension: Some tickets may result in a suspension of your license. It depends on what the violation is and your current driving record.
• Fees: You may have additional fees associated with the ticket other than just the fine. These can add up quickly and become expensive.

When To Pay

While every case is different, some situations make the most sense when paying the ticket. For instance, if you are guilty and have no way to prove your innocence, it is usually cheaper and easier to pay the fine. If you have a clean driving record or have a solid defense, then paying the ticket is probably best.

When To Fight

On the other hand, there are situations where you should try to fight the ticket. If you know, you did no wrong and have proof to back up your claim, then go to court. You also might consider going to court if you feel the officer applied the law wrong.

Final Words

The bottom line with fighting a traffic ticket is that you need to consult with a Greensville County, VA, traffic lawyer to see where your case stands. Sometimes, it is not worth fighting the charge, but other times, it is essential to do so.

Reach Out to Mark Hurt Law Firm Today 

At Mark Hurt Law Firm, we understand that there are some proven strategies to get you out of paying your traffic ticket – and we know that there are some arguments that don’t work. Finding the way forward means researching the law you are accused of violating and knowing how to deconstruct the charges effectively. Fortunately, we’re dedicated to providing that service for every one of our clients.

Contact Mark Hurt Law Firm today, and see how a Virginia traffic lawyer in Greensville County can help you beat your ticket.

Common Myths About Traffic Tickets

Whether due to speeding or running a red light, most people have received a traffic ticket at some point. However, there are still so many myths about traffic tickets. If you want to fight a traffic ticket, it is important to separate fact from fiction. Here are some common misconceptions about traffic tickets.

• You shouldn’t sign the traffic ticket. After a police officer has pulled you over for a traffic violation, they will ask you to sign the ticket. Some people refuse to sign the ticket because they think it is admitting guilt, or they can claim later that they never received a ticket. Neither is true. To avoid escalating the situation, sign the ticket.
• If you get a traffic ticket in a different state, you can ignore it. Just because you received a traffic ticket in another state does not mean that it is not a big deal. With modern technology, states communicate with each other and inform about traffic tickets. If you live in Virginia and receive a traffic ticket in Maryland, for example, your insurance company will be notified, and you can expect higher rates. Therefore, you should never ignore a traffic ticket, even if it is out of state.
• You don’t need to hire a lawyer. While a traffic ticket might not be as severe as a criminal charge, it still should not be taken lightly. You should not try to represent yourself in court. You could face higher fines, a driver’s license suspension, and other penalties if you do. A Greensville County, VA traffic lawyer can help you fight your ticket and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
• If the police officer doesn’t show up to court, your ticket will get dismissed. Too many motorists hope to get their traffic ticket dismissed if the police officer does not show up to the hearing. Although judges sometimes throw out tickets for this reason, you should not count on it. You should still come to the court date with a lawyer.
• If you drive with traffic flow, you can contest a speeding ticket. This isn’t a viable defense for a speeding ticket. Even if the motorists around you were going 10 miles over the speed limit, too, it wouldn’t get you out of a traffic ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions and How a Traffic Lawyer Can Help You

If you recently received a citation for a traffic violation, you may consider whether you need a Greensville County, VA traffic lawyer. At times, you may be able to proceed without the services of a professional. However, depending upon your driving record, you may want to make every effort possible to avoid obtaining more points on your record. Mark Hurt Law Firm can assist in answering questions and providing guidance in navigating the district court in Virginia. 

What should I do if I am pulled over for a traffic violation?

Whether you were doing something wrong or not, getting pulled over by law enforcement can be anxiety-provoking, to say the least. If you notice flashing lights behind you, it’s essential to find a safe space to pull over immediately. Typically, once you have been pulled over, it is because law enforcement has reason to believe that you have done something wrong. Once you have been pulled over, the police will ask whether you know the reason for the traffic stop. You can expect the officer to ask for your license, insurance, and registration. They will then do a quick check to determine whether you have any outstanding warrants. The officer will issue a citation outlining the reasons for the traffic infraction. 

When should I contact a lawyer for representation?

If you have received a citation, you will be wondering whether it’s worth it to hire a Greensville County, VA traffic lawyer. Certain situations may require guidance from a lawyer, including:

• You are at risk of losing your license
• You have unpaid tickets
•  You have had several driving offenses
• DUI 
• Reckless Driving
• +More

Are there times when I should pay for the ticket?

While sometimes hiring a traffic ticket lawyer is worth the cost, it may not always be in your best interest. However, keep in mind that hiring a traffic ticket lawyer may be about the same cost of paying the ticket, depending upon your case. Traffic lawyers offer several benefits; not only are they able to navigate the legal system with ease, but you also may not have to take time out of your busy day to attend court. 

Will I have to appear in court if I choose to fight my ticket?

You will not have to appear in court if you decide to pay the ticket, but you may need to attend if you choose to fight. Despite this, keep in mind that you will likely need to appear if you received a ticket for something egregious. Know that if you hire an attorney, you may have your lawyer represent you, and you won’t have to go to court at all. 

What should I expect on my court date?

Multiple cases are often heard at traffic court in a relatively short period. The presiding judge will make decisions over your case rather than a jury. Most of these cases are heard in traffic court unless you have a more serious charge such as reckless driving, a DUI, or an accident that caused injuries; these cases occur in criminal court. 

Mark Hurt Law Firm have vast experience in representing clients facing a citation for traffic violations. At times, this may be in your best interest, especially when the stakes are high. Consider our Greensville County, VA traffic lawyer to ensure a smooth and straightforward process.