Smyth County Speeding Ticket Lawyer & Marion, VA Traffic Attorney
Reducing motor vehicle crash fatalities was one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century. Nevertheless, more than 32,000 people are still killed and 2 million people are injured in car crashes each year.[1] While car crashes can be caused in countless ways, some actions consistently and predictably lead to more fatalities than others. For example, one in three crash fatalities in Smyth County involve drunk driving, and almost one in three are attributable to speeding.
Understanding and avoiding these common traffic offenses can significantly decrease your risk of being involved in a tragic accident. Further, being vigilant in complying with Virginia traffic laws can also lower your chances of receiving a costly traffic citation and incurring penalties, including steep fines, a license suspension, increased insurance rates, demerit points on your driving record, a criminal charge, and even incarceration.
However, if you receive a traffic citation in Smyth County, you needn’t simply pay the fine and accept the penalties; you have a legal right to contest unjust charges and fight for reduced penalties in court. Our firm can help.
If you received a ticket for speeding, reckless driving, DUI, or another traffic offense, call our office to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with experienced Smyth County, Virginia traffic lawyer Mark Hurt. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we offer affordable fixed fee representation, and we accept credit card payments. We invite you to call our office 24/7 to learn your options and how we can help!
What Are the Top Causes of Car and Truck Crash Deaths in Virginia?
Despite decreases in fatality rates over the years, motor vehicle crash deaths in the United States are still too high. Each year, crash deaths cost more than $380 million in direct medical costs and take an immeasurable emotional toll on families throughout Virginia.[2]
While it can be tempting to violate traffic laws, the financial ramifications and consequences can be shattering. Therefore, it is critical for Marion and Smyth County residents and visitors to avoid committing dangerous traffic offenses to help improve our community’s safety and avoid costly penalties.
Speeding Only 15 Miles Over the Speed Limit Could Land You in Jail.
Speeding is one of the largest contributing factors to crash deaths in our area, which is why local law enforcement officers strictly enforce speed limits. Under Virginia law, the maximum speed limit on interstate highways is 55 miles per hour unless a posted speed sign specifies otherwise.[3]
Driving 20 miles over the applicable speed limit or 85 miles per hour (regardless of the posted speed limit) is not merely speeding in Smyth County; instead, it is considered reckless driving.[4] This means a person driving only 15 miles over a 70 mile per hour speed limit could be cited for this serious criminal charge. Further, if excessive speeding causes a fatal accident, the charge can be upgraded to a Class 6 felony, and a one-year jail sentence can be imposed. However, if an experienced Marion speeding ticket lawyer represents you, your chances of receiving a reduction in penalties or a dismissal increase substantially.
If you received a speeding or reckless driving citation, call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation with Smyth County speeding lawyer Mark Hurt. He has a reputation for being an aggressive and tenacious litigator who gets results. He can assist in seeking to mitigate damages by zealously advocating on your behalf in court.
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol Kills Over 10,000 People Each Year.
Every day, 29 people in the United States die in car crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, and over one million drivers are arrested each year for driving under the influence.[5] Under Virginia law, driving with a blood-alcohol level over .08 is a Class 1 misdemeanor with a mandatory fine of $250 (for a first offense).[6] If an individual’s blood alcohol level is 0.15 – 0.20, a mandatory minimum period of five days in jail will be assessed; if their BAC is over 0.20, incarceration increases to a minimum of ten days.
The penalties for subsequent DUI or DWI offenses are steep. For example, a person convicted of a second DUI within five years of a first offense will incur a mandatory $500 fine and up to one year in jail.
Holding Your Phone While Driving Is Now A Criminal Offense in Marion, VA.
Distracted driving causes nearly 15% of all fatal crashes. As such, the state of Virginia has gone to great lengths to impose laws that will cut down on senseless deaths.[7] Specifically, effective January 1, 2021, it is a criminal offense to hold a handheld device while driving, which includes:
- Texting;
- Holding a phone;
- Speaking on the phone (unless reporting an emergency); or
- Reading on a handheld device.[8]
Almost 1,000 People Are Killed After Running Red Lights Each Year.
While some red lights can be excessively long, tempting residents and visitors to coast through traffic signals, complying with traffic laws can save lives. According to a 2019 report from AAA, 939 people were killed in red-light running crashes in 2017 alone.[9] Running a red light in Marion will add two demerits points to your driving record and cost you a $250 fine. Thus, if you believe you did not indeed run a light, we can assist in seeking a dismissal in court.
Why Should I Hire a Smyth County Speeding and Traffic Citation Attorney?
By hiring an experienced Marion, VA traffic lawyer, you can save time and potentially avoid significant penalties. In many cases involving simple speeding tickets, firm-founding attorney Mark Hurt can appear on your behalf without you having to be there, meaning you may not have to take time off work.
Mark has been practicing law for over 25 years and has a reputation for being a tenacious litigator with a successful track record in traffic citation cases. Regardless of the type of citation, Mark can listen to your case’s facts, explain your legal options, and assist in seeking the best possible outcome. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation. We offer fixed-fee representation and accept credit card payments.
[1] Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths, CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/motor-vehicle-safety/index.html.
[2] Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths, CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/motor-vehicle-safety/index.html.
[3] VA Code § 46.2-870.
[4] VA Code § 46.2-862.
[5] Impaired Driving. Get the Facts., CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fmotorvehiclesafety%2Fimpaired_driving%2Fimpaired-drv_factsheet.html.
[6] VA Code § 18.2-270.
[7] Phone Down. It’s the Law, Drive Smart Virginia, https://www.drivesmartva.org/current-projects/phone-down-its-the-law/.
[8] Phone Down. It’s the Law, Drive Smart Virginia, https://www.drivesmartva.org/current-projects/phone-down-its-the-law/.
[9] Red Light Running Deaths Hit 10 Year High, AAA, https://newsroom.aaa.com/2019/08/red-light-running-deaths-hit-10-year-high/.
