Speeding Ticket Lawyer Abingdon VA

Information You Need from a Speeding Ticket Lawyer Abingdon VA Drivers Trust

If you have recently received a speeding ticket, you need the help of a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA from the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt. When it comes to speeding, almost everyone who gets on the road as a driver will likely speed at some point or another. There may be a good excuse for speeding (if someone is in danger), or you may just be carelessly driving. In either case, it is inevitable that this will happen at some point, and when it does, a police officer may pull you over and charge you for this. While a speeding ticket may not seem like that big of a deal, a police officer will not necessarily agree with you. When you are pulled over and ticketed, one of the first things you should do is seek the help of a speeding ticket lawyer Abingdon, Virginia relies on so that you can fight this charge. Although something as simple as a speeding ticket may not seem like a big deal, you can be charged with more serious crimes depending on the type of ticket you get and how many tickets you have had in the past.

The Different Types of Speeding

With speeding, you will likely fit into one of three categories:

• Speeding 1-9 MPH Above the Speed Limit
• Speeding 10-19 MPH Above the Speed Limit, or
• Speeding 20 MPH+ Above the Speed Limit

Speeding 1-9 MPH Above the Speed Limit. When it comes to speeding 1-9 MPH over the posted limit, you may believe that this is such an inconsequential ticket that you should just pay it. However, some states have a point-system that will deduct points when you are found guilty of even minor speeding. It is always best to fight a ticket, even if you don’t think it is serious. In many cases, going to court and fighting for your defense will likely be more beneficial than admitting guilt and paying your ticket. Speak with an Abingdon, VA speeding ticket lawyer about this as soon as possible.

Speeding 10-19 MPH Above the Speed Limit. When you are given a ticket because you were speeding 10-19 MPH over the posted speed limit, you may get additional points taken off of your driving record if you plead guilty. It is also important to note that a speeding ticket will be on your driving record for 5 years. If you are facing this type of charge, speak with your speeding ticket attorney to determine what kind of evidence to bring forth to show that you have a good record and you are a solid citizen. The judge may drop your charge entirely or may even reduce it.

Speeding 20 MPH or Above the Speed Limit. This is a much more serious charge, and not only could it mean a 6-point deduction off of your driving record, but it could also be a reckless driving charge. When you speak with your attorney, you want to make sure you avoid a reckless driving charge under any circumstances, and see how you can get this ticket reduced to a lesser speeding charge or to no charge at all. Choosing to represent yourself in this situation is not a wise decision because an Abingdon, Virginia speeding ticket lawyer can help you gather the evidence you need when defending yourself in court.

FAQs: Reckless Driving Charges

A reckless driving charge can have a very serious impact on your personal, occupational, and financial life if it is not handled aggressively by a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, Virginia. Many people do not understand that a reckless driving ticket is not the same as standard traffic tickets. Whereas, the later is only a traffic offense, the former is considered a criminal offense.

Whether your charge was caused by a momentary distraction, short lapse in reason, a wrongful accusation for what should have been a traffic violation, or an entirely wrongful reckless driving charge, you should have a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA on your side. If you’re found guilty of the charges against you, you may face extensive penalties ranging from significant fines, points on a license, jail time, loss of license, and a criminal record.

In addition, a reckless driving charge will very likely lead to a drastic hike in your insurance premium. On average, a person found guilty of reckless driving can expect to pay $5000 more in their premium over the course of 3-5 years. A criminal record could also hamper your ability to live in certain communities, find employment, apply for scholarships, or study at some colleges. Regardless of what happened, you should speak with a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA to explore you options and find out how your rights can be protected.

What May Be Considered Reckless Driving?

The definition of reckless driving varies by state; however, it is typically any action that involves driving in a manner that endangers “life, limb, or property”. These actions could include one or more of the following behaviors:

• Speeding (driving 20 MPH over the speed limit or 86 MPH regardless of the speed limit)
• Driving too fast for the current conditions
• Driving without proper brakes or lighting
• Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle
• Failing to yield to a stopped school bus
• Driving to intimidate
• Driving the wrong way
• Driving on a road closed to the public
• Racing

The Penalties for Reckless Driving

The penalties for reckless driving can vary, particularly when aggravating factors are present. In general, you could be sentenced with:

• A fine of up to $2,500 or more
• Jail time
• Suspended license
• Points on your driving record
• Criminal record

If you were found to be in possession of a radar detector, jammer, scanner, drugs, or alcohol, the penalties may be heightened.

A felony charge may be given to you if you were driving on a suspended or revoked license, or you caused injury or property damage. The consequences of a felony reckless driving charge could include a prison sentence, exorbitant fines, community service, probation, loss of a license, and more.

A knowledgeable speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA can review your case to find out what defense approach may be utilized. Examples of how the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt could work to defend your innocence include:

• What evidence do the police have?
• Were there any witnesses?
• Was the procedural standards and rules followed by police?
• Was the radar equipment calibrated properly?
• Was your speedometer calibrated?
• Do you have a clean driving record, apart from this charge?
• Can any points asserted by the prosecutor be refuted?

FAQs: Reckless Driving Charges

If you were charged with reckless driving, chances are you have more questions than answers. This is a serious charge in Virginia, and a conviction can result in repercussions that last a lifetime. To reduce the possibility of steep fines and jail time, you may be best served by hiring a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA.

At the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we are committed to protecting the rights of our clients and guiding them through the justice system. Call us for free information about how we might defend you against your reckless driving charge. As a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA, Mark T. Hurt has had great success defending clients. He may be able to get your charge reduced or dropped completely.

You may find the following information helpful. In addition to these answers to common questions about speeding ticket charges, you may wish to schedule a free consultation with Mark T. Hurt as every case is unique due to the circumstances involved.

What constitutes reckless driving?

While reckless driving is a broad term, you may be charged with it if a law enforcement officer determined you were driving in any way that puts other people’s lives or property in danger of harm. There are many specific behaviors that fit this parameter, including speeding while passing an emergency vehicle or school bus, or driving at least 20 miles per hour in excess of the speed limit (or over 85 MPH regardless of the speed limit). Speaking with a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA such as Mark T. Hurt is key to understanding how a reckless driving conviction might affect your future.

Do I have to go to court if I’ve been charged with reckless driving?

Yes; reckless driving is considered to be a criminal offense, which means you will either need to go to court yourself, or to hire a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA who will appear and plead the charge on your behalf.

Is it possible that I could go to jail?

A speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA might tell you that, yes, jail time is possible with a reckless driving conviction. If classified as a misdemeanor, that could mean up to 12 months of jail time; if deemed a felony, you could be sentenced to multiple years in jail. It will ultimately depend on the specifics of your particular case. Having an experienced attorney such as Mark T. Hurt represent you can be crucial for a positive outcome.

Is it possible that I could lose my license?

Yes, it is possible that your license could be suspended if you receive a conviction. The length of this suspension will depend on whether or not your particular instance of reckless driving is deemed a misdemeanor or felony. Your speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA may be able to reduce the length of your suspension.

Mark T. Hurt: a Speeding Ticket Lawyer in Abingdon, VA Who Can Help You

If a ticket for reckless driving is hanging over your head, you may be confused and fearful about what’s next. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA from the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt. Mark is well versed in the traffic laws of Virginia, and is ready to fight for your rights. To schedule your free consultation with him, call 276.623.0808 today.

Reckless Driving

If you have been charged with reckless driving, consider contacting a speeding ticket lawyer Abingdon, VA residents trust. Reckless driving is considered a major moving traffic violation under Virginia law. While the severity of the charge varies by state, it is always seen as a more dangerous offense than improper driving, careless driving, or driving without attention.

The penalty for reckless driving will usually amount to a large fine, revocation or suspension of license, or imprisonment. The team of criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt have more than 25 years of experience working on reckless driving cases. Our professionals will speak with you about your case to determine the best course of action for you. They will work hard to fight for your case and try to get the outcome you desire. Learn more about How Will a Reckless Driving Charge Impact My Life?

Speeding as Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is seen as the driver is purposely speeding or driving dangerously which could potentially result in the loss of life, limb, or property of another person. High speed is the most common cause of being cited for reckless driving. Each state has their own laws regarding what top speed is classified as reckless driving.

For example, in Virginia, reckless driving is classified as going 20 mph over the posted speed limit or 80 mph in total. In North Carolina, however, you are considered to be driving recklessly if you are going 15 mph over the posted speed limit or over 75 mph in total. It is important to be aware of your state’s speeding laws.

Always be mindful of the speed limit because if you get pulled over for speeding in Virginia at the considered reckless driving speeds, you could face up to $2,500 in fines or up to 12 months in jail if convicted. A speeding ticket lawyer Abingdon, VA drivers call may be able to get the violation dropped or reduced, depending on the circumstances.

Other Factors to Consider

There are quite a few factors that a speeding ticket lawyer Abingdon, VA families depend on may decide to use to argue with the judge to try to reduce a reckless driving charge. Each factor will depend on your individual case and should be discussed thoroughly with your Abingdon, VA speeding ticket lawyer. Typical details to consider when thinking about your case include:

• Clean driving record;
• Broken speedometer;
• Radar not calibrated correctly; and
• Actual emergency situation.

In addition to the aforementioned factors to consider, your speeding ticket lawyer Abingdon, VA locals contact may recommend taking a few steps to try to lessen your potential punishment. These steps are only suggestions and are not guaranteed to affect any potential sentencing you may receive from a reckless driving charge.

• Get your speedometer properly calibrated by a professional;
• Take a driver’s education class; and
• Complete community service.

Reckless driving is a very serious charge that has the potential to cost you a large amount in fines, jail time, or having a mark on your driving record for up to 11 years. If you have been charged with reckless driving, you may want to consider hiring a speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon, VA to help fight your case in court.

The team at the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt would love to speak with you to help work through all the complexities of your reckless driving charge. If you are in need of a speeding ticket lawyer Abingdon, VA clients depend on, call for a consultation so you don’t have to face this charge alone.

Defense Strategies: When Allegedly Reckless Driving Results in a Car Wreck

Experiencing a car wreck can be a truly traumatic experience. To add to the stress, being accused of contributing to the cause of the car accident, by way of speeding or other reckless driving behavior, can leave you feeling downright dazed. Anyone who is facing such a charge should seek legal assistance immediately. The repercussions associated with a reckless driving conviction can be significant, and may even result in time behind bars. It is in the best interest of the accused to hire an experienced Abingdon, Virginia speeding ticket attorney who is well-versed in handling cases like yours.

When consulting with the team at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt about your situation, a number of defense strategies may be explored. Depending on the unique circumstances surrounding your case, strategies that may or may not be explored in your case include:

Lack of Signage

A key element of a reckless driving conviction is proving that you were being intentionally careless and were aware that your driving was putting others safety in jeopardy. If there wasn’t sufficient signage on the road you were driving on, then it may be proven that you could not have known you were putting others at risk. Sometimes, signs get damaged, broken, or fall down entirely. If your Abingdon, VA speeding ticket attorney can prove that there was a lack of signage, then you may be able to mitigate the consequences associated with your alleged infraction or have the charges dropped entirely.

Disproving Speed

With reckless driving charges, it must be shown that you were speeding at a rate that disregarded safety or people or property. The weight of evidence is on the prosecution, as they have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving recklessly. Your Abingdon, VA speeding ticket attorney may be able to show that law enforcement did not use equipment properly, such as not recently calibrating the measurement tool or using a malfunctioning one.

Emergency

The court may go easier on the driver if there is evidence the he or she believed there was true danger, which motivated the ordinarily unacceptable driving behavior. An Abingdon, VA speeding ticket attorney can advocate for your side of the story. If you seriously thought an emergency existed, that there was a threat, and you did not create the emergency yourself, you may be able to successfully defend against your speeding-related charges.

Not the Driver

An Abingdon, VA speeding ticket attorney may choose this defense if they feel that the prosecution doesn’t have clear evidence that links the accused to being the one driving recklessly. The case may be dismissed or the accused acquitted of charges if the prosecution cannot show beyond reasonable doubt that he or she was in control of maneuvering the car.

Client Review

“The law office exceeded my expectations by getting my reckless driving charge dismissed. Important things to note: The receptionist Carol was extremely amiable and even pushed the trial back a few months since I found them literally a day before my court date.”
PATRICIA MEJIA