Highly Effective Emporia VA Traffic Lawyer • For Your Best Defense
The police in Emporia VA are dedicated to enforcing reckless driving and traffic laws. Law enforcement officers regularly patrol Interstate 95 and Route 58. Virginia law has classified numerous offenses as traffic violations. Some offenses are more serious than others. Traffic violations can be considered a felony, a misdemeanor, or a traffic infraction depending on the severity of the offense. If you have been accused of violating any traffic law, then it would be wise to consult an experienced Emporia VA Traffic Lawyer. A conviction for any traffic violation may severely jeopardize your freedom and your future.
CAUTION: An Emporia VA traffic violation may increase the automobile insurance premium by as much as 79% depending on the offense according to Insurance.com
Experienced Traffic Law Attorneys City of Emporia
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is an established local Emporia VA law firm dedicated to defending clients accused of traffic violations. Our traffic lawyers have accumulated over 60 years of collective traffic law experience. We are a “Best Law Firm” according to U.S. News and World Reports for our excellence in legal ability and ethical standards. Our attorneys represent clients every week who have been charged with traffic violations in the Emporia Courts. We are located 2 blocks from the courthouse. Our goal is to secure the best possible outcome for your case. You can benefit from our experience.
Top Rated Emporia General District Traffic Court Lawyers
Virginia Traffic Violation Penalties
- Maximum fine of $2,500
- Loss of driving privileges
- Employment issues
- Moving violation demerit points
- Auto insurance premium increases
- Incarceration
Emporia Reckless Driving Speeding Ticket Traffic Violation
Driving faster than 85 mph in Virginia is considered reckless driving according to Va. Code 46.2-862. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor offense. The speed limit on Interstate 95 in Emporia VA is 70 mph. It comes as a surprise to many clients that driving 16 mph over the speed limit in Emporia VA is a criminal misdemeanor reckless driving violation. In many instances, our lawyers can protect clients from criminal misdemeanor reckless driving convictions. We can also typically appear before the Court on our client’s behalf so they do not have to travel back to Emporia VA for the trial date.
Interstate 95 Traffic Law Attorneys Presenting Your Best Defense
Interstate 95 is over 1,900 miles long. It is the longest North-South Interstate in the County and it runs right through Emporia VA. Many of our clients that have found themselves in the unfortunate situation of being the target of a police traffic stop are licensed drivers from another state. Do NOT panic! A traffic summons is NOT a conviction. Our Emporia VA traffic lawyers excel at navigating the judicial process in a manner that best protects the client. Allow us to review your case! We may even be able to successfully represent you without you having to return for the trial date.
Virginia Uniform Summons Traffic Ticket Issued by Emporia Police
A Virginia Uniform Summons is the legal document issued by Emporia VA law enforcement officers during a traffic stop. Most people refer to this document as either a traffic ticket or citation. The summons serves as legal notice for the alleged violation. Signing the summons is not an admission of guilt. The summons advises you of the date and time and location of your hearing. A police officer can also issue a summons for criminal offenses such as reckless driving and other misdemeanor offenses. Allow us to review your summons. We can develop a defense strategy even if you think you are guilty.
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law Can Defend Any Emporia VA Traffic Violation
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License restoration
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Reckless driving
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Aggressive driving
- Fail to “Move Over”
- Suspended driver’s license
- Driving revoked 18.2-272
- Habitual offender
- Eluding the police
- Hit & Run
- No valid driver’s license
- Out-of-state driver
- Handheld cellphone use while driving
- DUI / DWI
- Moving violations
- Accidents
- Speeding Ticket
- No automobile insurance
- Commercial driver violations
Emporia VA Reckless Driving 100 mph NOT GUILTY
Driving 100 mph is taken very seriously by Emporia VA judges. Our Emporia VA speeding ticket attorneys recently represented a client with such a case. Our client was a professional driver who at the wrong moment with an open road decided to “open up” his Mustang and “punched it” for a few seconds. Unfortunately, a Police Officer was operating stationary RADAR at the exact same location and exact same time as our client and gathered evidence of speeds of 100 mph. Our lawyers were eventually able to present various arguments based on the evidence in the case to convince the Judge to enter an order that found our client NOT GUILTY of criminal misdemeanor reckless driving.
Free Consultation with Top Rated Emporia VA Traffic Lawyer
Some drivers think they do not need a traffic lawyer for their Emporia VA traffic case. The answer really depends on your circumstances. The biggest issues with representing yourself is the lack of experience and legal knowledge. The average motorist just doesn’t know what the best courses of action are in a particular case. Experienced traffic attorneys know the best tactics and options for obtaining good results. Traffic lawyers who spend a lot of time in traffic court are familiar with the habits of the different judges and the law enforcement officers who issue the tickets. This local knowledge can prove to be invaluable in deciding how to defend against a traffic ticket.
Emporia VA Traffic Attorney Recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers is a legal rating service of outstanding lawyers from over 70 practice areas including traffic law who have attained the highest degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. This organization recognizes the top rated lawyers nationwide across a variety of practice areas and firm sizes using a patented process of independent research and peer input. Our Emporia VA traffic lawyers have been recognized by this publication since 2009. No more than five percent of the Virginia lawyers are named to this list and no more than 2.5 percent are named to the Rising Stars list. This recognition is merit based. Retain a Emporia VA traffic attorney who has been recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers with this elite award.
Emporia Virginia Trial Courts Are Adversarial By Design
If you have been accused of an Emporia VA traffic violation, then your case will eventually be set for trial before the General District Court in Emporia VA. Trials are adversarial in nature. This involves a structured and formalized dispute between the defense and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office. The adversarial system is designed to ensure a fair trial according to the rules of law and evidence by allowing each party to present their case and challenge the other party’s evidence and arguments. The Emporia judge evaluates the evidence, arguments, and reaches a verdict. This system ensures that the prosecution meets its high standard of proof. Our Emporia VA traffic attorneys can help you with your case.
Emporia VA Traffic Stop Turns into a Felony Criminal Drug Arrest
Our top rated Emporia VA traffic attorneys recently represented a client from Roanoke Rapids who was driving through Emporia and was pulled over for making an illegal U-Turn. Our client had previously visited a residence that was under police surveillance for distribution of methamphetamines. The police ending up searching our client’s vehicle and recovering evidence. Our client was arrested and charged with felony possession of a schedule I or II controlled substance. Our client was scared of a felony conviction and having to serve a prison sentence. Our experienced Emporia VA lawyers where able to resolve the case where the client avoided both a felony conviction and a jail sentence. Click on image for actual court record
Driving in Violation of DUI Restricted Driver’s License
In Virginia, there are various driver’s license offenses. These range from not having a driver’s license in your possession (46.2-104) to driving with a revoked or suspended license (46.2-301). Va. Code 18.2-272 criminalizes one of the more serious types of driving without the proper licensing. Driving while your license is revoked from a DUI conviction or in violation of a restricted driver’s license is taken seriously by the DMV and the Courts. Va. Code 46.2-391(D) is the most serious type of driving revoked and can be a felony if the driving endangered life, limb or property or if such offense was a second or subsequent offense.
Exceptional Traffic Court Review from Satisfied Client
Driver Improvement Program For Emporia VA Traffic Cases
A Driver Improvement Program also known as a Defensive Driving Program or Traffic School is an educational course designed to improve the knowledge and driving skills of participants. One of the primary purposes of a Driver Improvement Program is to provide a pathway for traffic law defendants to mitigate the consequences of their Emporia VA case. Completing the program may assist the attorney in convincing the Emporia Judge to dismiss or reduce the case. The duration of a Driver Improvement Program can either be a 12 hour course or an 8 hour course. The program has in person and online formats. Consult an attorney to understand your options before you pursue a driver improvement program for your reckless driving case.
Emporia General District Traffic Court Case Result
Our Emporia VA traffic attorneys recently represented a client who was license to drive in North Carolina. She was accused of criminal misdemeanor reckless driving for driving 90 miles per hour on Interstate 95. The client was very concerned about having a criminal record as a result of this incident. We presented evidence, argued the case and convinced the Judge to find our client NOT GUILTY of criminal misdemeanor reckless driving. The Court found our client in violation of the defective equipment law, which is a minor no points non-moving infraction. Click on image for actual electronic court record
Emporia VA is a Famous Speed Trap
The City of Emporia is famous for being a speed trap. Speed traps are an area of the road that police officers heavily monitor to catch people speeding. Technically defined as an area of road where police officers hide in order to detect vehicles exceeding a speed limit. According to a study by Governing magazine, Emporia is one of 8 jurisdictions that rely on traffic fines to fund its local government budget. Needless to say Emporia VA police officers aggressively enforce the traffic laws. However, the Town of Eastville over on the Eastern Shore in Northampton County relies more on traffic fines for revenue than Emporia with an astounding 72% of its budget coming from traffic fines and forfeitures.
Holding Cell Phone While Driving is an Emporia VA Traffic Violation
Virginia is a Hands Free Driving State. Virginia law prohibits having a phone or handheld personal communication device in your hand while driving pursuant to Va. Code §46.2-818.2. The Emporia VA police officer does not have to prove that the driver was doing anything in particular like texting while driving to prove a violation. This offense is a moving violation demerit point offense. A conviction will post to the driving record. However, there are defenses and exceptions. This law does not apply if lawfully parked or stopped, if reporting an emergency, if using an amateur or citizens band radio or operating an emergency vehicle.
Out of State Driver Retain Top Rated Traffic Lawyer Emporia VA
Out-of-state drivers must defend their Emporia VA traffic ticket because a conviction will be reported back to the home state. The home state and automobile insurance company may then take action against the driver. Emporia VA is along the Interstate 95 corridor. As such, many licensed drivers from other states like Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire & Maine drive through Emporia VA. In many instances, we can make a motion to waive our client’s appearance so that our client does not have to return to Emporia VA for the trial. Let our Emporia VA traffic lawyer review your case!
Petition Emporia VA Circuit Court to Restore Virginia Driving Privileges
Convictions for certain offenses will revoke Virginia driving privileges. This can be the case with certain DUI / DWI convictions or from an old Habitual Offender revocation. The most common scenario that requires petitioning the Emporia Circuit Court for restoration of driving privileges is a conviction for third offense DUI / DWI within a 10 year period. In most cases, a driving privilege revocation will require that a Petition to Restore Driving Privileges be filed and argued before the Emporia Circuit Court. We frequently represent clients with this Petition. A common scenario involves a petitioner from another state whose Virginia driving privileges were revoked by the Emporia Circuit Court years ago and needs the Virginia DMV block or hold removed.
Superb Avvo Rated Emporia VA Traffic Lawyers
The Avvo Lawyer Rating can help you find the right Emporia VA traffic lawyer. Avvo comes from “avvocato”, which is Italian. Avvo is a legal directory that rates lawyers using a special model on a scale of 1 (Extreme Caution) to 10 (Superb). Members of our Emporia VA traffic law firm maintain a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating. Avvo gathers relevant information from state bar associations, legal professionals and consumers to calculate the Avvo rating. The same set of standards is used for all lawyers evaluated. The Avvo rating is merit based. You cannot pay a fee to improve your Avvo rating. Exercise caution when you consult with a Emporia VA traffic lawyer who is not properly rated.
Common Emporia VA Traffic Violations We Defend in General District Court
§ 46.2-862 Reckless Driving:Exceeding speed limit.
A person is guilty of reckless driving who drives a motor vehicle on the highways of Emporia VA (i) at a speed of 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit or (ii) in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the applicable maximum speed limit.
§ 18.2-266 DUI / DWI:Driving motor vehicle, engine, etc., while intoxicated, etc.
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train:
(i) while such person has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.08 grams or more per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a chemical test administered as provided in this article,
(ii) while such person is under the influence of alcohol,
(iii) while such person is under the influence of any narcotic drug or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug of whatsoever nature, or any combination of such drugs, to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train safely,
(iv) while such person is under the combined influence of alcohol and any drug or drugs to a degree which impairs his ability to drive or operate any motor vehicle, engine or train safely, or
(v) while such person has a blood concentration of any of the following substances at a level that is equal to or greater than:
(a) 0.02 milligrams of cocaine per liter of blood,
(b) 0.1 milligrams of methamphetamine per liter of blood,
(c) 0.01 milligrams of phencyclidine per liter of blood, or
(d) 0.1 milligrams of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine per liter of blood. A charge alleging a violation of this section shall support a conviction under clauses (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), or (v).
For the purposes of this article, the term “motor vehicle” includes mopeds, while operated on the public highways of this Commonwealth.
§ 46.2-301 Driving on a Suspended Drivers License:Driving while license, permit, or privilege to drive suspended or revoked.
A. In addition to any other penalty provided by this section, any motor vehicle administratively impounded or immobilized under the provisions of § 46.2-301.1 may, in the discretion of the court, be impounded or immobilized for an additional period of up to 90 days upon conviction of an offender for driving while his driver’s license, learner’s permit, or privilege to drive a motor vehicle has been:
(i) suspended or revoked for a violation of § 18.2-36.1, 18.2-51.4, 18.2-266, 18.2-272, or 46.2-341.24 or a substantially similar ordinance or law in any other jurisdiction, or
(ii) administratively suspended under the provisions of § 46.2-391.2. However, if, at the time of the violation, the offender was driving a motor vehicle owned by another person, the court shall have no jurisdiction over such motor vehicle but may order the impoundment or immobilization of a motor vehicle owned solely by the offender at the time of arrest. All costs of impoundment or immobilization, including removal or storage expenses, shall be paid by the offender prior to the release of his motor vehicle.
B. Except as provided in § 46.2-304, no resident or nonresident:
(i) whose driver’s license, learner’s permit, or privilege to drive a motor vehicle has been suspended or revoked, or
(ii) who has been directed not to drive by any court or by the Commissioner, or
(iii) who has been forbidden, as prescribed by operation of any statute of the Commonwealth or a substantially similar ordinance of any county, city or town, to operate a motor vehicle in the Commonwealth shall thereafter drive any motor vehicle or any self-propelled machinery or equipment on any highway in the Commonwealth until the period of such suspension or revocation has terminated or the privilege has been reinstated or a restricted license is issued pursuant to subsection E. For the purposes of this section, the phrase “motor vehicle or any self-propelled machinery or equipment” shall not include mopeds.
C. A violation of subsection B is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
D. Upon a violation of subsection B, the court shall suspend the person’s license or privilege to drive a motor vehicle for the same period for which it had been previously suspended or revoked. In the event the person violated subsection B by driving during a period of suspension or revocation which was not for a definite period of time, the court shall suspend the person’s license, permit or privilege to drive for an additional period not to exceed 90 days, to commence upon the expiration of the previous suspension or revocation or to commence immediately if the previous suspension or revocation has expired.
E. Any person who is otherwise eligible for a restricted license may petition each court that suspended his license pursuant to subsection D for authorization for a restricted license, provided that the period of time for which the license was suspended by the court pursuant to subsection D, if measured from the date of conviction, has expired, even though the suspension itself has not expired. A court may, for good cause shown, authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue a restricted license for any of the purposes set forth in subsection E of § 18.2-271.1.
No restricted license shall be issued unless each court that issued a suspension of the person’s license pursuant to subsection D authorizes the Department to issue a restricted license. Any restricted license issued pursuant to this subsection shall be in effect until the expiration of any and all suspensions issued pursuant to subsection D, except that it shall automatically terminate upon the expiration, cancellation, suspension, or revocation of the person’s license or privilege to drive for any other cause. No restricted license issued pursuant to this subsection shall permit a person to operate a commercial motor vehicle as defined in the Commercial Driver’s License Act (§ 46.2-341.1 et seq.).
The court shall forward to the Commissioner a copy of its authorization entered pursuant to this subsection, which shall specifically enumerate the restrictions imposed and contain such information regarding the person to whom such a license is issued as is reasonably necessary to identify the person. The court shall also provide a copy of its authorization to the person, who may not operate a motor vehicle until receipt from the Commissioner of a restricted license. A copy of the restricted license issued by the Commissioner shall be carried at all times while operating a motor vehicle.
F. Any person who operates a motor vehicle or any self-propelled machinery or equipment in violation of the terms of a restricted license issued pursuant to subsection E of § 18.2-271.1 is not guilty of a violation of this section but is guilty of a violation of § 18.2-272.
§ 46.2-870 Speeding:Maximum speed limits generally.
Except as otherwise provided in this article, the maximum speed limit shall be 55 miles per hour on interstate highways or other limited access highways with divided roadways, nonlimited access highways having four or more lanes, and all state primary highways.
The maximum speed limit on all other highways shall be 55 miles per hour if the vehicle is a passenger motor vehicle, bus, pickup or panel truck, or a motorcycle, but 45 miles per hour on such highways if the vehicle is a truck, tractor truck, or combination of vehicles designed to transport property, or is a motor vehicle being used to tow a vehicle designed for self-propulsion, or a house trailer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, the maximum speed limit shall be 70 miles per hour where indicated by lawfully placed signs, erected subsequent to a traffic engineering study and analysis of available and appropriate accident and law-enforcement data, on:
(i) interstate highways;
(ii) multilane, divided, limited access highways; and
(iii) high-occupancy vehicle lanes if such lanes are physically separated from regular travel lanes.
The maximum speed limit shall be 60 miles per hour where indicated by lawfully placed signs, erected subsequent to a traffic engineering study and analysis of available and appropriate accident and law-enforcement data, on U.S. Route 17, U.S. Route 23, U.S. Route 29, U.S. Route 58, U.S. Alternate Route 58, U.S. Route 301, U.S. Route 360, U.S. Route 460, U.S. Route 501 between the Town of South Boston and the North Carolina state line, State Route 3, and State Route 207 where such routes are nonlimited access, multilane, divided highways.
City of Emporia Drivers License Traffic Violation Attorney
Driving on the roads and highways in Emporia VA without a driver’s license can be more serious than you think. The Virginia motor vehicle code prohibits various different types of driver’s license offenses. Some are just minor infractions like not having a valid driver’s license in your possession and some are more serious like driving intoxicated with a revoked driver’s license due to prior DUI / DWI convictions pursuant to Va. Code 46.2-391. A violation of 46.2-391 can actually be a felony. If you have been charged with a driver’s license traffic violation in Emporia then it would be wise to first consult with a top rated Emporia VA traffic lawyer. Your case may be more serious than you think.
Extensive Experience & Specialized Training Make Better Advocates
Our City of Emporia traffic law firm includes members of some of the most prestigious legal organizations, such as the the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association (VTLA). The VTLA is dedicated to enhancing the skills, knowledge, and professionalism of trial lawyers. Our Emporia VA traffic lawyers receive special training on how to best defend Emporia VA traffic cases every year from this organization among others. You will need a trial lawyer if you have a pending traffic case. Not all lawyers are trial attorneys. It is in your best interests to consult a Emporia VA traffic lawyer with specialized training if you need representation before the Emporia Courts for a traffic violation summons. We will present your best defense!
Emporia VA “AV Preeminent” Traffic Lawyer • Martindale-Hubbell Top Rating
For over 135 years, Martindale-Hubbell has been the authority for evaluating lawyers for their legal ability and ethical standards through a Peer Review Rating system established by judges and attorneys. Riley & Wells Attorneys-A-Law is an Emporia Virginia AV Preeminent® rated traffic violation defense law firm. The top Martindale-Hubbell rating standard. This is awarded to lawyers who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards. Retain a top rated Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated Emporia traffic lawyer for your case. Review the law firm’s legal rating and exercise caution before you retain a City of Emporia traffic attorney with an inferior rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
City of Emporia Traffic Violation Convictions Are Assessed Demerit Points
There are numerous types of DMV demerit point violations. Demerit points are assessed by the DMV when a driver is convicted of a demerit point offense in the Emporia Courts. Demerit points associated with an Emporia conviction remain valid for two years from the date the Emporia VA offense is committed. Different violations carry different point assignments, depending on the seriousness of the offense. Convictions for serious offenses such as reckless driving carry 6 demerit points. One safe driving point is assigned for each full calendar year without any violations or suspensions. A motorist may accumulate a maximum of five safe driving points. For out-of-state drivers, the City of Emporia traffic conviction is eventually reported to the home state DMV.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case!
11/10/2015 | Updated 12/9/2023
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