Top Rated Norfolk VA Traffic Lawyer • 1500+ Reviews
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is an established law firm. We specialize in defending traffic violation cases. Our lawyers represent clients before the Norfolk General District Court and possess over 60 years of combined traffic law experience. We are recognized for superior legal ability and high ethical standards. Our firm is recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report. Our attorneys examine each traffic case in detail. There are many strategies that an experienced Norfolk VA traffic lawyer must know. We strive to secure the best outcome for your case. Our lawyers have been positively reviewed more times than any other law firm that defends Norfolk VA traffic cases.
Norfolk Defense Services
- Norfolk VA Overview
- Norfolk DUI / DWI Lawyer
- Norfolk Reckless Driving Lawyer
- Norfolk Speeding Ticket Lawyer
- Norfolk Criminal Defense Lawyer
For broader statewide guidance, see our Virginia Traffic Lawyer page.
Experienced Traffic Law Attorneys For Norfolk VA Cases
Virginia law classifies traffic violations into 3 categories of offenses. Felony, misdemeanor, and minor traffic infraction violations. Virginia State Troopers & Norfolk police officers strictly enforce these traffic laws. Do not expect to get a warning. Interstates 64, 264, Granby St./Church St./Route 460 & Virginia Beach Boulevard/Route 58 are the more heavily travelled highways targeted by law enforcement for traffic violations. Out-of-state drivers also frequently find themselves needing representation in Norfolk VA for their traffic cases. In many cases, we can successfully defend these cases without our client having to return on the trial date. CAUTION: Convictions for traffic violations can increase the automobile insurance premium by as much as 79% according to a study conducted by Insurance.com
Most Rated Norfolk VA Traffic Lawyer Client Review
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law Defend Norfolk VA Traffic Violations
- Aggressive driving
- Out-of-state drivers
- Speeding ticket
- Accidents
- Moving violations
- Fail to yield to emergency vehicle
- No valid driver’s license
- No automobile insurance
- Reckless Driving
- Fail to “Move Over”
- Suspended driver’s license
- Handheld cellphone use while driving
- Habitual offender
- Hit & Run
- DUI
- Eluding the police
- License restoration
- Commercial driver violations
- Driving revoked 18.2-272
Free Consultation with Most Rated Norfolk VA Traffic Lawyers
Some folks think they do not need a Norfolk VA traffic lawyer for their case. One of the biggest issues with representing yourself is being able to make it to the Norfolk courthouse for trial. Most people do not understand the best course of action to defend a particular traffic case. Experienced Norfolk VA traffic attorneys know the best tactics and options for obtaining the best results. Our traffic attorneys spend hours in the Norfolk VA Courts every week and are familiar with the habits of the judges and the law enforcement officers who make the arrests and issue tickets for traffic violations. This local knowledge is invaluable in order to present the best defense.
Norfolk VA Traffic Attorney Recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers is a legal rating service of outstanding attorneys from over 70 practice areas including traffic law who have attained the highest degree of recognition and professional achievement. This organization recognizes the nation’s top rated lawyers using a patented process of independent research and peer input. Our Norfolk 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 Norfolk VA traffic attorney who has been recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers with this elite award.
Norfolk Virginia Traffic Courts Are Adversarial By Design
If you have been accused of a Norfolk VA traffic violation, then your case will eventually be set for trial before the Norfolk General District Court. Trials are adversarial in nature. This involves a structured and formalized dispute between the defense and the Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney. The adversarial system ensures 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 Norfolk judge evaluates the evidence, arguments, and reaches a verdict. This system ensures that the prosecution meets its high standard of proof. Our lawyers in Norfolk VA can help you with your traffic violation.
Virginia Uniform Summons Traffic Ticket Issued by Norfolk Police
A Virginia Uniform Summons is the legal document issued by Norfolk VA law enforcement officers during a traffic stop. Motorists often refer to this document as either a traffic ticket or citation. The summons serves as legal notice for the alleged traffic violation. Signing the summons is not an admission of guilt. The summons advises you that a hearing will be at the Norfolk Courthouse on a particular date and time. Law enforcement can also issue a summons for criminal offenses such as reckless driving and other misdemeanor offenses. Allow our top rated Norfolk VA traffic lawyers to review your summons. We can develop a defense strategy even if you think you are guilty.
Legal Elite Norfolk Traffic Attorney by Virginia Business
Virginia Business is dedicated to covering legal activity in Norfolk VA. In cooperation with the Virginia Bar Association, they have been recognizing Top Virginia Attorneys including those who practice traffic law with its Legal Elite Award since 2000. There are over 23,000 legal practitioners in the Commonwealth. Legal Elite recognitions are awarded to approximately 1400 attorneys each year. This is an exclusive list of top rated individuals who have been recognized for excellence. Only outstanding and experienced professionals are recognized for being Legal Elite. A lawyer cannot purchase his or her way in to being recognized as a member of the Virginia Business Legal Elite community. Allow a Legal Elite Norfolk VA traffic attorney to review your case.
Out of State Driver Retain Top Rated Traffic Lawyer Norfolk VA
Norfolk is along the Interstate 64 corridor. Millions of travelers use this highway every day. Out-of-state drivers must defend their Norfolk 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. As such, many licensed drivers from states like North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut & Massachusetts drive through the Norfolk VA community. In many instances, we can motion to waive our client’s appearance so that our client does not have to return to Norfolk VA for the trial. Let our traffic ticket lawyers in Norfolk review your case!
Exceptional Traffic Court Representation Norfolk VA
Traffic cases goes before the Judge on the trial date in the Norfolk General District Court. The defendant motorist must either retain a Norfolk VA traffic lawyer or the motorist must appear in court to defend the case. The procedural rules of trial are very rigid and are followed closely by the Judge. Non lawyers are often confused by these rigid procedural rules, especially the rules of evidence. Evidence and arguments are presented to the Judge. Improve your chances of successfully defending your case by retaining a top rated Norfolk VA traffic lawyer who will present your best defense. Let us review your case! We can protect you even if you think you are guilty.
Experienced Norfolk Traffic Lawyer
Title 46.2 of the Virginia Motor Vehicle Code classifies traffic offenses. Offenses can range from minor traffic infractions to serious criminal felony offenses. The Norfolk Police Department and State Troopers aggressively enforce these traffic laws. Most Norfolk VA traffic violations are issued on a Virginia Uniform Summons, commonly known as the ticket. More serious offense such as DUI, eluding the police and leaving the scene of an accident (hit and run) will trigger an arrest.
Superb Avvo Rated Norfolk Virginia Traffic Lawyers
The Avvo Rating can help you find the right Norfolk Virginia traffic lawyer. 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 Norfolk traffic law firm maintain a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating. Avvo gathers relevant information from state bar associations, other organizations that license 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 Norfolk VA traffic attorney who is not properly rated.
Petition Norfolk Circuit Court to Restore Virginia Driving Privileges
Convictions for Norfolk VA traffic violations will revoke Virginia driving privileges. This can be true with certain DUI DWI convictions or an old Habitual Offender revocation. In many cases, a driving privilege revocation requires a Petition to Restore Driving Privileges to be filed and argued before the Norfolk Circuit Court. We frequently represent clients with this Petition. In many instances our client now resides in another state and needs to resolve an old Virginia suspension or revocation of driving privileges. This scenario require the petitioner to clear up his/her Virginia status in the National Driver Registry
Representation for I-64 Norfolk VA Traffic Violations
I-64 enters the City of Norfolk after exiting the Hampton Roads Bay Bridge Tunnel. There are over 12 miles of I-64 highway in Norfolk. An I-64 Norfolk traffic ticket and the associated penalty if convicted can jeopardize your future. Our professional Norfolk VA traffic lawyers can assist you with your Norfolk traffic case. Most traffic ticket violations are classified as moving violations. These offenses can trigger various negative consequences. We can protect your driving record and automobile insurance policy. Incarceration and loss of driving privileges are imposed by the Court in more serious cases. Our Norfolk traffic ticket lawyer can help you secure the best outcome.
I-64 Traffic Enforcement Hot Zones in Norfolk Virginia
1. I-64 @ Military Highway Interchange (Exit 281)
This is the most targeted hot zone for traffic violations in Norfolk. It is heavily enforced by State Police due to:
- Multi-lane weaving
- Sudden speed changes
- High crash frequency
- Heavy commercial truck volume
2. I-64 @ Norfolk International Airport (Exit 279 / Norview Avenue)
This area is a major enforcement zone due to:
- High out-of-state driver volume
- Confusing merge patterns
- Rental car traffic accelerating too quickly
3. I-64 Between Norview Avenue → Northampton Blvd (Exits 279–282)
State Troopers routinely monitor this area for traffic violations due to:
- Long straightaways encourage high speeds
- Heavy traffic entering/exiting Naval Station Norfolk
- Frequent aggressive driving during rush hour
- Westbound congestion and weaving
4. I-64 @ Chesapeake Boulevard (Exit 283)
Drivers often speed up immediately after leaving the Norfolk Airport corridor and this area contains high-density commuter traffic heading toward the HRBT
5. I-64 Approaching the HRBT (Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel)
This area is heavily enforced for Norfolk traffic violations due to heavy congestion, sudden braking, rear-end collisions and drivers speeding before hitting tunnel backups.
6. I-64 Ramp to I-564 / Naval Base (Exit 276)
The Naval Station Norfolk traffic is massive. High commuter speeds and weaving from lane to lane make this area ripe for enforcement by State Police and Norfolk Police.
Holding Cell Phone While Driving is a Norfolk VA Traffic Violation
The Norfolk law enforcement community aggressively enforces the Virginia “Hands Free” driving law. The law prohibits having a phone or handheld personal communication device in your hand while driving pursuant to Va. Code §46.2-818.2. Norfolk police officers do not need to obtain evidence that you were doing anything in particular on the phone or device like texting to prove a violation. This offense is a moving violation demerit point offense. A conviction will post to the driving record. However, there are exceptions. The hands free law does not apply to drivers who are lawfully parked or stopped, drivers reporting emergencies, and drivers using an amateur or citizens band radio.
Penalties for Norfolk VA Traffic Violations
- Maximum $2,500 fine
- Incarceration
- Loss of driving privileges
- Moving violation demerit points
- Increased automobile insurance premiums
- Employment issues
Hit & Run Leave Scene of Norfolk Accident Case DISMISSED
Our Norfolk VA traffic lawyers defended a client accused of felony hit and run, which is also called leaving the scene of an accident. The crash involved personal injury to a pedestrian. The client was driving through an intersection when the crash occurred. The car struck an object later determined to be a pedestrian near a crosswalk. There were injuries. The client circled the block to return to the scene of the accident. The client explained to police that she never saw a pedestrian. The Judge agreed with our argument and dismissed the case.
Representation for I-264 Norfolk VA Traffic Violations
I-264 enters the City of Norfolk after exiting the Downtown Tunnel. There are over 5 miles of Interstate 264 before the interstate reaches Virginia Beach. Most of this stretch of I-264 is heavily congested. The penalties associated with an I-264 Norfolk traffic conviction can jeopardize your future. Our professional Norfolk VA traffic lawyers know how to best defend I-264 traffic violations. Most traffic ticket violations are classified as moving violations. These violations can trigger various negative consequences. We can protect your driving record and automobile insurance policy. Incarceration and loss of driving privileges are imposed by the Court in more serious cases. Our I-264 Norfolk traffic ticket lawyer can help you secure the best outcome.
Areas of I-264 in Norfolk that are heavily enforced by the police
| Location | Why a Hot Spot & How Enforced |
|---|---|
| I-264 around the downtown-tunnel / drawbridge & bridge crossings (e.g. Berkley Bridge / drawbridge segment into downtown) | Drawbridges and tunnels on I-264 usually mean speed limit changes, merging, and braking/acceleration. This area is a common spot for police to run RADAR for speed enforcement in addition to looking for “unsafe-speed/unsafe-driving” traffic violations. |
| Western-Norfolk portions leading toward major interchanges / merge zones (on-ramps/off-ramps) | These I-264 merge areas tend to have heavy State Police enforcement activity due to lane-change violations, speeding violations before or after ramps and enforcement of unsafe lane changes or improper merges. This area is also a well known speed trap. |
| Long straight/uninterrupted stretches east or west of downtown where traffic “flows fast” | State police use RADAR/LIDAR in this area. |
| Areas with recent crash history or high accident frequency on I-264 within city limits | Accident and crash risk are increased here due to curves, bridge zones, merge zones and high-density traffic after dark. State Police aggressively investigate traffic crashes and frequently charge those drivers they believe have committed a traffic violation. |
Our Norfolk VA traffic lawyers regularly represent clients in the Norfolk General District Court who have been charged with a traffic violation while driving on I-264 in Norfolk. We have a track record of successfully defending these types of cases. Let us review your I-264 traffic case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Norfolk Traffic Charges
What court handles traffic charges in Norfolk?
Many Norfolk traffic charges begin in the Norfolk General District Court at 150 St. Paul’s Boulevard. That includes many speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, driving on a suspended license matters, and other traffic-related cases. More serious or appealed cases may proceed in the Norfolk Circuit Court depending on the charge and posture of the case.
Are all Norfolk traffic offenses just minor tickets?
No. Some traffic matters are simple infractions, but others are criminal offenses under Virginia law. The exact charge, the code section, the driver’s record, and the surrounding facts can all affect how serious the case may be.
What should I review before my Norfolk traffic court date?
It helps to review the summons, the exact charge, the code section if listed, the court date, and the location of the stop. Writing down what happened while the details are still fresh can also be useful.
Can a Norfolk traffic conviction affect my driving record or insurance?
Yes. Depending on the charge, a conviction may affect DMV points, insurance costs, and in some situations employment or driving privileges. That is one reason it helps to understand the exact allegation before prepaying or going to court.
What if I live outside Norfolk or outside Virginia?
You should still take the case seriously. A Norfolk traffic conviction may still affect your record and may be reported to your home state depending on the type of offense. Out-of-state drivers should not assume that distance makes the case less important.
Reckless Driving by Speed in Norfolk 80/55 NOT GUILTY
Our Norfolk traffic ticket attorney represented a client from North Carolina for reckless driving because she was driving too fast. The State Trooper used R.A.D.A.R. to calculate speed. The State Trooper alleged a criminal misdemeanor reckless driving violation pursuant to Va. Code 46.2-862 due to the speed of 80 mph in a 55 mph speed zone. We were able to appear in the Norfolk Court for our client without her having to return. We were successful with arguments to protect our client. We convinced the Judge to dismiss the case.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of YOUR case!
5/17/2024 | Updated 4/3/2026