Top Rated Wythe County VA Speeding Ticket Lawyer • 1500+ Reviews
A Wythe County Speeding Ticket is a very common type of traffic violation in Wythe County VA. The Wythe County Sheriff’s Office and State Police diligently patrol the County. These law enforcement officers are serious about enforcing the speed limit on Interstates 81 & 77 and other significant state highways. Every traffic case goes before the Judge for trial. It is wise to seek counsel from a professional Wythe County VA Speeding Ticket Lawyer because a conviction can negatively affect you in many ways. CAUTION: A reckless driving speeding conviction will, on average, increase the automobile insurance premium by 73%, according to Insurance.com
Put our experience to work for you – Let us review your case!
30,000+ Clients Represented
1500+ Client Reviews
60+ Years of Combined Experience
Experienced Wythe County VA Speeding Ticket Lawyers
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is a prominent law firm that specializes in defending Wythe VA speeding ticket cases. Our firm is a recognized “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report. We represent clients accused of speeding offenses throughout Wythe County VA. Our lawyers have defended thousands of speeding cases and have amassed over 60 years of collective traffic law experience. We are the Wythe County VA Speeding Ticket Lawyers that clients want to represent them. We examine each case in detail and use every resource the law allows to secure our client’s best possible outcome. We have been positively reviewed more than any other law firm that defends Wythe VA speeding tickets.
Most Rated Speeding Ticket Lawyer Wythe County VA Representation
Virginia Speeding Ticket Penalties
- Excessive fines and court costs
- Assessment of moving violation demerit points
- Loss of driving privileges depending on speed and prior convictions
- Possible incarceration if excessive speed violated the reckless driving law
Wythe County VA Speeding Ticket Reckless Driving Attorneys
The most serious type of speeding ticket is the reckless driving speeding ticket. The maximum speed limit on Interstates 81 & 77 in Wythe County is 70 mph. Driving 86 mph or 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit in Virginia is a reckless driving violation pursuant to Va. Code 46.2-862. Reckless driving in Virginia is classified as a criminal misdemeanor. It can be hard to believe, especially for licensed drivers from other states, but you can be convicted of criminal misdemeanor reckless driving for traveling 86 miles per hour in a 70 mph speed zone in Wythe County, VA.
Wythe VA Speeding Defense Attorneys Traffic Court
The most serious type of Wythe Speeding Ticket and the one that probably gets the most attention from motorists is the Reckless Driving Speeding Ticket while traveling Interstate 81 & Interstate 77. The facts of each Wythe County case can vary, but we have the knowledge and expertise to select the best defenses and arguments for your particular circumstances. We examine each case and use every resource the law allows to secure the client’s best possible outcome under the law.
Free Wythe VA Speeding Ticket Consultation with Top Rated Lawyers
The biggest issue with representing yourself before the Wythe General District Court for a speeding ticket is making it to Court on the trial date. Other considerations involve the lack of experience and legal knowledge. The average motorist does not understand the best course of action. Experienced Wythe VA speeding ticket lawyers know the best tactics for obtaining great results. Our Wythe County VA speeding ticket lawyers spend hours in the Wythe Courts weekly and are familiar with the habits of the judges and the law enforcement officers who issue speeding tickets. This local knowledge can prove to be invaluable in deciding how to best defend a Wythe County VA speeding ticket.
Wythe VA Speeding Attorneys Recognized by Virginia Super Lawyers
Super Lawyers is a lawyer rating service of outstanding attorneys from over 70 practice areas including speeding ticket defense who have attained the highest degree of recognition and achievement. This organization recognizes top lawyers nationwide using a patented process of independent research and peer input. Our Wythe County VA speeding ticket 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 top rated Wythe County VA speeding ticket attorney who has been recognized with this elite award.
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law Defend Wythe County VA Speeding Tickets
- 46.2-862 Reckless Driving – Speeding
- 46.2-870 Speeding
- 46.2-871 School Buses
- 46.2-872 Vehicles Under Special Permits
- 46.2-873 School Zone
- 46.2-873.1 Nonsurface Treated Highways
- 46.2-874 Business or Residential District
- 46.2-875 Certain Other Highways
- 46.2-877 Impeding the Flow of Traffic
- 46.2-878 Authority to Change Speed Limits
- 46.2-878.1 Highway Work Zone
- 46.2-878.2 Certain Residential Districts
- 46.2-881 Bridges, Tunnels and Interstates
- 46.2-947 Highway Safety Corridor
Law Enforcement Use RADAR to Aggressively Patrol Wythe County
Wythe County Deputy Sheriffs, State Police & local police use various speed detection devices to aggressively enforce the speed limits on Interstates 81 & 77, state routes 11 & 21 as well as other highways throughout Wythe County. We regularly represent clients before the Courts and defend their speeding ticket cases. Our Wythe County VA speeding ticket attorneys have extensive experience and a clear understanding of what the prosecution must prove. We are familiar with law enforcement methods of detecting speed. Allow our attorneys to use this knowledge and experience to present your best defense.
A Virginia Uniform Summons is the Speeding Ticket Issued by Wythe Police
A Virginia Uniform Summons is the legal document issued by Wythe County VA law enforcement officers during a traffic stop for speeding. Most people refer to this document as a speeding ticket. The summons serves as legal notice for the alleged speeding 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 reckless driving due to excessive speed. Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor offense. Allow us to review your Wythe County VA speeding ticket.
Speeding Ticket Defense Attorneys in Wythe County VA
The facts of each case can vary. We have the expertise to present the best defenses and arguments for your particular case. Some people don’t think they need a Wythe County VA Speeding Ticket Lawyer. This may be true in some instances, but a Wythe County Traffic Attorney can insure that your rights are protected, that you are not intimidated in the courtroom and that you increase your chances of securing the best result. The biggest issues with representing yourself in traffic court is the lack of experience and legal knowledge. The average driver typically does not understand the best course of action to defend a particular case.
Out of State Motorist Speeding Ticket in Wythe County VA
Out-of-state drivers are frequently pulled over by Wythe Police and State Police for speeding violations. Do not be so quick to dismiss your Wythe County VA speeding ticket if this has happened to you. A conviction will be reported back to the home state Department of Motor Vehicles along with the automobile insurance company. Exercise caution because sometimes what you think is a speeding ticket is actually a reckless driving criminal misdemeanor case. Many of our clients are not from the area or are drivers from other states such as Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, West Virginia & Ohio because large numbers of motorists drive through Wythe County on I-81 & I-77.
Wythe Police Use RADAR to Enforce the Speed Limit
Wythe Deputy Sheriffs & State Troopers who issue speeding tickets in Wythe use RADAR and other speed detection devices to calculate speed evidence. We understand police equipment requirements in addition to other procedural and technical defenses. Our Wythe County VA speeding ticket lawyers excel at presenting the most effective legal strategy and advocacy techniques to ensure our client receives the best outcome possible. There are several key steps that must be followed in order for a Wythe law enforcement officer’s testimony about a speed detection result can be admissible. Va. Code 46.2-882 must also be followed by the prosecution in speeding cases. Put our experience of our traffic ticket lawyers to work for you!
Wythe Speeding Ticket in Virginia Cases Are Adversarial
If you have been issued a Wythe speeding ticket, then your case will eventually be set for trial before the General District Court. Trials are adversarial. This involves a structured and formalized dispute between the Wythe prosecutor’s office and the defense. The adversarial system is designed to ensure a fair trial process subject to the rules of law and evidence by allowing each side to present their case and to be able to challenge the other’s case. The Wythe judge evaluates the evidence and arguments. This system ensures that the prosecution meets its high standard of proof. Do not come to court and say I was not speeding and expect that to work.
“AV Preeminent” Traffic Lawyers Wythe County VA for Speeding
For over 135 years, Martindale-Hubbell has been the authority for evaluating lawyers for legal ability and ethical standards through an established Peer Review Rating system. Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law are AV Preeminent® rated Wythe County VA Speeding Ticket Lawyers. The top Martindale-Hubbell rating standard. This is awarded to accomplished attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards. Retain a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated Wythe VA speeding ticket lawyer for your speeding case. Review the lawyer or law firm’s legal rating along with any prior client reviews and exercise caution before you retain a Wythe VA attorney with an inferior rating for ability and ethics.
Speedometer Calibration For Wythe VA Speeding Ticket Cases
There are instances in Wythe speeding ticket cases where the motorist is operating a vehicle with a defective speedometer. A speedometer calibration may assist our top Wythe VA speeding ticket lawyer. A speedometer calibration is a specialized test performed by qualified mechanics that measures the accuracy of a vehicle’s speedometer. Not just any mechanic can perform this type of diagnostic test. The test comes with a report showing whether the speedometer was off or not. An experienced Wythe County VA speeding ticket lawyer will introduce evidence of the calibration results pursuant to Va. Code 46.2-942. Such evidence shall be considered by the court in both determining guilt or innocence and in fixing punishment.
Wythe VA School Zone Camera Photo Speeding Ticket
Virginia law allows cities to operate speed cameras in school zones during peak hours. Wythe County officials operate a school zone speed camera program with intensified speed limit enforcement in school zones along Routes 11, 52, and 21. These cameras, active during school hours, utilize LIDAR technology—a laser measurement system known for producing the most accurate, reliable, and irrefutable evidence of speeding. The cameras capture photos of speeding violations, which are then certified by an officer before a citation is mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner. The use of stationary cameras in school zones and highway construction zones is authorized by Virginia State Code 46.2-882.1. Speed enforcement areas are clearly marked with flashing highway signs.
Wythe County Ordinance 2022-2 Camera Speed Monitoring Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. 2022-2
CAMERA SPEED MONITORING AND ENFORCEMENT IN HIGHWAY
WORK ZONES AND SCHOOL CROSSING ZONES
ORDINANCE
OF WYTHE COUNTY, VIRGINIA
This Wythe County Ordinance was adopted pursuant to the authority of Virginia Code Annotated § 46.2-
882.1, as amended.
(a) For purposes of this section, “highway work zone” has the same meaning ascribed to it in Code of Virginia, § 46.2-878.1. “Photo speed monitoring device” means equipment that uses radar or LIDAR-based speed detection and produces one or more photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, or other recorded images of vehicles. “School crossing zone” has the same meaning ascribed to it in Code of Virginia, § 46.2-873.
(b) The Wythe County Sheriff may install and operate photo speed monitoring devices, within the boundaries of Wythe County, in school crossing zones for the purposes of recording violations of Code of Virginia, § 46.2-873 and in highway work zones for the purposes of recording violations of Code of Virginia, § 46.2-878.1.
(c) The operator of a vehicle in Wythe County shall be liable for a monetary civil penalty imposed pursuant to this section if such vehicle is found, as evidenced by information obtained from a photo speed monitoring device, to be traveling at speeds of at least 10 miles per hour above the posted school crossing zone or highway work zone speed limit within such school crossing zone or highway work zone, while such zone is active. Such civil penalties shall be $100.00.
Any prosecution under this section shall be instituted and conducted in the same manner as prosecution for Wythe County VA traffic infractions. Civil penalties collected under this section resulting from a summons issued by the Wythe County Sheriff shall be paid to Wythe County.
(d) If a photo speed monitoring device is used, proof of a violation of Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1 shall be evidenced by information obtained from such device.
A certificate, or a facsimile thereof, sworn to or affirmed by a law enforcement officer employed by Wythe County authorized to impose penalties pursuant to this section, based upon inspection of photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, or other recorded images produced by a photo speed monitoring device, shall be prima facie evidence of the facts contained therein.
Any photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, or other recorded images evidencing such a violation shall be available for inspection in any proceeding to adjudicate the liability for such violation of Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1.
(e) In the speeding ticket prosecution for a violation of Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1 in which a summons was issued by mail, prima facie evidence that the vehicle described in the summons issued pursuant to this section was operated in violation of Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1, together with proof that the defendant was at the time of such violation the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle, shall constitute in evidence a rebuttable presumption that such owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle was the person who committed the violation.
Such presumption shall be rebutted if the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle
(i) files an affidavit by regular mail with the clerk of the general district court for Wythe County that he was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation and provides the name and address of the person who was operating the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation or
(ii) testifies in open court, under oath that he was not the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation and provides the name and address of the person who was operating the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation.
Such presumption shall also be rebutted if a certified copy of a police report, showing that the vehicle had been reported to the police as stolen prior to the time of the alleged violation of Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1, is presented, prior to the return date established on the summons issued pursuant to this section, to the general district court for the County adjudicating the alleged violation.
(f) Imposition of a civil penalty pursuant to this section by mailing a summons shall not be deemed a conviction as an operator and shall not be made a part of the operating record of the person upon whom such liability is imposed, nor shall it be used for insurance purposes in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage.
However, if a Wythe County VA law enforcement officer uses a photo speed monitoring device to record a violation of Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1 and personally issues a summons at the time of the violation, the conviction that results shall be made a part of such driver’s driving record and used for insurance purposes in the provision of motor vehicle insurance coverage. (In this instance, you may likely need the assistance of a Wythe County VA speeding ticket lawyer)
(g) A summons for a violation of Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1 issued by mail pursuant to this section may be executed pursuant to Code of Virginia, § 19.2-76.2.
Notwithstanding the provisions of Code of Virginia, § 19.2-76, a Wythe County VA speeding ticket issued by mail pursuant to this section may be executed by mailing by first class mail a copy thereof to the address of the owner, lessee, or renter of the vehicle. In the case of a vehicle owner, the copy shall be mailed to the address contained in the records of or accessible to the department of motor vehicles.
In the case of a vehicle lessee or renter, the copy shall be mailed to the address contained in the records of the lessee or renter. Every such mailing shall include, in addition to the summons, a notice of (i) the summoned person’s ability to rebut the presumption that he was the operator of the vehicle at the time of the alleged violation through the filing of an affidavit as provided above and (ii) instructions for filing such affidavit, including the address to which the affidavit is to be sent.
If the summoned person fails to appear on the date of return set out in the summons mailed pursuant to this section, the Wythe County VA speeding ticket shall be executed in the manner set out in Code of Virginia, § 19.2-76.3. No proceedings for contempt or arrest of a person summoned by mailing shall be instituted for failure to appear on the return date of the summons.
If the Wythe VA speeding ticket is issued to an owner, lessee, or renter of a vehicle with a registration outside the commonwealth and such person fails to appear on the date of return set out in the summons mailed pursuant to this section, the summons will be eligible for all legal collections activities.
Any Wythe VA speeding ticket executed pursuant to and for a violation of Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1 issued pursuant to this section shall provide to the person summoned at least 30 days following the mailing of the summons to inspect information collected by a photo speed monitoring device in connection with the violation.
If the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office does not execute a summons for a violation of Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1 issued pursuant to this section within 30 days following the date of the violation, all information collected pertaining to the suspected violation shall be purged within 60 days following the date of the violation.
(h) A private vendor may enter into an agreement with the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office to be compensated for providing a photo speed monitoring device and all related support services, including consulting, operations and administration.
However, only a law enforcement officer may swear to or affirm the certificate required by this section. Any such agreement for compensation shall be based on the value of the goods and services provided, not on the number of violations paid or monetary penalties imposed.
Any private entity contracting with a law enforcement agency pursuant to this section may enter into an agreement with the department of motor vehicles, in accordance with the provisions of subdivision B 31 of Code of Virginia, § 46.2-208, to obtain vehicle owner information regarding the registered owners of vehicles that committed a violation of Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1. Any such information provided to such private vendor shall be protected in a database.
(i) Information collected by a photo speed monitoring device operated pursuant to this section shall be limited exclusively to that information that is necessary for the enforcement of school crossing zone and highway work zone speeding violations.
Information provided to the operator of photo speed monitoring device shall be protected in a database and used only for enforcement against individuals who violate this section or Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all photographs, microphotographs, videotapes, or other personal information collected by a photo speed monitoring device shall be used exclusively for enforcing school crossing zone and highway work zone speed limits and shall not be
(i) open to the public;
(ii) sold or used for sales, solicitation, or marketing
purposes;
(iii) disclosed to any other entity except as may be necessary for the enforcement of school crossing zone and highway work zone speed limits or to a vehicle owner or operator as part of a challenge to the violation; or
(iv) be used in a court in a pending action or proceeding unless the action or proceeding relates to a violation of this section or Code of Virginia, §§ 46.2-873 or 46.2-878.1, or such information is requested upon order from a court of competent jurisdiction. Information collected under this section pertaining to a specific violation shall be purged and not retained later than 60 days after the collection of any civil penalties.
The Wythe County Sheriff shall annually certify compliance with this section and make all records pertaining to such system available for inspection and audit by the commissioner of highways or the commissioner of the department of motor vehicles or his designee.
Any person who discloses personal information in violation of the provisions of this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000.00 per disclosure. Any unauthorized use or disclosure of such personal information shall be grounds for termination of the agreement between the department of motor vehicles and the private entity.
(j) Conspicuous signs shall be placed within 1,000 feet of any school crossing zone or highway work zone at which a photo speed monitoring device is used, indicating the use of the device. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that such sign was in place at the time of the commission of the speed limit violation.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of YOUR case!
6/26/2021 | Updated 9/18/2024