Top Rated Emporia VA Speeding Ticket Attorneys • 1500+ Reviews
Virginia is strict on speeding. The speed limit is aggressively enforced in Emporia VA. Interstate 95 & Route 58 both run through the heart of Emporia and are heavily patrolled by the Virginia State Troopers, Emporia Police & Greensville County Deputy Sheriffs. An Emporia VA Speeding Ticket is the most common type of traffic violation in Emporia Virginia. Emporia VA police officers do not give much leeway when it comes to issuing speeding tickets. Do not expect to “talk” your way out of a speeding ticket. CAUTION: An Emporia VA reckless driving speeding conviction will on average increase the automobile insurance premium by 73% or $1,046 EACH YEAR according to Insurance.com
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Interstate 95 Speeding Ticket Defense Attorneys Emporia VA
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is a prestigious local Emporia VA law firm located 2 blocks from the courthouse. We are a recognized “Best Law Firm” according to U.S. News & World Report. Our lawyers have amassed over 60 collective years of experience defending speeding ticket cases. Our attorneys are routinely recognized by various legal entities for our superior legal ability and high ethical standards. Motorists who are serious about protecting their driving records and driving privileges require a professional Emporia VA Speeding Ticket Lawyer. You can benefit from our experience. Call us for a free evaluation of your case!
Emporia VA Speeding Ticket Client Review
Virginia Speeding Conviction Penalties
- Excessive fines and court costs
- Assessment of moving violation demerit points
- Possible loss of driving privileges depending on speed and prior convictions
- Possible incarceration if excessive speed violated the reckless driving law
Emporia VA Speeding Ticket Lawyer Reckless Driving Defense Attorney
Virginia law criminalizes driving a motor vehicle faster than 85 miles per hour pursuant to Va. Code 46.2-862. The speed limit on I95 in Emporia is 70 miles per hour. It can be hard to believe, especially for Out-Of-State drivers, but you can be convicted of criminal misdemeanor reckless driving for driving 16 mph over the speed limit on Interstate 95. We defend these type of cases in the Emporia VA courts every week.
Emporia 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 Emporia VA lawyers have been recognized by this publication for speeding ticket defense 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 Emporia VA speeding ticket attorney who has been recognized with this elite award.
Emporia VA Speeding Defense Attorneys Traffic Court
The Emporia VA traffic court or General District Court handles a large case load of cases ranging from speeding tickets, reckless driving, DUI / DWI, running red lights, and other traffic-related offenses. The jurisdiction of this court is limited. The Court is presided over by a Judge. There is no jury option for this Court. The Judge reviews the evidence, listens to the arguments of both the prosecution (often represented by the Emporia law enforcement officer) and the defense, and makes decisions regarding the case. If you receive an Emporia VA speeding ticket and are summoned to appear in the traffic court, then you should consider seeking legal advice before you act. The consequences may be more significant than you think.
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law Defend Emporia 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
- 46.2-873.2 Rural Rustic Roads
- 46.2-874 Business or Residential District
- 46.2-875 Certain Other Highways
- 46.2-877 Impeding the Flow of Traffic
- 46.2-878 Change Speed Limits
- 46.2-878.1 Highway Work Zone
- 46.2-881 Bridges, Tunnels and Interstates
- 46.2-947 Highway Safety Corridor
Traffic Court Representation for Speeding Tickets I-95 Route 58
Our law firm will examine and analyze your case. We use proven strategies to best defend your particular situation. Our lawyers can insure that your rights are protected, that you are not intimidated in the courtroom and that you increase your chances of securing a better result than you would be able to obtain for yourself. Many clients are not from the area. In most cases, we can successfully represent you without you having to return to Court for the trial date. Contact us today about your case. Put our experience to work for you!
Free Emporia VA Speeding Ticket Consultation
Some drivers think they do not need a lawyer for their Emporia VA speeding ticket. The biggest issue with representing yourself is often returning for the trial date. We can typically successfully represent our clients without them having to appear in court. Other considerations include a lack of experience and legal knowledge. Keep in mind that there may be a lot riding on the case depending on your particular circumstances. An experienced Emporia VA speeding ticket lawyer will know the best tactics and options for obtaining the best result. Our lawyers spend a significant amount of time in Emporia courts and are familiar with the habits of the different judges and the law enforcement officers who issue the speeding tickets.
Law Enforcement Use RADAR to Enforce the Speed Limit
Virginia State Troopers and Emporia Police Officers who issue speeding tickets in Emporia VA use RADAR and other speed detection devices to calculate speed evidence accurately. We have a clear understanding of these police RADAR operation requirements in addition to other procedural and technical defenses. Our lawyers spend a significant amount of time in traffic court and are familiar with the habits of the different judges and the law enforcement officers who issue the speeding tickets. This local knowledge can prove to be invaluable in deciding how to defend a case. Our lawyers know how to achieve the best case outcome.
Speeding Ticket Attorney Client Reviews
Emporia VA is a Well Known Speed Trap
Emporia is best known for 2 things: race cars and speed traps. A speed trap is an area of the road where police officers hide in order to detect vehicles exceeding a speed limit. According to a study by Governing magazine, there is a group of small Virginia counties, cities and towns – which includes Emporia – that rely on traffic fines to fund its local government budget. Needless to say Emporia VA police officers aggressively enforce the speed limit. 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.
Virginia Uniform Summons Speeding Ticket Issued by Emporia Police
A Virginia Uniform Summons is the legal document issued by Emporia VA law enforcement officers during a traffic stop for speeding. Most people refer to this document as either a speeding ticket or traffic citation. The summons serves as legal notice for the alleged speeding violation. Signing the summons is not an admission of guilt. The summons advises you that a trial date has been set in Emporia VA General District Court. A law enforcement officer can also issue a summons for criminal offenses such as reckless driving and other misdemeanor offenses. Allow us to review your speeding ticket. We can develop a defense strategy for your Emporia VA speeding ticket case even if you think you are guilty.
Emporia Police Use RADAR to Enforce the Speed Limit
Emporia Police Officers & State Troopers who issue speeding tickets in Emporia 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 attorneys 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 Emporia 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!
Speedometer Calibration Evidence For Emporia Speeding Ticket Cases
There are instances in speeding ticket cases where the defendant is operating a motor vehicle with a defective speedometer. A speedometer calibration may assist the defense. A speedometer calibration is a specialized test performed by certain 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 and if so, by how many miles per hour. An experienced Emporia 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.
Driver Improvement Clinic for Emporia VA Speeding Ticket Cases
There are instances where completing a Virginia DMV approved driver improvement clinic can assist with an Emporia VA speeding ticket defense. Allow us to review your case. There are some instances where completing such a course is not necessary and some instances where completing a course will not benefit your case. An Emporia VA speeding ticket lawyer that specializes in this area will be able to properly advise you. The Virginia DMV approved course is an eight-hour session. These clinics can be completed on-line without our client having to return to Emporia. The driver improvement class educated students about the current traffic laws and teaches defensive driving techniques that can help you avoid and prevent crashes.
Emporia VA Speeding Ticket REDUCED to Defective Equipment is a WIN
In some cases, the Emporia Judge is unwilling to completely dismiss a speeding ticket case completely on a NOT GUILTY verdict. This is where a top rated Emporia VA speeding ticket lawyer can use the defective equipment law or the defective speedometer law to the client’s advantage. The defective equipment law pursuant to Va. Code 46.2-1003 makes it illegal for any person to use defective equipment on a vehicle that is operated on a highway. Va. Code 46.2-1080 is a similar law. Both laws are traffic violations but are non-moving violation no demerit point offenses. So, convincing the Emporia Judge to find our client guilty of defective speedometer or equipment in speeding cases is a win.
Route 58 Speed Enforcement By Emporia Police & State Police
Route 58 is an east–west U.S. Highway that runs for 508 miles from Tennessee to Virginia Beach. Route 58/W. Atlantic Street enters the Emporia community just west of Purdy Road. This highway runs through the city for approximately four miles before it enters Greensville County near the Emporia Greensville Regional Airport. The major intersections include: Route 619/Purdy Road/Wiggins Road), I-95, Route 58 Business, Route 301, Route 614/Reese Street & Route 611/Davis Street. The Emporia Police Department is the lead agency that enforces the speed limit on this highway. State Police also patrol this area. Contact a top rated Emporia VA speeding ticket lawyer to defend your Route 58 speeding ticket.
Virginia State Police Conducting Traffic Initiative On Route 58
Virginia State Police increased patrols on Route 58 from May 13-17, 2024 as part of a safety initiative. The “Southern Virginia US 58 Safety Initiative” was conducted along 116 miles of U.S. Route 58 from Emporia to Danville. Law enforcement claim the goal was to enhance safety of those traveling and conduct traffic safety checks.
“Route 58 is a limited-access highway, so excessive speed and driver distraction put everyone at risk, especially our local residents pulling out from a parking lots or driveways or crossing at an intersection,” said 1/Sgt. S.C. Leslie, Virginia State Police Area 22 Commander.
State police is partnering with local law enforcement including the South Hill Police Department, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, Halifax County Sheriff’s Office, Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office, Greensville County Sheriff’s Office, the town of Lawrenceville Police Department and the Emporia Police Department. This safety initiative comes on the heels of two recent fatal incidents on Route 58 in the Hampton Roads region. One incident involved a sedan and a tractor-trailer that was attempting to make a U-turn in Chesapeake and the other was a single-vehicle crash on US 58 in Suffolk, just east of the eastbound weigh station.
Sources: wavy.com
It’s A Trap! Small Towns Use Traffic Tickets To Collect Big Money From Drivers
12/26/23
According to the Institute for Justice, towns across America continue to rely on an old scheme to generate revenue by turning their police forces into collection agencies to squeeze money out of the citizens they are sworn to protect.
From Texas to Ohio, municipalities are using law enforcement to counteract declining tax bases through the aggressive enforcement of fineable offenses such as speeding. A 2019 report estimated that nearly 600 jurisdictions nationwide generate at least 10% of their general fund revenue through fines and forfeitures.
Speed traps are not new, of course. In 1975, for example, The New York Times reported on an especially lucrative ticket-writing campaign in Fruithurst, Alabama. Yet, the current initiatives erode community trust, harm public safety and sometimes violate Americans’ constitutional rights. And the scale, of both the number of tickets written and the amount of money collected, is astounding.
In Peninsula, Ohio, police used handheld speed cameras to issue 8,900 speeding tickets in only five months this year, generating at least $1.3 million in fines. That’s more than 16 tickets per resident in the community of 536 people. The village, with an annual budget of about $1 million, collected $400,000 in fines. The private company that supplies the cameras, Targeting and Solutions Ltd., received more than $250,000 in fines issued to motorists.
Worse, Peninsula requires individuals to pay a $100 fee to contest a citation in municipal court. Those who can’t afford the fee are stripped of their constitutional right to due process alleges the Institute. Even those who can afford the fee risk nearly doubling the cost of their ticket if the fine is upheld. Even if you believe you’re innocent, the rational thing to do is just to pay. Last week, a judge ordered the village to suspend the fee.
Other municipalities have enacted their own policing-for-profit programs. In Brookside, Alabama, the town of about 1,200 residents saw its revenue increase more than 640% in only two years, according to AL.com, after police began an aggressive traffic stop and ticket-writing campaign. Fines and forfeitures made up almost half of the town’s budget.
In Texas, Coffee City, with a population of about 250 people, hired 50 full-time and reserve police officers, who wrote more than 5,000 citations last year. The town collected more than $1 million in fines.
Courts have recognized that generating more than 10% of revenue from fines and fees raises serious constitutional concerns. Peninsula generated four times that percentage, Brookside five times, Coffee City six times.
Moreover, these programs often violate other constitutional rights like protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, or the prohibition against the issuance of excessive fines. Beyond these constitutional problems, a 2019 study performed by the Institute for Justice showed that a heavy reliance on fines or fees can reduce a community’s trust and cooperation with its police department. An unrelated 2018 study found cities that rely on fines solve violent and property crimes at significantly lower rates.
Nothing about these schemes has anything to do with helping the public alleges the Institute. If it did, municipalities wouldn’t need to engineer bogus reasons to pull someone over or impose fees designed to dissuade individuals from appealing their tickets.
If Peninsula’s program was meant to promote public safety, as officials claim, the village would’ve done more to warn the 12,000 visitors who pass through town while visiting Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Instead, Peninsula warned its residents that the tickets would be coming, but provided no such alert to visitors.
No government should be allowed to treat citizens like ATMs. The Constitution is meant to safeguard the American people from government abuses like this. The Institute for Justice has sued dozens of local governments for infringing on citizens’ rights by collecting unreasonable fees through procedures that violate individuals’ rights to due process. In Peninsula, the institute warned village officials that they needed to bring their speed enforcement program into compliance with the Constitution or face a lawsuit.
These revenue-generating initiatives are a nuisance to communities across America. They abuse people’s civil liberties, destroy community trust and harm public safety. Luckily, the liberties enshrined in the Constitution can help Americans stand up to towns like Peninsula and force them to stop treating citizens like walking piggy banks.
Source: usatoday.com
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11/10/2015 | Updated 10/5/2024