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Traffic Violation Defense That Protects Your License and Your Future

A traffic citation may seem minor compared to other legal matters, but in Virginia, many traffic offenses carry consequences that can upend your life. Reckless driving is a criminal offense. A DUI can cost you your license, your job, and your freedom. Even seemingly routine violations can lead to demerit points, skyrocketing insurance rates, and a suspended license.


At Bruce H. Russell, II, P.C., our attorneys understand the seriousness of traffic charges in Virginia and fight hard to minimize or eliminate the consequences for our clients. We have been handling traffic cases in Southwest Virginia courts for nearly 25 years, and we know the strategies that work.


We have four office locations for your convenience. 

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Traffic Violations We Handle

Our firm handles a wide range of traffic and driving-related charges, including:

  • Reckless driving (speed-based and general reckless driving)
  • Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI)
  • Eluding or fleeing law enforcement
  • Interstate traffic violations and out-of-state driver cases
  • Driving on a suspended or revoked license
  • Speeding and aggressive driving
  • Improper passing and failure to yield
  • Cell phone and distracted driving violations
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Reckless Driving

In Virginia, reckless driving is not merely a traffic infraction — it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the same classification as assault. A conviction can result in:


  • Jail time of up to 12 months
  • Fines up to $2,500
  • Six demerit points on your Virginia driving record
  • License suspension
  • A permanent criminal record


Common reckless driving charges include driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit and driving over 85 mph regardless of the speed limit. Our attorneys examine every aspect of your case, from the calibration of the speed-measuring device to the specific road and weather conditions at the time of the stop.

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Traffic stop: driver raises hands while officer holds out a breathalyzer beside the car window.
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DUI and DWI

A driving under the influence charge is among the most life-altering traffic offenses a Virginia driver can face. Potential consequences of a DUI conviction include:


  • Mandatory minimum fines and court costs
  • Jail time, even for a first offense
  • License suspension and ignition interlock requirements
  • Mandatory completion of an alcohol safety action program
  • Long-term increases in auto insurance premiums
  • A permanent criminal record that can affect employment


We represent clients at every stage of a DUI case, from the initial hearing through trial, challenging the traffic stop itself, field sobriety test administration, and the reliability of breathalyzer and blood test results.

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Eluding and Interstate Cases

Charges for eluding or fleeing from a police officer are taken extremely seriously by Virginia courts and can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. For out-of-state drivers cited on I-81, I-77, or other Southwest Virginia interstates, our attorneys can appear in court on your behalf so you don't have to return for hearings.

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Why Traffic Charges Deserve Serious Legal Attention

Many people make the mistake of simply paying a traffic fine without consulting an attorney. In Virginia, paying a fine is often treated as an admission of guilt and results in demerit points on your record. Accumulating too many points can trigger license suspension. In cases of reckless driving or DUI, you must appear in court and may face criminal penalties; simply paying the fine is not an option.

Don't Let a Traffic Charge Derail Your Life

Contact Bruce H. Russell, II, P.C., today to speak with a traffic defense attorney. We serve clients throughout Southwest Virginia from four convenient office locations in Bristol, Abingdon, Tazewell, and Lebanon.