Don’t Have A Reckless Driving Charge On Your Record

Reckless driving is a criminal offense. You don’t want a criminal record. You need a formidable criminal defense lawyer who knows how to defend you against this charge in northern Virginia. At Williams Stone, PC, we protect innocent drivers from charges of reckless driving throughout the state.

You should treat charges of reckless driving in Virginia very seriously. In our state, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which can result in steep penalties. A conviction for a Class 1 misdemeanor is up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Reckless driving is only one of many crimes classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. Reckless driving will also result in six points added to your license, will stay on your record for 11 years and is likely to result in a steep rise in your insurance premiums for many years to come.

If you are facing reckless driving charges, schedule a FREE consultation right away with Williams Stone, PC.

Penalties For Reckless Driving In Virginia

The maximum penalty for reckless driving is:

Up to 12 months in jail
Driver’s license suspension – six months
Six months suspension to operate a motor vehicle in Virginia if licensed elsewhere
A fine of up to $2,500
Driving over 100 MPH is almost sure to include jail time
In many jurisdictions, license suspension for speeds over 80 MPH is likely

Also, note if your license is suspended for any period of time, Virginia DMV will report the suspension to the state that issued your driver’s license. Most states now honor these suspensions and will suspend your license in the state where it was issued.

Reasons For Being Charged With Reckless Driving

While the most common reason for being charged with reckless driving results from speeding, there are other types of driving behavior that could lead to this charge. Virginia law enforcement will issue the charge of reckless driving and up to 11 years of a charge remaining on your record, including:

Passing a stopped, properly equipped school bus
Overtaking/passing an emergency vehicle
Racing
Improper brakes, or while the vehicle is not under proper control
Driving too fast for traffic conditions
Passing a vehicle at a crest or a grade
An overloaded vehicle that interferes with driver control
Passing another vehicle at a railroad grade crossing
Failing to give a proper signal
Failure to yield right of way when merging onto a highway
Passing two vehicles abreast
Driving two abreast in a single lane
Reckless driving within parking lots

Can I Have My Charge Reduced?

Fines for reckless driving charges are a significant source of income for local counties along Interstate I-95. The fines for reckless driving are high, and counties count on these fines as income. This is a bad deal for you. Call Williams Stone, PC, right away to discuss your situation and circumstances that may help you get a reckless driving charge reduced to speeding. A few of these include:

You have an excellent driving record
Whether your speedometer was completely accurate
Law enforcement radar calibration issues
Legitimate emergencies

We will attack your charges of reckless driving from every angle. Moving and stationary radars are not perfect. Officers often have trouble remembering important details under cross-examination. Our attorneys will work with you to obtain the most favorable outcome for your case. When working with us, you should be ready to do the following:

Obtain a copy of your driving record or work with us to do so
Get your speedometer calibrated
Enroll in a driver education class in Virginia
Community service

Excuses That Will Not Help You Fight A Ticket

Everyone has an excuse for a traffic ticket. Though it may be true, many excuses are not valid in court and can potentially harm your defense if used. Some of these excuses include:

I was just trying to pass.
There was a semi going too slow, and I was only trying to get around.
I was keeping up with traffic.
I needed to find a rest area.
I was driving a new car and wasn’t used to the controls yet.
My cruise control was on, and I have no idea how this happened.
I was distracted and wasn’t paying attention.

Typical Behaviors Resulting In A Reckless Driving Charge

Driver distraction or texting
Drunk driving
Eating while driving
Failing to yield the right of way
Failure to use turn signals
Not checking blind spots
Road rage
Running stop signs or lights
Speeding
Tailgating

Common Questions About Reckless Driving

Many people choose to simply plead guilty to reckless driving charges in Virginia. We say think again. Call Williams Stone, PC, to learn more about your legal options, including dismissal or reduction of the charges. You have the right to remain silent. Do so, and let us do the talking for you. By calling our law firm, we can address some of the following most frequently asked questions, such as:

Will I go to jail if convicted of reckless driving?
Will a reckless driving charge put points on my driving record? How many?
Can I still get a security clearance with a reckless driving charge?
Will my charge be dismissed for successful completion of driving school?
How severe are the penalties associated with Virginia reckless driving law?
How can a police officer issue me a reckless driving citation if I crashed my own car?
How much will it cost me to hire a reckless driving attorney in Virginia?
Why should I fight my reckless driving charge?
Are reckless driving charges more challenging for those under 18?
Can I lose my job if convicted of a reckless driving charge?
What are abusive driver fees?

Schedule A Free Consultation

Your driving record is essential. Our team of attorneys will take advantage of all the situations and factors listed above to provide you with the strong defense you deserve. We are ready to discuss your situation. Call Williams Stone, PC, today at 540-643-9260.