If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Virginia, you may be wondering whether the charge can be reduced or if you’re facing serious penalties. Unlike a standard traffic ticket, reckless driving is a criminal offense that can carry fines, license suspension, and even jail time. In some cases, however, a reckless driving charge may be reduced with the right legal approach.
Reckless driving is different from your average speeding ticket. Reckless driving is driving with willful disregard for the safety of yourself and others or the operation of a vehicle in which you blatantly disregard the consequences of your actions. Some states call reckless driving “careless driving” or “dangerous driving,” but the violations are the same. The fact of the matter is this: Reckless driving is one of the most serious traffic offenses and is usually charged as a misdemeanor while other traffic offenses are usually seen as infractions. Being convicted of reckless driving can result in steep fines, loss of driving privileges, and even incarceration in some cases.
In Virginia, reckless driving includes driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit or over 85 mph regardless of the posted speed limit under Virginia Code § 46.2-862.
When someone is cited for reckless driving, they were doing more than just being negligent of the law, they were willfully breaking it. Going a few miles per hour over the speed limit can be seen as a mistake, but driving 20 miles per hour over the limit is a clear disregard for the rules of the road.
Some acts are considered reckless automatically:
Yes. In Virginia, reckless driving is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor rather than a simple traffic infraction. This means a conviction can result in serious consequences, including fines up to $2,500, up to 12 months in jail, license suspension, points on your driving record, and increased insurance premiums.
Because of these potential penalties, it is important to take a reckless driving charge seriously and explore all available legal options.
In some cases, a reckless driving charge may be reduced depending on the facts of your case. Courts may consider factors such as your prior driving record, the severity of the alleged offense, whether anyone was injured, and the strength of the evidence.
One common outcome in Virginia is reducing a reckless driving charge to improper driving. Improper driving is still a traffic offense, but it carries fewer penalties and does not have the same criminal implications as a misdemeanor conviction.
While every case is different, there are several steps that may improve your chances of having your charge reduced:
Taking proactive steps can demonstrate responsibility and may positively influence the outcome of your case.
If you were cited for reckless driving, it is important that you reach out to a reckless driving attorney who can assist you with your case. That is because, regardless of the type of reckless driving committed by the driver, the charge will be on your record. Additionally, along with the citation, your car insurance premiums will almost certainly rise. Getting help from an attorney means that you may be able to plea to a lesser charge, avoid jail time, and pay lower fees.
If you cause bodily harm to another driver or pedestrian, it is important that you call a reckless driving lawyer immediately. Because reckless driving is a criminal offense and not just a traffic ticket, you’ll want someone to represent your best interests in court. Though you have the right to defend yourself in court, it’s often a better choice to hire a reckless driving attorney who understands the prosecutors, judges, and court system in your jurisdiction.
If you choose to plead guilty or simply pay the fine, you are accepting a criminal conviction. This can result in long-term consequences, including a permanent mark on your driving record, higher insurance premiums, potential employment issues, and even the suspension of your driver’s license.
Fighting the charge or working toward a reduction may help you avoid or minimize these consequences.
Reckless driving is a serious charge that can result in expensive fines, the loss of your license, or even jail time in some states. If you recently received a ticket for reckless driving, the lawyers at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt are here to help. We know that you need your car to get from place to place and understand how expensive tickets and fines can be.
If you have been cited with reckless driving and are going to plead not guilty, you should contact a reckless driving lawyer in Abingdon, VA who can handle your case and advocate on your behalf.
If you are facing a reckless driving charge in Virginia, don’t take unnecessary risks with your future. The right legal strategy may help reduce your charge or minimize penalties.
Contact The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your options for defending or reducing a reckless driving ticket.
