When you get careless behind the wheel, there will be a lot of consequences. However, you can recover from a bad driving record and heavy litigation with your reckless driving lawyer. Through their support, they can help improve your driving record and reduce reckless driving charges if you were penalized unfairly. Reckless driving offenses should always be taken seriously, however, sometimes the police officer misjudged the situation. Reckless driving convictions can have a major negative impact on your future. Let Manassas reckless driving lawyers protect your rights.
Before you get reckless driving charges that result in a criminal record, your Manassas reckless driving attorney can review your case and represent you. Whether you had a simple speeding ticket or a criminal misdemeanor, they will be on your side. Call the Law Offices of Mike Pignone today for a consultation to speak to a Manassas traffic violations lawyer.
What is Considered Reckless Driving in Virginia?
In Virginia, reckless driving is defined as driving a vehicle in a manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of any person. Some specific actions that may be considered reckless driving include driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit, driving too fast for road or traffic conditions, racing other vehicles, passing a school bus while it is loading or unloading passengers, and driving with faulty brakes or other equipment. Reckless driving is a serious traffic violation in Virginia and can result in significant fines, license suspension, and even jail time, depending on the circumstances.
Penalties For Reckless Driving in Virginia
In Virginia, the penalties for reckless driving vary depending on the severity of the offense. Penalties according to the degree of offense include the following:
Reckless Driving as a Class 1 Misdemeanor
This is the most serious level of reckless driving and is charged when a driver is found to have operated their vehicle in a manner that endangers life, limb, or property. Penalties can include fines up to $2,500, a jail sentence of up to 12 months, and a driver’s license suspension for up to six months.
Reckless Driving for Speeding
Offenses such as these are charged when a driver is caught driving 20 mph or more over the posted speed limit, or driving in excess of 80 mph regardless of the posted speed limit. Penalties can include fines up to $2,500, a jail sentence of up to 12 months, and a driver’s license suspension for up to six months.
Reckless Driving for Improper Control
A reckless driving for improper control offense is charged when a driver is found to have driven too fast for the conditions present on the road, such as in inclement weather or on a winding road. Penalties can include fines up to $2,500 and a driver’s license suspension for up to six months.
Reckless Driving for Passing a School Bus
This offense is charged when a driver passes a school bus that is stopped to load or unload passengers. Penalties can include fines up to $250 and a driver’s license suspension for up to six months.
Reckless Driving for Faulty Brakes
These offenses are charged when a driver operates a vehicle with faulty brakes or other equipment. Also, they can include fines of up to $250 and a driver’s license suspension for up to six months.
Common Questions and Answers for Manassas Reckless Driving Cases
Here are some common questions and answers for reckless driving cases in Virginia:
What is reckless driving in Virginia?
Reckless driving in Virginia is defined as driving a vehicle in a manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of any person.
What are some examples of reckless driving?
Some examples of reckless driving in Virginia include speeding more than 20 mph over the posted speed limit, driving too fast for road or traffic conditions, racing other vehicles, passing a school bus while it is loading or unloading passengers, and driving with faulty brakes or other equipment.
What are the penalties for reckless driving in Virginia?
The penalties for reckless driving in Virginia can include fines up to $2,500, jail time of up to 12 months, and a driver’s license suspension for up to six months. The severity of the penalty will depend on the circumstances of the case.
Can I go to jail for reckless driving in Virginia?
Jail time is a possible penalty for reckless driving in Virginia, particularly for more serious offenses such as reckless driving as a Class 1 misdemeanor. For example, a DUI can result in this.
Should I hire a lawyer for my reckless driving case?
A lawyer can help you understand your legal options, build a strong defense, and negotiate with the prosecutor to possibly reduce or dismiss the charges. Your Manasses criminal defense lawyer can explain more.
Can I plead guilty to a lesser charge instead of reckless driving?
Your attorney can possibly negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor to plead guilty to a lesser charge instead of reckless driving.
Can I get my reckless driving charge expunged from my record?
In Virginia, reckless driving is a criminal offense and cannot be expunged from your record. It will remain on your record permanently. Your Virginia criminal defense attorney can help.
Can I lose my license for reckless driving in Virginia?
You can lose your license for reckless driving in Virginia. Depending on the circumstances of the case, the judge may order a driver’s license suspension for up to six months.
Will a reckless driving conviction affect my insurance rates?
A reckless driving conviction can significantly impact your insurance rates. Insurance companies may consider reckless driving a major violation and could raise your rates or even cancel your policy.
Can an out-of-state driver be charged with reckless driving in Virginia?
Out-of-state drivers can be charged with reckless driving in Virginia if they commit the offense while driving in the state.
Can I fight a reckless driving ticket in Virginia?
You can fight a reckless driving ticket in Virginia by hiring a traffic lawyer to help build a strong defense and challenge the evidence against you.
How long will a reckless driving conviction stay on my record in Virginia?
A reckless driving conviction in Virginia will remain on your record indefinitely. However, after a certain amount of time, it may be possible to petition the court for a restricted license or other relief.
Can a reckless driving conviction impact my employment?
A reckless driving conviction can impact your employment, particularly if you work in a field that requires a clean driving record or security clearance. Consult with a lawyer to understand the potential consequences of a conviction.
Is it possible to have a reckless driving charge reduced to a non-criminal offense in Virginia?
Your attorney can negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor to have a reckless driving charge reduced to a non-criminal offense such as improper driving. However, this will depend on the specific circumstances of the case and the prosecutor’s willingness to negotiate.
Reach out to learn more about our reliable legal services. Contact a Manassas Reckless Driving Attorney at Law Offices of Michael A. Pignone today for a consultation.