Our Fairfax Reckless Driving Lawyers Can Help You Fight Your Reckless Driving Charge

If you received a ticket for reckless driving, you should not treat it like a ticket for failing to yield, running a red light, or other similar traffic infractions. Many people mistakenly do just this, admit guilt, and accept the penalty. However, if you are convicted of this offense or plead guilty, you will have a conviction of a Class 1 misdemeanor on your criminal record. That’s right—you will have a criminal record. In addition, like other criminal convictions, a reckless driving conviction can affect your life long after you pay your fine and complete the other terms of your sentence.

What Are the Penalties for a Reckless Driving Conviction in Virginia?

The penalties you face if convicted of reckless driving will depend on a number of factors, including your prior offenses, your driving history, and the practices of the judge assigned to your case. You could face these possible sentences:

Class 1 misdemeanor conviction
Up to one year in jail, although jail time is not common unless excessive speeds, such as 95 or 100 miles per hour, are involved
Driver’s license suspension for up to six months if you are a Virginia resident
Loss of driving privileges in Virginia for up to six months
Fines of up to $2,500
Six points on your driver’s license

With the help of an experienced reckless driving lawyer, you can fight the ticket and possibly get the charges dismissed or reduced to a less serious offense. Call our Fairfax law office at (703) 352-0100 to discuss your charges and learn how we can help.

Serving all of Northern Virginia, D.C., and Maryland

What Is Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Reckless driving almost always involves speeding. You could be charged with reckless driving for dong any of the following on a roadway or highway:

Driving over 20 miles per hour over the applicable maximum speed level

Driving over 80 miles per hour no matter what the applicable maximum speed level is

Driving a vehicle recklessly or in a manner or speed that endangers a person or property

Driving too fast for weather or road conditions

Driving a motor vehicle without adequately adjusted brakes

Passing an emergency vehicle that has its lights or siren on

Passing a properly outfitted school bus that is transporting students or handicapped adults and is stopped or attempting to stop to let passengers on or off the bus

Passing two vehicles that are next to each other unless there are three or more lanes of traffic going in the same direction

Passing a vehicle at the crest of a grade or on a curve unless it is a highway with at least two lanes

Passing at a railroad crossing unless there are two more lanes of traffic in each direction

Racing

Overloading a vehicle in a way that reduces visibility or control of the vehicle - including having too many passengers in the vehicle

Failing to signal properly

Failing to yield to vehicles that have the right of way

Virginia law also makes it illegal to engage in reckless driving in areas other than highways and roads including:

Highways currently under construction

Industrial establishments that have parking spaces for employees, patrons, and customers

Driveway or parking lot of a government, business, recreational facility, school, or church

What Are Long-Term Consequences of a Reckless Driving Conviction?

There are a number of long-term consequences associated with a reckless driving conviction. These include the following:

Insurance rates. Your insurance premium rates could increase significantly for years after your conviction.

Security clearance. Depending on where you work, a misdemeanor conviction could affect your security clearance, especially if this is not your first offense.

Job. If you must drive for your job or you are on your company insurance policy due to occasionally driving for your employer, your conviction could impact your ability to do your job or violate an employer policy that has termination as a consequence. In addition, it could hurt your ability to obtain a job if you have to disclose the conviction on a job application.

A permanent criminal record. A misdemeanor conviction goes on your permanent record. This means that you could have to disclose and explain your reckless driving conviction on job applications, loan applications, and more.

Demerit points. The six points assessed on your Virginia driver’s license may remain there for up to 11 years, depending on how many other points you accumulate.

Let an Experienced Reckless Driving Attorney Help You Fight Your Reckless Driving Charge

The Fairfax reckless driving lawyers at Greenspun Shapiro

With the help of an experienced reckless driving lawyer, you may be able to have your reckless driving charges dismissed or reduced to a less severe offense with much less serious consequences that do not include a criminal record. This is possible even if you know you are guilty. At Greenspun Shapiro PC, our skilled attorneys understand the serious consequences you face if you just plead guilty to reckless driving charges and will vigorously assert your defenses to help you more successfully resolve your case. Speak with a reckless driving lawyer today to schedule a free consultation.

Related Links:

Our Fairfax Reckless Driving Lawyers Can Help You Fight Your Reckless Driving Charge

What Are the Penalties for a Reckless Driving Conviction in Virginia?

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What Is Reckless Driving in Virginia?

What Are Long-Term Consequences of a Reckless Driving Conviction?

Let an Experienced Reckless Driving Attorney Help You Fight Your Reckless Driving Charge

At Greenspun Shapiro PC, our experienced lawyers assist Virginia citizens in a wide range of legal matters. We serve clients from all over Northern Virginia including Fairfax, Chantilly, Ashburn, Reston, McLean, and more.

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