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What is Considered Reckless Driving in Virginia?

A reckless driving charge in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor. That means that it is more than just a simple traffic ticket—it is a real criminal charge. A conviction for this in Virginia results in a permanent conviction on your criminal record.  And it may not be expunged or removed later in life. To avoid the consequences of this charge, it is helpful to know exactly which actions will lead to a reckless driving charge in Virginia. A traffic and criminal defense attorney in Fairfax, VA can also be a great help if you have been charged with reckless driving.

Reckless Driving in Virginia

Virginia is well-known for its tough traffic laws, and the reckless driving charge is usually the reason. The most common way to get a reckless driving charge is to travel over 85 mph anywhere throughout the state. Many of Virginia's highways and interstates now have speed limits set at 70 mph, so traveling at over 85 mph is surprisingly easy to do.

There are numerous other driving behaviors beside excessive speeding that may result in a  reckless driving charge. These include:

  • Racing
  • Passing or overtaking an emergency vehicle or school bus
  • Passing on the crest of a hill
  • Passing at a railroad crossing
  • Passing two vehicles abreast in a single lane
  • Driving two vehicles abreast (this may not include motorcycles)
  • Driving too fast for the road or weather conditions
  • Failing to give proper signal
  • Improper control or faulty brakes
  • Driving with an obstructed view
  • Reckless driving in parking lots or similar locations
  • Driving 20 mph above the posted speed limit in any area

Officers can also issue a citation or Virginia Uniform Summons for reckless driving by conduct. This type of offense usually involves accidents and is written when the officer believes you drove in a manner that "endangers life, limb or property" under Virginia Code 46.2-852.  That leaves this charge open to interpretation by the officer who stopped you. If he or she thought you were driving in a way that was dangerous to yourself, others, or property around you, then he or she could arbitrarily issue you a citation for reckless driving. That includes situations that fall outside of the aforementioned list.

Legal Penalties for the Reckless Driving Charge

The judge that handles your reckless driving charge will determine what type of punishment you should receive in your individual case. It can vary significantly. It will be affected by factors such as:

  • The individual facts of the situation
  • Your prior driving record
  • Which judge hears your case
  • Whether you have any prior criminal convictions or charges

It may be hard to believe, but you can actually be sent to jail for a reckless driving charge in Virginia. Although it does not have happen often, drivers can actually be sentenced to up to 12 months in jail. Jail time is often only imposed for very serious offenses.

You can receive more than one punishment as well. These punishments generally include fines, jail time, and license suspensions.

Fines

Fines are perhaps the most common consequence of a reckless driving charge, particularly for those who have never been charged with reckless driving before. The fine can be from zero to up to $2,500.   Those accused will also be responsible for paying court costs as well, which are usually around $100 for a misdemeanor conviction.  Most cases handled by the law office result in moderate fines of $250 or less, and reductions of the offense to a traffic infraction.  Traffic infractions in Virginia are non-criminal offenses.

Jail Time

High speed cases and cases involving egregious driving conduct may result in jail time in the State of Virginia.  Drivers convicted of reckless driving may be sentenced to up to 12 months in jail. Jail time is often only imposed for very serious offenses, including Reckless Driving by Speed over 90 MPH, accident cases involving bodily injury, or drivers who have very bad driving records.  Any type of Reckless Driving charge that fits into these categories requires an experienced traffic attorney to defend the charge.

License Suspension

Drivers convicted of Reckless Driving may have their driving privileges in Virginia suspended for up to six months. If the driver is licensed in another state, the conviction will be reported to that jurisdiction under the Interstate Compact agreed upon by most states.  The home state may then take reciprocal administrative action to suspend the person's license in that state. 

Other Consequences of a Reckless Driving Charge in Virginia

There are long-term consequences that could occur outside of the justice system as well, including:

Increased Insurance Premiums

Whenever you get a traffic ticket or charge like reckless driving, it can affect your vehicle's insurance. Talk to your insurance representative for more information about how convictions may affect your rates.

Loss of Your Job

Drivers convicted of Reckless Driving may lose their jobs if they drive professionally for work or hold Commercial Driver's Licenses.  It is important for a driver charged with this offense to get the misdemeanor dismissed or reduced to a traffic infraction.

Demerit Points on Your License

You receive 6 demerit points for a reckless driving conviction, and these points stay on your record for 2 years. The conviction stays on the driving record for 11 years.  If you accumulate these points too quickly, then the state can send you to a driver improvement clinic or suspend your license.

Security Clearance Problems

People that work for the government or are government contractors are required to maintain good driving records and criminal records.  Attorney Yeargan has had hundreds of clients with sensitive positions in government and the private sector.  He understands that the court outcome for these cases is particularly important for those who live and work in and around Washington, D.C. 

Contact The Law Office of Wilfred W. Yeargan Today

These consequences are often overlooked, but they can significantly affect your lifestyle and ability to a make a living. Because reckless driving charges in Virginia are a criminal offense, you need a local, Fairfax VA traffic defense lawyer to defend your reckless driving charges. Call 703-352-9044 or contact us online to discuss your case or schedule a free in-person consultation. The law office can help you get your charges dismissed or reduced to a non-criminal traffic infraction.

Areas Served by the Law Firm

The law office serves clients throughout Virginia including those in the following localities: Fairfax City; Fairfax County including Annandale, Burke, Centreville, Herndon, and Vienna; the City of Alexandria; Arlington County including Arlington; the City of Falls Church; Augusta County, including Staunton; Fauquier County including Warrenton; Frederick County including Winchester; the City of Fredericksburg; Loudoun County including Ashburn and Leesburg; Clarke County, including Berryville; Culpeper County; Fluvanna County, including Palmyra; Prince William County including Occoquan, Triangle, Quantico, Woodbridge, Dumfries, Haymarket, and Manassas; Spotsylvania County including Lake Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse; Stafford County including Stafford, Aquia Harbour, and Falmouth; Warren County including Front Royal; Shenandoah County, including Woodstock; Rappahannock County, including Washington; Madison County; Greene County, including Stanardsville; Fluvanna County, including Palmyra; Caroline County, including Bowling Green; Hanover County; King and Queen County; New Kent County; King William County; City of Hopewell; Prince George County; York County, including Yorktown; Chesterfield County; Henrico County; Westmoreland County, including Montross; King George County; Greensville County, including Emporia; Prince George's County; Dinwiddie County; and Sussex County.

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