Let’s face it—everybody speeds now and then. You might have put the pedal to the metal when you were running late for something important or you were just stuck behind a slowpoke for miles. Well, in Virginia, speeding can be a very big deal. If you are pulled over for going more than 20 mph over the speed limit, or over 85 mph in any zone, you can be charged with reckless driving, which is a class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense. Sure, you were in a bit too much of a hurry, but does that make you a criminal?
We don’t think so.
Why You Should Fight Back Against Reckless Driving Charges in Virginia
If you are facing a charge of reckless driving by speed, you are facing consequences that don’t match the offense. Consider the other offenses that result in a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia:
- DUI
- Shoplifting
- Brandishing a weapon
- Possession of marijuana
- Domestic abuse
Most people would agree that these are criminal acts. But hightailing it to your daughter’s dance recital after a late work meeting? Is that a crime? You might not think so, but the Commonwealth of Virginia sure does, and the punishment you face demonstrates just how serious they are. Possible consequences of a reckless driving charge include:
- Jail. People frequently go to jail for speeds above 90 mph – sometimes even less!
- License suspension. You can lose your license and the DMV can suspend your license even if the judge doesn’t order it.
- Points. Virginia gives the maximum of six demerit points on your license for a charge of reckless driving by speed.
- Permanent criminal record. Unlike civil infraction traffic offenses, criminal convictions are permanent and Virginia makes it extremely difficult to obtain an expungement.
- Lose your job, security clearance and/or CDL. Even those who are ticketed for driving between 80 and 90 mph face losing their job, their license (including commercial driver’s license), and their security clearance.
- Insurance nightmare. With a reckless driving by speed conviction, your insurance rates could skyrocket and your policy could even be canceled.
Take a moment to think about the ramifications of these severe penalties. Do you work in a field that requires regular background checks? Are you looking for a job and filling out applications? If so, a criminal conviction will come back to haunt you again and again. Are you struggling to make insurance premium payments as it is? Imagine trying to make even steeper payments. Do you drive for a living? A conviction could end your career. This is why you need the help of an experienced reckless driving attorney. With the thorough and aggressive defense we can provide, we can get your charge reduced or dismissed.
We Can Help Out-of-State Drivers Ticketed for Reckless Driving in the Commonwealth
Out-of-state drivers ticketed for reckless driving by speed in Virginia often have no idea of the consequences they face. In fact, police and prosecutors in Virginia bank on that fact. But we believe that Virginia’s tough speeding laws are unfair to everyone, and we will fight for those just passing through as hard as we do our residents. In many cases, we are able to successfully resolve charges against an out-of-state resident without the client having to appear in court. No matter what state you call home, don’t hesitate to call us.
Let Us Defend Your Future After a Reckless Driving Charge
We know how to mount a strong defense. We will help you gather the evidence you need—everything from a past driving record to a school transcript or military service record—to present the best case to the judge. Reducing the charges against you can ensure that your car insurance policy is not canceled, you do not lose your job or your security clearance, and, best of all, you do not have a criminal record to contend with down the road.
We know the devastation a conviction can have on your future and your family’s future. This is why we have spent years fighting to defend the rights of people like you. Don’t let a weak defense cost you; let our experience and drive work for you. Why wouldn't you want to hire the best? Reckless driving lawyer Van Hardenbergh is a Distinguished Graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law. He served for seven years as a JAG officer in the U.S. Army and worked as a federal prosecutor trying numerous speeding and DUI cases. He is now dedicated to putting that experience to work for you.
A Reckless Driving Lawyer Can Help You To Avoid Harsh Reckless Driving Penalties
Call our office for a fast, free, and thorough discussion of your case. You can tell us your side of the story, and we can estimate the chances of several different possible results of your trial or you can see estimations with our free sentence estimator tool. Finally, we can prepare a plan to help arrive at the best outcome. Call (804) 835-5127 today to make an appointment or fill out the contact form below.