Alexandria Reckless Driving Lawyer
Driving is an integral form of transportation, but those who engage in reckless behavior while operating a motor vehicle could be held criminally liable. If a police officer pulled you over for reckless driving, your license may be at risk of revocation. Loss of driving privileges could consequentially affect your job and personal life. For in-state drivers, not only do points taken from your license impact your ability to commute, it could also affect your car insurance premiums and other facets of your life you might not realize.
If you were issued a ticket for driving recklessly, you may find it helpful to reach out to a skilled traffic defense attorney before you pay any fines. Depending on the nature of the charge, you may also be at risk for jail time and other penalties. Fortunately, you have the right to defend yourself against any criminal charges, so speak with an Alexandria reckless driving lawyer for help with advocating for your rights in court.
Reckless Driving Laws in Alexandria
State law has many statutes detailing different types of reckless driving, such as speeding, racing, and failing to obey traffic rules. Penalties for these charges vary on a case-by-case basis.
Virginia Code §46.2-852 defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle in a manner which puts other people or property at risk of avoidable harm. Law enforcement may accuse a driver who causes a car accident of violating this law. Fortunately, a dedicated Alexandria dangerous driving attorney could help an alleged offender defend against allegations of reckless misconduct.
Exceeding the Speed Limit
A motor vehicle operator who drives too fast could be in violation of VA Code §46.2-862. Driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit or traveling above 80 miles per hour on any road constitutes criminal reckless driving charges.
Other forms of reckless driving include:
- Passing a driver on a curve when visibility is limited
- Passing two or more cars at the same time while traveling on a two-lane road
- Passing when driving over railroad tracks or behind a stopped school bus
- Not signaling correctly
- Failing to yield
- Driving too fast for current conditions
Penalties for Driving Recklessly
Reckless driving charges are considered Class 1 misdemeanors. The possible punishments are: a fine of up to $2,500, up to a six-month loss of license to drive, and up to 12 months in jail. Additionally, convictions for reckless driving will stay on a driver’s record for 11 years. In addition to fines and potential jail time associated with a misdemeanor reckless driving, a driver with felony charges may also face the following penalties:
- Increased car insurance premiums
- Points off their driving record
- Mandatory attendance of driver’s education programs
- Community service
Felony Charges
If a driver with a suspended license causes an accident which leads to another party’s untimely passing, the police may charge them with a Class 6 felony. The possible penalty for a class 6 felony is up to five years in prison, on top of all the other possible penalties available for a misdemeanor reckless driving.
Avoiding maximum charges could be made easier with help from a well-versed reckless driving lawyer in Alexandria.
Learn More from an Alexandria Reckless Driving Attorney Today
Though most people consider driving offenses as minor offenses, a reckless driving charge carries serious consequences. Before you plead guilty, you should consult an Alexandria reckless driving lawyer who could educate you on the law and how the court approaches these issues. Do not hesitate to reach out to our experienced firm for questions about your legal options.
