Reckless Driving Penalties in Virginia
Since reckless driving is considered a crime instead of a traffic infraction, you may be facing a Class One misdemeanor or felony. Regardless, you should not take these charges lightly.
Virginia takes reckless driving charges very seriously, and has the penalties to prove it. In fact, jail time may be imposed for speeding. Knowing what constitutes reckless driving and the penalties you may face could help your defense against these charges.
What Is Considered Reckless Driving?
In Virginia, reckless driving can include speeding and that is often enough to get hit with this charge alone. Speeding isn’t the only factor as someone can be charged with reckless driving even if they’re not going above the speed limit.
The law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle on any highway in a reckless manner that endangers the life, limb, and property of any person. In addition to speeding, reckless driving can include failing to yield the right of way, unsafe passing of other vehicles including school buses, racing, and aggressive driving.
Penalties for Reckless Driving
If you’ve been arrested for reckless driving, you will likely face a Class One misdemeanor charge. This may get you up to 12 months in jail along with a fine up to $2,500.
However, the state may choose to charge you with felony reckless driving, which is a Class Six felony. You’ll serve no less than one year in jail but no more than 5 years in prison. The fine is up to $2,500 for this felony charge.
If you have had prior convictions or in serious cases, you will likely receive the maximum jail time and fines. These aren’t the only penalties for reckless driving. You’ll likely have your license suspended too, and you may be required to take an alcohol safety program if you were intoxicated at the time of your arrest. Expect your car insurance premium to rise significantly, but even if it does, you can count yourself lucky. Many people that are convicted of reckless driving have trouble getting insurance companies to cover them.
Other Things to Know About Reckless Driving in Virginia
While you may believe you have a valid explanation for your reckless driving actions, it may not be a proper legal defense. The courts are very serious about reckless driving, which means you should not proceed without the legal representation of a Manassas reckless driving lawyer.
Only an experienced defense attorney will be able to show the court that reasonable doubt exists. If so, you will not be found guilty and will avoid having these charges tarnish your record.
Law enforcement officers in Virginia pull over thousands of drivers every day for an array of traffic violations. What you must keep in mind is that reckless driving isn’t a traffic infraction. It is a criminal charge, one that has serious consequences if the prosecution is able to get a conviction.
Virginia is one of the few states that put speeding in the criminal offense category of reckless driving. Visiting the state or just moving here is not a viable defense to this charge. Make sure you speak with an attorney about how to fight your charges.