Fairfax Reckless Driving Attorney
Reckless driving is a criminal offense under Virginia law (Code of Va. § 46.2-862). To be clear, although reckless driving may only be a traffic citation in other states, a conviction for reckless driving in Fairfax will result in a misdemeanor criminal record. If you were stopped for and charged with reckless driving, it is essential to hire an aggressive Fairfax reckless driving defense attorney who can fight these charges. You will want to do everything you can to avoid having a reckless driving conviction on your record. In addition to having your license suspended and being required to pay a substantial fine, you could also be looking at jail time. One of the Fairfax reckless driving attorneys at our firm can help.
What is Reckless Driving in Fairfax, Virginia?
Under Virginia law, reckless driving can be charged when a person is speeding. There are two different situations in which speeding can lead to a reckless driving charge and conviction:
- Speeding 20 miles per hour or more beyond the posted speed limit; or
- Traveling in excess of 80 miles per hour regardless of the posted maximum speed limit.
Many Virginia highways have a maximum speed limit of 70 miles per hour. To be clear, if you are traveling at a speed of more than 10 miles per hour beyond that posted speed limit—just 11 miles per hour beyond the posted speed limit at 81 miles per hour—you can face reckless driving charges in the state.
Penalties for Fairfax Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and it can result in the following penalties upon conviction:
- Jail term of up to 12 months;
- Monetary fine of up to $2,500;
- License suspension for up to 6 months; and
- 6 DMV points on your driver’s license.
Consequences of a Reckless Driving Conviction in Fairfax, Virginia
For criminal convictions for reckless driving in Virginia, the offense will result in a criminal record. Even misdemeanor offenses can have long-lasting consequences. Indeed, the criminal record is likely to remain with you for the rest of your life. Having a criminal record might result in an employer refusing to consider you for a position. In other cases, you might not be eligible to buy a home in a particular place or to obtain a student loan to complete a college degree. And you should never assume that you will be able to have a conviction expunged after a certain period of time.
Unlike many other states, Virginia law is much stricter and does not allow a person to expunge a conviction, even for reckless driving, regardless of the amount of time that has passed. As such, a criminal conviction for reckless driving will remain on your record.
Contact a Fairfax Reckless Driving Defense Attorney Today
Are you facing reckless driving charges in Virginia? You need to have an aggressive Fairfax reckless driving defense lawyer who can help you to avoid a conviction. Even if there is significant evidence against you, we may be able to work with the prosecutor to have your charges reduced to a lesser traffic offense to avoid a criminal conviction. Do not wait to get in touch with one of the experienced Virginia criminal defense lawyers at our firm for help with your case. Contact Simms Showers LLP for assistance.
