Were you charged with reckless driving in Fairfax County? Were you perhaps pulled over for failure to yield, with the officer also adding a reckless driving charge? Reckless driving is a serious charge in Virginia. You may not realize it, but the penalties associated with a reckless driving charge can hurt your career and future.
I have more than 25 years experience as a criminal defense lawyer and can advance a strong legal defense against a reckless driving charge that will provide for the best possible outcome.
Reckless Driving is Not a Minor Charge in Virginia
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, if you drive 20 miles per hour over any speed limit, you will be charged with reckless driving. You will also be charged if you drive over 80 miles per hour anywhere in the state. Of course, the greater the speed over the limit, the more you could be penalized. Unfortunately for drivers, many police officers have a habit of automatically charging reckless driving - no matter how fast you were driving.
Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor charge. Most people think of a misdemeanor as a minor charge. Do not associate your charge with a slap on the wrist, because it can carry severe penalties.
Major Penalties
A reckless driving charge carries with it the potential for up to one year in jail. You also automatically lose your driver's license for up to one year. Losing your license and going to jail obviously affects your life in material ways. Would you lose your job? If sent to jail, you could lose visitation or custody of your children.
As an experienced criminal defense attorney in Northern Virginia, I understand intimately the complex sentencing structure for reckless driving charges. I have more than 25 years of experience negotiating these charges to provide optimal results for my clients.
Reducing Your Charge
I investigate every detail of your arrest and charge in crafting the legal defense that best protects your interests. I may be able to negotiate your charge from reckless driving to speeding if I find that police used improper procedures in arresting and charging you.
I enroll many of my clients in driving improvement school before their court date. This provides strong evidence to the court that you are addressing your driving issues. Judges often take these classes into consideration when imposing penalties.
Free Consultation
Do not fall victim to the idea that a reckless driving charge is nothing to worry about. If you have been charged with reckless driving, contact me today at 703-763-0278 to set up a free consultation. I accept major credit cards. My law practice has helped many clients minimize their penalties. Let me help you today.
