Reckless Driving by Speed: The Most Common Form of Reckless Driving in VA
May 23, 2022
Reckless driving in Virginia is a potentially serious crime with some even more serious consequences. There are several forms of driving recklessly, but the most common type is reckless driving by speed. Speeding is a traffic infarction, but if you’re stopped for driving more than 85 miles per hour or more than 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, then it is reckless driving, which is a crime.
What is the punishment for reckless driving in the Commonwealth of Virginia?
Depending on the circumstances, an offense can be considered a misdemeanor or a felony (though felony reckless driving is quite rare). Regardless, if you’re charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, these charges will be on your criminal record indefinitely. In the vast majority of cases, a charge for recklessly driving in Virginia is a misdemeanor that is punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, a license suspension of up to 6 months, and 6 DMV demerit points.
What if you’re charged with reckless driving?
In order to be convicted of driving recklessly in the Commonwealth of Virginia, a law enforcement officer needs to prove that you were exceeding the speed limit by a minimum of 20 miles per hour or driving 85 miles per hour or faster. The law enforcement officer who pulled you over will likely provide testimony in court, stating that he or she used a reliable method of recording your speed (radar, lidar, or pace). The law enforcement officer must also show proof that the device that was used to track your speed at the time provided accurate information, did not malfunction in any way, and was properly calibrated.
If you are charged with driving recklessly in Fairfax, Virginia, you need to retain the services of the best traffic lawyer Fairfax VA has. Rudolphi Law is a great choice, not only because Rudolphi law has experienced numerous other reckless driving cases, but they are professional, knowledgeable and available to assist you with your reckless driving case.
How a Virginia reckless driving attorney can help
The best reckless driving lawyer Fairfax VA has can assist you with your case in several ways. First of all, your attorney will thoroughly research your case in order to determine the best way to defend you in this case. The attorney will advise you on how to best prepare for court and position yourself for an optimal outcome. Many people try to take on their reckless driving cases alone and many end up convicted of this offense. However, a VA reckless driving lawyer could help you potentially avoid a criminal conviction, jail time, and/or a license suspension exponentially better than you could by appearing in court alone.
So, if you’ve been cited for driving recklessly in the Virginia Commonwealth, having an experienced and knowledgeable Virginia reckless driving lawyer can help you with receiving a significantly better outcome. In some instances, the most experienced reckless driving attorney Fairfax VA has can have the case dismissed, particularly if there is a fatal evidentiary issue in the case. Give Rudolphi Law a call today to get the ball rolling on your case. The sooner you can hire the best reckless driving lawyer VA has, the less stress you will have to contend with.