how does getting a lawyer help with a reckless driving ticket

If you’ve received a criminal charge for reckless driving, you’ll need to hire a lawyer. A good lawyer will take a look at your case and help you best navigate it. They’ll gather evidence to use in your favor in the court and try to get you acquitted or lessen your sentence.

Full Answer

What happens if you plead not guilty to a reckless driving charge?

Reckless driving is a serious charge and can result in steep fines, loss of driving privileges, or even jail time in some instances. If you have been cited with a reckless driving ticket and are going to plead not guilty, you would be wise to contact an experienced traffic ticket attorney in your area.

What is considered reckless driving?

When you are cited for this traffic offense, it is because you may have disregarded the rules of the road and may or may not have caused an accident or property damage. But as a threshold issue, you normally have to do something more than mere negligence in the operation of a vehicle to be cited for reckless driving.

How long do you go to jail for reckless driving?

Reckless driving: Up to 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $1000. Reckless driving involving an accident: Up to a year in jail and a maximum fine of $2000. Class B misdemeanor, unless an accident is involved, then it is considered a Class A misdemeanor.

What are the penalties for a reckless a conviction?

A conviction can result in penalties ranging from heavy fines to incarceration in certain cases, depending on state laws. In some states, certain acts are automatically considered reckless, such as:

Do you need an attorney for reckless driving va?

Since reckless driving in VA is a criminal offense, the penalties and long term consequences—such as a criminal record—can be severe. It is in your best interest to consult with a Virginia reckless driving attorney before making any decisions.

How do I get a reckless driving ticket reduced in Virginia?

As long as you do not possess a commercial driver's license, the judge is permitted to be lenient in cases of reckless driving by recommending that you attend a driver improvement clinic or perform community service in lieu of the normal penalties for the charge.

What is the penalty for reckless driving in Virginia?

Reckless driving crosses the mark from traffic infractions to a criminal charge, so it is a Class One misdemeanor. Class One misdemeanors come with a maximum fine of $2,500 and the possibility of jail time for up to 12 months, so it is serious.

How do you dismiss a reckless driving ticket in NC?

Options to reduce reckless driving in NCA possible reduction to improper equipment, unsafe movement, or exceeding a safe speed.Requesting a Prayer for Judgment Continued. (PJC).Driving School in exchange for a reduction. Monroe Office: ​110 E Jefferson St. Monroe, NC 28112. (704) 493-6851​

Can you go to jail for reckless driving in VA?

Reckless driving is not merely a moving violation, it is a criminal charge. Reckless driving is usually a Class 1 misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail, six months suspended driver's license, six points on your driving record in Virginia, and a fine of up to $2,500.

Is 85 mph reckless in Virginia?

Virginia Reckless Driving Speed Changes Many people also found it problematic that other states' thresholds were 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit for a reckless driving charge. The new amendment to Virginia code raises the Virginia reckless driving speed to 85 miles per hour regardless of the speed limit.

How often do people go to jail for reckless driving in Virginia?

In some courts, one may face one day in jail for every MPH over 90, or 95, or 100 MPH – depending on the jurisdiction. The state code allows the judge to impose jail time for any speeds above 85 MPH although its rare for this to happen under 90 MPH (unless the speed limit zone is 55 MPH or lower).

Is reckless driving a felony in the state of Virginia?

Reckless driving in Virginia is not just a traffic violation but is also a criminal offense. Reckless driving is a class 1 misdemeanor, which is the most serious kind of misdemeanor in Virginia.

How much is a reckless driving ticket in Virginia first offense?

$2,500.00In terms of fines, Virginia Code 46.2-868 states that a first offense reckless driving charge will result in a finding of a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries a fine of up to $2,500.00 in addition to court costs.

Will I go to jail for reckless driving in NC?

Reckless Driving Penalties Reckless driving is classified as a class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina. This offense carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Can a reckless driving charge be dropped NC?

Even if you believe that you were guilty, you may have defenses to the reckless driving charges you face that can result in the charges being dismissed or being reduced to a much less serious offense.

How many points is reckless driving in NC?

4 PointsAbout North Carolina DMV PointsOffenseDMV PointsReckless Driving4 PointsHit and Run (property damage)4 PointsPassing a Stopped School Bus5 PointsSpeeding (75 mph or greater when limit < 70)Suspended34 more rows

What is reckless driving?

Reckless driving is driving with a willful or wanton disregard for safety, or showing willful disregard of consequences when operating a vehicle. When you are cited for this traffic offense, it is because you may have disregarded the rules of the road and may or may not have caused an accident or property damage. But as a threshold issue, you normally have to do something more than mere negligence in the operation of a vehicle to be cited for reckless driving.

What happens if you are cited for reckless driving?

If you have been cited with a reckless driving ticket and are going to plead not guilty, you would be wise to contact an experienced traffic ticket attorney in your area.

How long is a motor vehicle offense?

First motor vehicle offense: Between 10-90 days in jail and/or up-to $300 in fines.

What is the penalty for driving a car heedlessly?

First Offense: Imprisonment of no more than 60 days, or a fine between $50.00 and $200.00, or both.

What is a person who operates a vehicle on a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or

A person who operates a vehicle upon a highway or a frozen public lake, stream, or pond or other places open to the general public, including, but not limited to, an area designated for the parking of motor vehicles, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

How long is reckless driving in jail?

Reckless driving: Up to 90 days in jail and/ or 1000 in fines. Reckless driving resulting in serious injuries: Up to 1 year in jail and/ or 3000 in fines. Reckless driving without bodily harm; and careless driving: A misdemeanor. Reckless driving resulting in bodily harm: Gross misdemeanor.

How long is a law enforcement officer in jail for fleeing?

Fleeing a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle is reckless driving per se. First Conviction: Imprisonment for a period of no more than 90 days, and/or a fine of between $25 and $500. Second Conviction: Imprisonment of no more than 6 months, and/or by a fine of between $50 and $1,000.

What is the best way to avoid a misdemeanor?

Depending on the type of ticket you currently have and/or what past tickets are on your record, an online or an in-person driver improvement class might be best. There are several different types of classes that you can complete that will help you avoid a misdemeanor conviction.

How long is aggressive driving class?

Finally, there is a 4-hour aggressive driving class. This class is offered after completion of the 8 hour in-person class. Normally a person is informed to complete both the 8 hour and 4 hour in-person class when the driving behavior seems particularly dangerous either with a very high speed or a bad accident. Calibrations.

Can you negotiate a case before the court date in Fairfax County?

Because the prosecutors are not assigned until the morning of court, there is no way to negotiate your case prior to the court date listed. The prosecutors in Fairfax County have more discretion than some surrounding areas which lead to a variety of results depending on the situation.

Is reckless driving a crime in Fairfax County?

Don’t assume that a reckless driving ticket in Fairfax County, Virginia, is harmless. It’s a criminal charge that can follow you around for a long time, just like a DUI, no matter where you live. You may consider representing yourself in court because of cost concerns.

What is Reckless Driving?

Virginia law defines reckless driving in several different legal codes. The three most important are:

6 Strategies for Fighting Reckless Driving Charges in Virginia

When preparing to fight your reckless driving charge, you should keep three things in mind:

Special Cases: Repeat Offenders and CDL Drivers

Virginia judges are notoriously harsh when punishing driving crimes. This is especially true for repeat offenders.

Why You Need to Retain an Experienced Reckless Driving Attorney

You may not realize it, but you do have options for fighting a reckless driving charge even if you believe that you are guilty. Here are reasons why you want an experienced reckless driving attorney at your side:

Contact a Reckless Driving Attorney

At Browning & Long, PLLC, we are committed to aggressively fighting for the rights of our clients facing reckless driving charges. We have the added advantage of being former prosecutors, which gives us a greater understanding of the strategies that they employ in these cases.