how much does a traffic lawyer cost for reckless driving in virginia

Should I get a lawyer for reckless driving in Virginia?

No. 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 much is a traffic attorney in VA?

The standard hourly fee for attorneys in Virginia is between $250-$500 an hour. However, at Peter John Louie, P.C., we don't like the hourly model because it means focusing less on the facts and strategy of your case and spending more time looking at the clock.Aug 13, 2021

Can you get a reckless driving ticket reduced in VA?

If you have been charged with reckless driving, Virginia Code § 46.2-869 allows the judge or prosecutor to reduce a reckless driving offense to improper driving if the culpability is slight.

How do you get a reckless driving dismissed in Virginia?

How to Get Out of Reckless Driving TicketIgnore the Reckless Driving Charge. It's a choice, but it's not a good one. ... Send a letter. The next approach you might take to handling your case is to send a letter to the court. ... Appear by yourself. ... Hire a lawyer to fight the reckless driving charge.

How do I fight a speeding ticket in Virginia?

The first option is to go for a plea deal, in which the speed is reduced, resulting in fewer points on your license. This still requires pleading guilty to a crime, and those points will stay on your record for some time. The second option for contesting a speeding ticket is to fight for a full dismissal in court.Aug 20, 2021

How do you beat reckless driving in Virginia?

The most effective option for beating a reckless driving ticket is to hire an attorney skilled in traffic court. An attorney who has experience in this field will usually know the judge and prosecutor, and may even know the officer, which provides an advantage in your case.Feb 26, 2021

What is the average fine for reckless driving in Virginia?

In Virginia, the fine for reckless driving cannot exceed $2500 because it is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Some jurisdictions will choose to impose the maximum amount, but in general, a couple of factors will work together to form the final total.Sep 6, 2021

What happens when you get 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. If a person gets charged and convicted, it is a serious charge.

Is reckless driving a felony in Virginia?

Reckless driving in VA is not a felony (with rare exceptions). Whether you were charged with § 46.2-862 Reckless Driving by Speed, § 46.2-852 General Reckless Driving, or one of the other 12 types of reckless driving in VA, you have been charged with a class 1 misdemeanor.

Can you go to jail for reckless driving in VA?

Reckless Driving in Virginia 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.Jan 11, 2017

Hourly Versus Flat Fee

There are two ways that attorneys structure their fees: (1) Hourly, and (2) Flat Fees. The standard hourly fee for attorneys in Virginia is between $250-$500 an hour. However, at Peter John Louie, P.C., we don’t like the hourly model because it means focusing less on the facts and strategy of your case and spending more time looking at the clock.

Jurisdiction of the Court Matter

This is the biggest determining factor of price since each city is different. For example, you should expect to pay less for reckless driving cases in Northampton County on the Eastern Shore because the court there is very streamlined.

Type of Charge, Number of Charges, and Jail Time

The facts and circumstances behind every charge are always unique. Each case requires its own fine-tuned approach. One case may require a substantial investment of time even though it appears very similar to another easier case.

The Most Important Question

There’s a more important question than “what does a lawyer cost” that you need to be asking:

Contact a Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer Today

If you are looking for a VA reckless driving lawyer, please contact me today for a free case strategy session.

Andrew Flusche

My name is Andrew Flusche. I am a traffic and misdemeanor defense lawyer in Virginia. I limit my practice to traffic tickets and misdemeanor defense, so I know the ins and outs of these offenses. I literally wrote the book on reckless driving in Virginia which you can get on Amazon here or download for free here.

What is the Virginia Code for Reckless Driving?

The specific section of Virginia Code for reckless driving is 46.2-852: “Irrespective of the maximum speeds permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person shall be guilty of reckless driving.”.

What is reckless driving?

“Irrespective of the maximum speeds permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person shall be guilty of reckless driving.”

What is a speeding ticket in Virginia?

A speeding ticket in Virginia is classified as an infraction. Reckless driving, 20 mph or more over the speed limit or driving in excess of 85 mph, is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

Can you get points for reckless driving in Virginia?

Yes. Out-of-state drivers will be treated the same as Virginia residents with reckless driving charges. There is, however, some possible difference in the final result of your case. Depending on your home state’s laws, you may not receive points on your license or restrictions on your driving privileges.

How long does reckless driving stay on your record?

If charged with reckless driving, an individual could face the following penalties: Revocation or suspension of one’s driver’s license for up to six months, A $2,500 maximum fine, A one year maximum jail sentence, Six-point demerit points onto their driving record that will stay there for 11 years.

Does Virginia have reckless driving laws?

Virginia has the most severe consequences for reckless driving and facts that would not support a reckless driving charge in other states does so in Virginia. For that reason, many who are pulled over and ticketed mistakenly believe what they been issued a routine traffic ticket, not a criminal citation.

What Constitutes Reckless Driving?

Let’s start with the basics of understanding reckless driving in VA. The criminal code of Virginia contains the definition of reckless driving.

Examples of Reckless Driving

Virginia considers a far more comprehensive array of conduct reckless driving than in other states. Some examples of reckless driving could be:

Is Reckless Driving Just a Citation?

While there is a range of behaviors that may constitute reckless driving, one thing is clear: reckless driving is a criminal offense in Virginia. There is not only a general reckless driving statute but also specific reckless driving crimes in our laws.

How Much Is a Reckless Driving Ticket?

If law enforcement has charged you with reckless driving, you are likely concerned about the Virginia reckless driving ticket cost and if there will be other consequences. There is usually a fine and court costs for reckless driving. However, it is essential to know that:

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Reckless Driving Ticket?

It would be best if you had an experienced attorney for your reckless driving case. Far too often, individuals consider a reckless driving charge as no different than a speeding ticket. This is not accurate. Reckless driving is a crime, and you should approach the charge as such.

Andrew Flusche, Attorney at Law, PLC: Defending You in Criminal Cases

Andrew Flusche, Attorney at Law, PLC is a traffic defense firm in Spotsylvania, VA. I have worked hard to build a reputation as a top-notch legal defender in reckless driving and DWI cases. You can reach my office by phone, online form, or email.