With an experienced lawyer on your side, you’re likely to benefit from: Reduced fines A plea deal to keep the reckless driving charge off your record
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Because traffic infractions aren't considered crimes, they generally don't carry the possibility of jail time. Typically, a reckless driving infraction can result in only a fine and traffic violation demerit points (in states that have traffic point systems).
In the majority of states, reckless driving is defined something like the following: operating a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other persons or property. This definition may seem obtuse or too broad to define exactly what constitutes a violation.
Depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction, a misdemeanor reckless driving conviction might carry something like up to a year in jail and a maximum of $500 in fines. The Department of Motor Vehicles might also suspend the driver's license for a short period of time.
Typically, a reckless driving infraction can result in only a fine and traffic violation demerit points (in states that have traffic point systems). However, in states where reckless driving in generally an infraction, repeat violations can sometimes result in license suspension or misdemeanor charges.
If you’ve been ticketed and/or arrested recently for reckless driving in Fairfax County, or anywhere in the Commonwealth of Virginia, call one of our Fairfax County reckless driving lawyers today for a free case consultation at 703-273-6431 (or use our online contact form .)
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. For example, many of those who are charged with reckless driving tickets are charged because they were speeding. The speed will make the difference on what class you should take. The standard driver improvement class is 8 hours and can be done online. The 8-hour online class is normally reserved for lower speed reckless driving tickets or those who have a few tickets on their record. There is also an 8-hour in-person class. The in-person class is normally used in cases where the speeds are higher than normal and there are aggravating circumstances such as negative points on your driving record or more serious driving behavior accompanied with the speed. 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.
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.
If you decide to go to court without an attorney you will be speaking directly with the judge. That judge may inform you to get an attorney or let you handle the case that day without one.
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.
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.
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.
General reckless driving definitions. In the majority of states, reckless driving is defined something like the following: operating a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other persons or property. This definition may seem obtuse or too broad to define exactly what constitutes a violation.
Depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction (the state where the violation occurs), reckless driving can be classified as a traffic infraction, misdemeanor, or felony. Generally, traffic infractions aren't considered criminal offenses, whereas misdemeanors and felonies are types of crimes.
In some states, it's possible for drivers who are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) charges to plea bargain for a reckless driving charge. (Generally, reckless driving is a less serious offense than a DUI.) When a DUI is pled down to a reckless driving charge, it's often called a "wet reckless."
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:
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.