what lawyer do i need for reckless driving

The answer is YES! You do need an attorney to defend against a reckless driving charge. A reckless driving charge is not just a glorified traffic infraction, it is a criminal misdemeanor charge. In Virginia, traffic laws are very tough.

Full Answer

Should I hire a lawyer for my reckless driving?

Apr 06, 2022 · As such, the law requires people to avoid reckless driving whenever possible. If you’ve driven in a reckless fashion, you may need an attorney. But many drivers don’t know what counts as reckless driving. Below, we’ll get into the different types of reckless driving. This will help you determine whether you need a car accident lawyer.

Do I need a lawyer for a reckless driving charge?

Jun 21, 2018 · Even if your state classifies reckless driving as a driving offense, you can still benefit from the aid of a lawyer. A criminal defense attorney can represent you in court, negotiate a plea bargain, or seek to lower your fines or jail time. …

Should you hire a lawyer for your reckless driving ticket?

Do I really need a lawyer for a reckless driving charge? Possibly. It is certainly worthwhile consulting a lawyer for such charge. Reckless Driving, like many traffic or misdemeanor offenses, can be deceiving. It often appears harmless and many decide to handle the matter in court themselves. After all, a Reckless Driving charge is simply an ...

How much does a VA reckless driving lawyer cost?

If you have been charged with reckless driving, you should contact a reckless driving lawyer today. The reckless driving attorneys at Patterson Weaver Law, LLC have successfully handled many cases exactly like yours and can help you build a strong defense. Our traffic attorneys would love to help you in your matter.

How much are reckless driving tickets in VA?

a $2500Reckless driving is a class 1 misdemeanor. If you are convicted, you will receive: 6 points on your Virginia driving record. Up to a $2500 fine.

How do I fight a reckless driving ticket in California?

The best way to fight a reckless driving charge in California is to hire an experienced reckless driving defense attorney. By placing your trust in a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, you can be confident that he will devise the best defense to fight the charge.Jan 29, 2016

How do I fight a reckless driving ticket 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

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.

Is reckless driving a felony in California?

In California, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor. As stated in the California Vehicle Code Section 23103, this is defined as “a person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.”Feb 16, 2021

Should I plead guilty or no contest to a speeding ticket in California?

You should exercise that right vigorously and without compromise and you should not feel guilty for doing so. When you receive a traffic ticket, the court will usually suggest that you must appear twice to contest it: first to appear and plead not guilty and second to stand trial with the officer present.

Can a reckless driving charge be reduced in Virginia?

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 serious is 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.

Can you go to jail for reckless driving in Virginia?

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

How long does a reckless driving stay on your record in Virginia?

11 yearsUnder Virginia law, a conviction for reckless driving will remain on your Virginia driving record for 11 years.

Do you have to appear in court for reckless driving in Virginia?

Reckless driving in Virginia is a crime, not just a traffic offense, which means you will have to appear in court at a certain date. You cannot (and should not) mail the ticket as you could do for other minor traffic offenses.

How fast is reckless driving in Virginia?

If you exceed a speed of 85 mph in Virginia, you can be charged with reckless driving. Is it also considered reckless driving to exceed the speed limit by 20 mph or more. Therefore, if you are driving 75 mph in a 55 mph speed zone, then you may be charged with reckless driving.

What is Careless & Reckless Driving?

Careless and Reckless driving offenses in Colorado are somewhat similar, but the conduct required for a reckless driving charge is more aggravated than that for a careless driving charge. Accordingly, the possible penalties for reckless driving can be very severe.

Do I Really Need a Lawyer?

Careless and reckless driving tickets may seem like standard traffic tickets, but they are much more serious. These charges can be given by a police officer after a traffic accident, or simply based on observed driving.

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.

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 second conviction?

Second conviction within 3 years from first conviction: Imprisonment of between 30 days and 6 months, and/or by a fine of between $500 and $1,000. Second conviction if physical injury to a person results: Imprisonment of between 60 days and 1 year, or by a fine of between $500 and $1.000, or both. Misdemeanor.

Is reckless driving a misdemeanor?

Reckless driving is one of the most serious traffic offenses and is typically charged as a misdemeanor (as opposed to an infraction). A conviction can result in penalties ranging from heavy fines to incarceration in certain cases, depending on state laws.

What are the chances that you will be found guilty of reckless driving?

In deciding whether to hire a lawyer for your reckless driving case, consider the range of outcomes. The court could find you “guilty as charged” of reckless driving, or “guilty” of a less serious offense (for example, speeding, failing to obey highway signs or improper driving), or possibly “not guilty” of anything.

Do not make the mistake of expecting the judge to dismiss or reduce your case automatically

Many people have the misconception that the Virginia court will have some traffic court program that you can be ordered into to get a better result.

Another wrong assumption is that the judge will have mercy on you and will reduce or dismiss your case

Perhaps your situation is truly exceptional, and the judge will be moved to treat your case as unique. But the reality of traffic court is that many people have the similar explanations or pleas for mercy, and a judge who hears the same thing repeatedly may not be so moved.

Also, the outcome is affected to some degree by which county your case is in, as well as which judge you appear before

The critical point here is that each county is different, and each judge is different. Be cautious of comparing case results with other people — what happened in your friend’s Prince William reckless case may be of little use in predicting what will happen in your Fairfax case.

Do You Find Yourself In Need Of A Virginia Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you've recently found yourself in need of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Virginia you should speak with us as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Fairfax, Virginia law office at 703.277.2811 to schedule your free consultation.