Virginia Beach Reckless Driving
Attorney

If you’re one of the many drivers in Virginia who are issued a traffic ticket each year, you may be tempted to simply pay the ticket fine and move on. But what you may not know is that certain traffic violations are classified as a Virginia reckless driving charge. As a result, these types of offenses carry much harsher penalties than traditional speeding violations.

So what exactly constitutes a reckless driving charge? Unfortunately, the laws surrounding this offense are quite vague. However, in the state of Virginia, reckless driving is defined as any type of dangerous driving that involves willful disregard for others’ safety. In other words, if you are driving in a manner that could possibly threaten another person, you may be guilty of reckless driving—regardless of your intent.

By far, the most common type of reckless driving charge in Virginia is speeding. Indeed, under the state’s traffic laws, any person who drives more than 20 miles per hour above the speed limit can be charged with reckless driving. Driving above 80 miles per hour can also lead to a reckless driving charge. Other examples of reckless driving charges include passing a stopped school bus, racing, driving with faulty brakes, and failing to yield when merging onto a highway.

In Virginia, a reckless driving charge is a Class 1 Misdemeanor crime. Drivers who are convicted face penalties such as an automatic license suspension of six months or more, up to $2,500 in fines, and a one year jail sentence. Plus, a reckless driving conviction will remain on the person’s criminal record for eleven years—a fact that can jeopardize many future employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

To avoid the consequences of a reckless driving charge, many drivers may consider a plea bargain, a type of agreement with the prosecution that allows the driver to plead guilty to a less severe charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. Unfortunately, many jurisdictions in Virginia do not allow drivers to negotiate plea bargains without legal representation. As a result, if you are charged with reckless driving in Virginia, it is in your best interest to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately.

Fortunately, attorney Michael C. Tillotson is here to help. With over a decade of experience handling Virginia reckless driving cases just like yours, Mr. Tillotson has the knowledge required to defend you in court. In many cases, you may be able to reduce your charges to a non-criminal offense, or even eliminate them entirely. For a free consultation, contact Michael C. Tillotson today to discuss your case.