Virginia may be for lovers, but there is nothing to love about a reckless driving charge. In Hampton, Virginia, there are strict laws that prohibit citizens from driving dangerously. These laws are known as reckless driving laws, which state that it is illegal for a person to operate a motor vehicle in a manner that shows a total disregard for the safety of others.
If you’re wondering how you can be charged with reckless driving in Hampton, Virginia, please keep reading. The law is somewhat vague so it is important to know how you can be charged with this crime. And yes, reckless driving is a criminal offense.
Any driver who is caught operating a motor vehicle over 80mph will be charged with reckless driving. The same holds true for a driver who is speeding more than 20mph over the posted speed limit. In both of these scenarios, excessive speeding is considered such a dangerous driving act that it is a criminal offense.
But speeding and racing are not the only ways you can be charged with reckless driving. Failing to yield while merging on to a highway will also result in a reckless driving charge. The same holds true for passing a stopped school bus and driving with faulty brakes.
For committing one of these serious traffic violations, you can face up to one year in jail. You will also lose your driver’s license for six months and will face charges that can add up to $2500. As you can see, reckless driving is a much more severe charge than a typical speeding ticket.
To avoid such penalties, it is wise to hire an experienced defense attorney. He or she may be able to have your charge reduced to a non-criminal offense. It’s also possible to have your case dismissed.
Reckless driving is a Class I misdemeanor and this will show up on your criminal record if you are convicted. The stigmas of a misdemeanor can affect you for a lifetime. If you are planning to enroll in school, find a job or housing, it may prove to be more difficult when you have a misdemeanor on your record.