In Suffolk, Virginia, the largest city in the state of Virginia, it is against the law to drive dangerously in a manner of disregard for the safety of others. This criminal offense is known as reckless driving and it is a serious charge with severe penalties, such as up to one-year in jail, a six-month license suspension and fines up to $2500.
A police officer may arrest you for reckless driving if they observe you committing a serious traffic violation, such as speeding more than 20mph over the posted speed limit. You can also be charged with reckless driving for operating a motor vehicle over 80mph. It is also considered a serious traffic offense to pass a stopped school bus or race your vehicle on public roadways. Other dangerous driving acts that may result in a reckless driving charge include failing to yield as you merge on to a highway and driving with bad brakes.
If you are caught committing one of these traffic offenses, it is best to contact an experienced defense attorney. Some jurisdictions in Virginia do not allow you to enter into a plea bargain with the prosecution unless you have legal representation. It’s also important to remember that a reckless driving charge is a criminal offense and therefore it’s very different than receiving a speeding ticket. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, it may be possible to have your charge reduced to a non-criminal offense or the charge against you may be dismissed.
In the event that you are convicted of reckless driving, you must understand that this is a Class I misdemeanor. This charge will go on your criminal record and it may cause you problems well into the future. For example, schools, employers and landlords often run criminal background checks and having a misdemeanor on your criminal record may make it difficult for you to attend school, land a job and establish housing.
That’s why it’s important to remember that reckless driving is much more serious than a traffic ticket. Seeking counsel is highly recommended, so if you live in the Suffolk, Virginia area, please consider contacting a local attorney immediately.