Virginia Reckless Driving Penalties

If you’re like most drivers in Virginia, although you have probably heard the term “reckless driving” at one time or another, you may not be completely aware of what it means. In the state of Virginia, a reckless driving charge is a type of misdemeanor crime that is reserved for the most serious moving offenses. As a result, Virginia reckless driving penalties are quite hefty, and the consequences of this conviction can affect drivers long after they serve their sentence.

As a Class 1 Misdemeanor, the punishment for a reckless driving includes a license suspension of up to six months and a fine up to $2,500, and up to a year in a county jail. In addition, a reckless driving conviction will remain on your criminal record permanently and on your DMV record for 11 years. This means that anyone who conducts a criminal background check on you will see that you were found guilty of driving reckless. This will not only affect your auto insurance rates for years to come, but may also impact your ability to obtain affordable life and health insurance. Your future employment, housing, and educational opportunities may be jeopardized as well.

Under Virginia law, any type of driving act that displays disregard for another’s safety, and threatens a person’s life, limb, or property is considered reckless driving. Some common offenses that meet this definition include driving 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, racing, passing an emergency vehicle or school bus, and driving more than 80 miles per hour. Of these, the most frequently seen reckless driving offenses are the speeding violations.

Like any other criminal charge, in order to be convicted of reckless driving, the prosecutor must prove you are guilty of the charges against you. To do this, he or she must not only show that you drove in a manner that endangered someone else, but also that you were aware of this threat, and simply disregarded it.

Fortunately, experienced criminal defense attorneys can help you fight the charges against you, and attorneys Pat, Mark and Jeff are just that. Representing clients across the entire Commonwealth of Virginia, they have the extensive legal knowledge to handle your reckless driving case. Avoid the many penalties associated with a reckless driving conviction—contact the lawyers at the office of Michael C. Tillotson, LLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case.

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