Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia may be a vacation destination, but when you are charged with reckless driving, it feels more like trying to stay alive on a battlefield. That’s because it is a serious criminal offense in the state of Virginia to be convicted of reckless driving. In fact, this criminal offense is a Class I misdemeanor and it can prevent you from finding a job and housing or even enrolling in school if you are convicted.
And like any criminal offense, there are penalties upon conviction. Unlike a non-criminal violation, a person charged with reckless driving may face a six-month license suspension and expensive fines that can reach as high as $2500. It’s also possible to spend up to one year in jail if you are found guilty of committing this crime.
So how is reckless driving different from a non-criminal traffic violation? The state of Virginia considers reckless driving a more serious charge because it shows a person has a complete disregard for the safety of others. In other words, the state considers your driving to be so dangerous that you are a threat to others.
For example, if you pass a stopped school bus, you can be charged with reckless driving. Other dangerous driving acts include operating a motor vehicle with bad brakes, racing with other vehicles and failing to yield as you merge on to a roadway. Speeding more than 20mph over the posted speed limit will also result in a reckless driving charge. Also, any driver who is speeding over 80mph, regardless of the posted speed limit, may be charged with reckless driving.
However, it is possible to avoid a reckless driving conviction. The first step is to contact an experienced defense attorney. Some jurisdictions in Virginia do not allow a person to enter into a plea bargain if they do not have a lawyer. That is why it’s always in your best interest to hire an attorney.
Your lawyer may be able to have your charge reduced to a non-criminal offense, so you won’t face any serious penalties. It’s also possible that your case will be dismissed.