Reckless driving is a surprisingly standard and common offense in Virginia. Even though it is a criminal charge – a Class 1 Misdemeanor, the same as a DUI – it is very easy for the average person to get arrested and charged with reckless driving.
A Reckless driving charge only requires that you drive 20mph over the posted speed limit, or 80mph on highways to result in a criminal charge of “reckless by speed“.
Of course, not all reckless offenses are quite that benign or accidental. The Times Dispatch, in it’s regular Crime and Police News Section, reports on an incident where a person allegedly runs through a red line, and then attempts to run from the police.
He was ultimately stopped after an extended chase involving multiple police departments. One of which laid down a spike strip to blow out the tires and cause the car to stop.
He was arrested for both reckless driving and eluding police, a felony criminal traffic offense.
Of course such an incident is far from typical. Judges see reckless driving defendants every day in Virginia courts, and very few are quite this dramatic.
Most are average citizens who may have been driving a bit to fast, but never expected to find themselves accused of criminal charges.
Fortunately, our attorney can very often help get these charges reduced to non-criminal offenses, like a regular speeding ticket, or improper driving.
This legal representation costs far less than the fines and fees you would face if you are convicted of reckless driving. And many judges absolutely will convict you of the charge. In some jurisdictions, with particularly cranky judges, you are at real risk of a night or two in jail, just for driving a bit too fast!
It makes sense to consult with a Virginia defense attorney who regularly defend reckless charges to find out what your options are for getting rid of this legal problem as painlessly as possible.