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Arlington Reckless Driving Lawyer

Reckless driving encompasses a wide array of offenses, some of which can be confusing even to the most seasoned drivers. Reckless driving charges carry rather serious consequences, and it is important that those accused have an opportunity to defend against the charges to avoid severe penalties. The advice of a knowledgeable Arlington reckless driving lawyer can help you explore all options to achieve the best outcome possible. En Español.

Despite Arlington being an extremely small county of just over 25 square miles, it is home to many federal and government buildings, as well as heavily traveled highways. The county board of supervisors has devoted much time and effort to making the area both pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly with the development of their Master Transportation Plan. In response to their efforts, the board has received many transit awards.

Arlington County has many busy roads, such as Routes 1, 50, and 29, and Interstate 395. In 2013, some frequently traveled roads have seen speed limit changes that may cause confusion to area drivers.  Speeds on some roads to and from the Key Bridge have been lowered from 30 to 25 miles per hour.

While the limit on Interstate 395 remains 55 miles per hour, its HOV counterpart ranges from 55 to 65. Similarly, ramps to I-66 range from 45 to 55 miles per hour. While these speed changes may seem insignificant, they can mean the drastic difference between a traffic infraction and a reckless driving charge. Call our defense attorneys for help.

Reckless Driving in Arlington County

Reckless driving offenses in Virginia consist of several specific charges as well as some vague charges that are open to interpretation by law enforcement. Some of the more specific charges include:

  • Driving 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit;
  • Driving over 80 miles per hour;
  • Passing a school bus in the process of dropping off or picking up children;
  • Operating an overloaded vehicle with obstructed visibility;
  • Operating a vehicle with faulty brakes, lights, etc.;
  • Racing;
  • Driving at speeds or in a manner that endangers the safety of others and/or their property.

Consequences of Reckless Driving in Arlington

Reckless driving is generally considered a Class One misdemeanor in the Commonwealth of Virginia, penalized by up to one year in jail and/or a maximum fine of $2,500. One may also face a license suspension for up to six months and may receive six demerit points on their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Aggressive driving is a lesser offense than reckless driving, but is still a Class Two misdemeanor.

In the event that a driver is charged with reckless driving and as a result that driver is the sole proximate cause of the death of another and when their license is already revoked because of prior offenses, the severity of the charge increases to a Class Six felony. If found guilty, the convicted driver could face up to five years in prison and will have to cope with fines, probation, and a loss of driving privileges.

The consequences of reckless driving can be severe, but they do not end there. The driver’s insurance rates could increase exponentially and may remain extremely high for an extended period of time. Drivers often need to complete driving courses to remove demerit points from their licenses and to convince their insurance companies to consider adjusting rates.

What Can a Reckless Driving Attorney Do for You?

While some reckless acts are overtly dangerous, sometimes even minor infractions on busy Arlington roads can have such devastating consequences as those resulting from a reckless driving conviction.

A qualified Arlington reckless driving lawyer can study the conditions leading up to the traffic offense and the driver’s interaction with law enforcement to present an accurate representation of the facts to the presiding judge. If applicable, witnesses will be called to testify on your behalf, and our lawyers will ensure proper legal protocol is followed to make your rights a priority.

Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with an Arlington Reckless Driving Attorney

With the help of an Arlington reckless driving attorney, you will have excellent representation by your side fighting for the best outcome. She and her team of attorneys will be honest and forthcoming in the penalties you may encounter as well as the possible reduction of charges you may be able to attain. Call today for a free consultation so you can being exploring your options for a strong defense.

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