If you are charged with reckless driving the best thing you can do is contact a criminal defense attorney. Our Alexandria reckless driving lawyers have great experince with these cases and could offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
In the Commonwealth of Virginia, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor – a criminal offense that entails significant ramifications under the law. If you are charged and found guilty in a court of law, the verdict will appear on your permanent, public record.
Consequences of a conviction include up to a six-month suspension of one’s driver’s license, up to twelve months imprisonment, a fine not to eMoreover, the driver is subject to six Virginia DMV demerit points against his or her license. Apart from the legal penalties, a reckless driving conviction may jeopardize your employment, your ability to secure loans, and, invariably, cause your auto-insurance premiums to increase.
The Commonwealth has developed a statutory list of acts that constitute reckless driving. However, these acts are subject to interpretation and the discretion of a law enforcement officer. Because harsh penalties can result from reckless driving charges, it is essential to seek the assistance of a qualified Alexandria attorney who will listen to your side of the story. Reckless driving includes these driving acts, among others:
When all of the penalties for reckless driving are compiled, they may seem overwhelming, but do not lose hope. You are not the first person to face the daunting charge of reckless driving, and our Alexandria attorneys have experience successfully handling reckless driving cases.
It is necessary that the presiding judge make a fully informed decision based upon an accurate account of the events. For example, a quick lane change at a redesigned ramp does not always call for a charge of weaving, so it is important that a driver have the chance to describe the incident in court with the guidance of a knowledgeable reckless driving attorney.
Traffic cases are heard at the Alexandria General District Court located at 520 King Street on the second floor. Our attorneys will make sure the driver is understood and will explore the possibilities of reduced or even dropped charges when possible. Call our team today so we can develop an effective strategy to help protect your rights, your finances, and your future.
If convicted of reckless driving in Virginia, the conviction will remain on one’s criminal record for 11 years, the court may issue a license suspension, and the Department of Motor Vehicles will apply six demerit points. In addition to the marred record, DMV points, fines, potential license suspension, and possible jail time, drivers convicted of reckless driving continue to pay for the driving incident for an indefinite period of time.
Car insurance rates can rise dramatically, and a loss of driving privileges and a criminal record may threaten or limit one’s career. Contact an Alexandria lawyer for help protecting your rights, record, and reputation following charges for reckless driving.
Alexandria is an affluent, highly professional part of Northern Virginia that sees very little crime. Statistics for 2010 indicated only 197.2 incidents of violent crime per 100,000 residents, which compared to other cities in Virginia, is quite low. Located only six miles south of downtown Washington DC, Alexandria is a very walkable area with comfortable neighborhoods and successful downtown and waterfront businesses. Despite the ease with which one can get around on foot, there are very busy roads such as I-295, I-495, King Street, and Route 123.
There are many traffic lights, intersections, and one-way roads that may be confusing to Alexandria visitors. Northern Virginia interstates are undergoing complicated construction and changing traffic patterns can be very confusing and filled with vehicles making last-minute decision-making on ever-changing roads. Officers are usually out in force. This can result in reckless driving charges. An Alexandria reckless driving lawyer will listen to the circumstances surrounding your charge and construct a defense strategy.
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