Dinwiddie Reckless Driving Lawyer 

Reckless driving is a serious criminal offense under Virginia law. In fact, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is the most serious level of misdemeanor under state law. Unlike many other traffic violations, reckless driving is punishable by jail time, in addition to other penalties including fines and DMV points.

If you are facing a reckless driving charge in Dinwiddie, contact a Dinwiddie reckless driving lawyer. An experienced defense attorney can help protect your driving record and will work hard to help you avoid conviction when possible.

Reckless Driving Defined

Reckless driving means operating a motor vehicle in a manner that could result in injury to another or property damage. Virginia Code Section defines reckless driving, and prohibits anyone from driving on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person.

Violating this general reckless driving law in Dinwiddie can lead to a Class 1 misdemeanor charge.

Common Reckless Driving Offenses

In addition to a general reckless driving law, state law also defines other, specific reckless driving charges, including:

• Speeding 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit, or over 80 mph
• Racing
• Passing or overtaking an emergency vehicle
• Passing a school bus
• Passing on the crest of a hill
• Passing at a railroad crossing
• Passing two vehicles abreast
• Driving two vehicles abreast
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Failing to give a proper signal
• Driving with faulty brakes/improper control
• Driving with an obstructed view

All of these reckless driving charges are Class 1 misdemeanors.

Common Speeding Offenses

One common reckless driving charge is excessive speeding. Virginia Code prohibits driving on a highway at a speed of twenty miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit or driving on a highway at any speed over 80 miles per hour.

This means that if a motorist drives 75 MPH on a highway with a speed limit of 55 MPH, they could face a reckless driving charge. The same charge applies for those who drive at more than 80 MPH on a highway, regardless of what the posted speed limit is.

Reckless Driving Penalties

All reckless driving charges are Class 1 misdemeanors under Virginia law. Penalties for reckless driving in Dinwiddie, even for first-time offenses, include:

• Up to 12 months in jail
• Fines up to $2,500
• Six driving record points
• License suspension up to six months

It is important to note that a conviction for reckless driving remains on someone’s driving record for 11 years. A driver’s record can affect their insurance rates and can be included in employment background checks. The more DMV points a Dinwiddie driver has on their record, the more negative consequences they could face.

Someone’s best chance at avoiding these penalties is by contacting a Dinwiddie reckless driving lawyer as soon as possible.

Contacting a Dinwiddie Reckless Driving Lawyer

If you are facing reckless driving charges in Dinwiddie and are concerned with how a conviction could affect your driving record, contact a Dinwiddie reckless driving lawyer. An experienced attorney can defend you in court and work hard to reduce the impact of a reckless driving charge.