Greensville Reckless Driving Lawyer

Actions like passing another vehicle on a hill or curve, excessive speeding, driving past a stopped school bus, going too fast on icy roads, and drag racing may seem like relatively minor traffic violations that could result in a ticket, a small fine, or even just a warning, but “reckless driving” is actually a crime in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

If you have been charged with reckless driving in Greensville County, it is important to talk to a skilled defense attorney before your court date. Greensville reckless driving lawyers can discuss the legal options you may have and work diligently to reach the best possible outcome in your case.

Reckless Offenses

Many people mistakenly think that reckless driving has to cause an accident, injury, or harm to another person in order to be considered a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, in Greensville County and all of Virginia, reckless driving refers to certain driving behaviors that have the possibility of causing injury to “life, limb, or property.”

Reckless driving does not have to be “aggressive” or caused by road rage, either. It can be something passive or even accidental, like driving with faulty brakes. Common examples of reckless driving offenses in Virginia include:

• Driving over 80 mph
• Going 20+ miles per hour over the speed limit
• Overloading your vehicle so that your view is obstructed to the front and sides
• Failing to give timely turn signals

Greensville reckless driving lawyers see individuals also charged with reckless driving in parking lots, highways that are under construction, and driveways of public establishments.

Misdemeanor Charges

Offenses that are considered the highest class of misdemeanors include DUI, stalking, marijuana possession, simple assault, and reckless driving.

The maximum penalties for a Class 1 misdemeanor are twelve months in jail and $2,500 in fines, however, reckless driving in Greensville could also carry penalties like court mandated license suspension, demerit points on a person’s driving record, court fees, and an increase in insurance rates.

Since reckless driving is a misdemeanor, it will also give someone a criminal record, which can affect future job prospects and housing circumstances making it important that a Greensville reckless driving lawyer is consulted.

Potential Penalties

It is sometimes possible to downgrade reckless driving charges to “improper driving” or a lesser traffic infraction both of which carry lesser penalties.

A reckless driving lawyer in Greensville County can help negotiate these plea bargains with the prosecution or work to have the charges dropped altogether at trial.

Working with a Reckless Driving Lawyer in Greensville

Having a criminal record can seem like a frightening concept, especially if this was your first time recklessly driving or if it was completely unintentional.

Beyond the permanent criminal record, a reckless driving charge can also lead to a suspension of your drivers’ license, which can limit your ability to travel to and from work, school, daycare, etc.

You may also feel the financial impact, since fines for reckless driving can be hefty and your insurance rates can skyrocket. Fortunately, Greensville County reckless driving attorneys can give you the help and support you need to fight the charges. Skilled reckless driving lawyers in Greensville can develop a solid defense strategy, take care of the necessary paperwork, answer your questions, keep you updated, and fight for you every step of the way.