Teenagers and Reckless Driving Charges in Virginia

If you are a teenager and are facing reckless driving charges in Virginia, then taking responsibility for your actions can mean facing serious consequences. Both the law and insurance companies penalize reckless driving and treat it very seriously.

Fortunately, an experienced Virginia reckless driving attorney can help to explain your options for fighting these charges in an effort to have your charges dismissed or reduced. We offer free legal consultations, so call our law offices immediately to explore your defense possibilities.

Role of an Attorney

When you or your teen are facing reckless driving charges, the first order of business is to assess your case with thought to the future. Teenagers, more-so than any other demographic, have a lot to lose from acquiring a criminal record. Additionally, because reckless driving charges in Virginia are criminal misdemeanors and not simple traffic charges, a conviction can be devastating.

The role of a reckless driving attorney is to help teens avoid the serious penalties and missed opportunities that can result from applying to schools or jobs with a criminal record.  When you sign on with one of the reckless driving attorneys at our firm, the first thing we will do is sit down with you to determine the best course of action under the circumstances.

We treat each case as its own unique set of factors, and we are dedicated to using our experience and aggressive advocacy to help our clients.

Driving Restrictions for Teenagers in Virginia

In Virginia teenagers face many driving restrictions, including, but not limited to the following:

• Curfew restrictions that prohibit driving from midnight to 4:00 a.m. with few exceptions
• Restrictions that limit the number of passengers
• Restrictions that prohibit the use of cellphones while driving

These restrictions are not penalties, but practicalities. They keep young drivers and the people they share the road with safe. However, if reckless driving charges occur when a teenager is in violation of any of these restrictions, the consequences can possibly be severe.

Reckless Driving Charges for Teenagers in Virginia

Reckless driving is a criminal offense, often involving accidents, speeding, and driving cars that are not safe.

If you are charged with reckless driving and tried as an adult in Virginia, which is possible even if you are under the age of 18, then upon conviction you could face several serious penalties:

• A jail sentence up to a year
• A fine up to $2,500
• Suspension of your license for up to six months

If you are charged with reckless driving and tried as a juvenile in Virginia, then upon conviction you could face even more serious penalties:

• Fines
• Probation
• Participation in a driver improvement clinic
• Confinement in a juvenile detention center
• Mandatory community service
• Suspension or loss of license

Upon conviction of a reckless driving charge, you could also see your insurance rates increase dramatically, be forced to live with a criminal record, and even lose your job or have a difficult time getting hired.

That is why having a reckless driving lawyer on your side is one of the best ways to deal with any reckless driving charges you face. He or she can help you prepare for your day in court and even have any charges against you reduced or dropped. Call our law offices today to conduct your free consultation.