Fairfax Reckless Driving & Traffic Violations Defense Lawyer

Experienced Traffic Lawyers Helping Clients Across Northern Virginia Keep Their Licenses and Stay on the Road

Reckless driving is an incredibly serious traffic offense that can result in you losing your license. In some cases, a reckless driving conviction can even land you behind bars. The Fairfax traffic ticket lawyers at Robinson Law, PLLC, have decades of experience helping our clients stay on the road after being cited for reckless driving. Remember, receiving a ticket doesn't mean you are guilty. Until you pay the ticket or are found guilty at trial, you are presumed innocent – and an attorney for reckless driving can help you stay that way.

What Is Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Reckless driving may involve multiple types of unsafe behavior. You could be arrested for this offense if you are accused of driving in an unsafe manner and disregarding the traffic laws and other measures meant to protect the safety of others who use the roads. In addition to the possibility of jail time, fines, and the loss of your license if you are convicted of reckless driving in Virginia, you could see an increase in your insurance premium, issues with your security clearance and employment, and the addition of DMV demerit points to your driving record.

All too often, our Virginia reckless driving lawyers see defendants without legal representation pleading guilty to reckless driving in court. Many of these individuals are unaware of the severe consequences of a first offense reckless driving ticket in Virginia. If you or a loved one have been charged with reckless driving in Fairfax or Northern Virginia, it is essential to have an experienced traffic violations lawyer review your case to determine your best course of action.

Types of Reckless Driving in Virginia

While most people think of reckless driving as one type of citation, there are actually many ways to end up with a reckless driving ticket. Below are a few of the most common types of reckless driving in Virginia:

• Reckless Driving, Generally (Va. Code § 46.2-852)
• Reckless Driving by Speed (Va. Code §46.2-862 (i) & (ii)
• Reckless Driving by Excessive Speed for the Conditions (Va. Code § 46.2-861)
• Reckless Driving in Parking Lot (Va. Code § 46.2-864)
• Reckless Driving by Passing a School Bus (Va. Code §46.2-859)
• Reckless Driving by Improper Control/Faulty Brakes (Va. Code § 46.2-853)
• Reckless Driving by Passing on a Curve (Va. Code § 46.2-854)
• Reckless Driving by Passing Two Vehicles Abreast (Va. Code §46.2-856)
• Reckless Driving by Driving Two Abreast in a Single Lane (Va. Code § 46.2-857)
• Reckless Driving by Passing at a Railroad or Pedestrian Crossing (Va. Code § 46.2-858)
• Reckless Driving by Failing to Signal (Va. Code § 46.2-860)
• Reckless Driving by Failure to Yield (Va. Code § 46.2-863
• Reckless Driving by Racing (Va. Code § 46.2-865)
• Reckless Driving by Driving with Impaired Control/View Because of Passengers (Va. Code § 46.2-855)

When Does A Speeding Ticket Become A Reckless Driving Charge?

Going any speed over the posted speed limit in Virginia can result in a traffic ticket. However, a speeding ticket can lead to a Virginia reckless driving penalty if you were allegedly driving more than 20 mph over the posted speed limit or were allegedly driving faster than 85 mph.

Is Reckless Driving a Misdemeanor in Virginia?

Under Va. Code § 46.2-868, reckless driving, including any of the specific reckless driving offenses listed above, is a Class 1 misdemeanor. The maximum sentence for a person convicted of misdemeanor reckless driving is 12 months in jail. The fine for reckless driving in Virginia may be as high as $2,500.

What Is the Minimum Jail Sentence for Reckless Driving?

There is no minimum sentence that must be imposed for a person who is convicted of reckless driving. As mentioned above, the maximum jail sentence is 12 months. A reckless driving conviction carries a minimum fine of $250.

Can a Reckless Driving Charge Be Dropped?

The likelihood of having a reckless driving charge (or any charge) reduced or dismissed depends heavily on the facts of the specific case and the defendant's criminal record. There is no way for any lawyer to guarantee a certain result. Our Virginia reckless driving attorneys prepare our clients with the steps they need to take prior to court in order to ensure the best possible outcome.

Driving on a Suspended License After a Reckless Driving Conviction

If you end up going down on a reckless driving charge, your license is going to be suspended. Of course, there is going to be the temptation to drive anyway. This is understandable, as you need your license to take your kids to school, to get to work, and for almost every other aspect of your life. However, it is important you know that driving on a suspended license is not only a traffic violation in Virginia—it's also a crime. More specifically, driving on a suspended license is a Class 1 misdemeanor. In addition to the jail sentence and fines that may apply for a conviction, you may face an additional term of suspension equal to the period of time for which your license was initially suspended.

More serious penalties may apply in certain situations. If you are accused of reckless driving while your license was suspended, and your reckless driving allegedly led to someone's death, you may be charged with a Class 6 felony. If convicted, you could be sentenced to one to five years in prison.

How Do I Look Up My Traffic Ticket Online?

If you wish to view your Virginia reckless driving ticket online, complete these steps:

• Go to Virginia's Online Case Information System
• Accept the terms and conditions
• Fill out relevant information on the search criteria form
• Look for your name and case number

This is only for looking up your case rather than paying your ticket. Also, ensure you are not using Internet Explorer when looking up your case; the website may not work if you use this browser.

Do I Have To Go To Court For My Traffic Ticket?

You do not have to go to court for a traffic ticket in most cases. However, by paying the ticket, you automatically plead guilty. But if you want to fight the ticket and keep it off your record, you may want to seek legal counsel and go to court.

How Long Does Reckless Driving Stay on Your Record?

In most cases, a reckless driving conviction will stay on your driving record for 11 years. A lawyer for reckless driving can help you determine what steps to take to avoid a reckless driving conviction and prevent long-lasting consequences that may affect your driving record.

Are You Facing Reckless Driving Charges?

If you are facing a reckless driving charge in Virginia, reach out to Robinson Law, PLLC, as soon as possible. A reckless driving citation is not just another traffic ticket—it's a criminal offense. By paying the ticket, you are pleading guilty to a crime. At Robinson Law, PLLC, we have decades of experience aggressively defending our clients' right to drive, and we look forward to discussing how we can help keep you on the road.

Read our client testimonials to see how many people we have helped fight charges of reckless driving and other offenses in court. We have assisted with numerous types of cases, including Fairfax County reckless driving, Manassas reckless driving, Prince William County reckless driving, Loudoun County reckless driving, Virginia Beach reckless driving, and many more. Our attorneys have represented both adults and juveniles facing traffic charges across Northern Virginia, and we are standing by to discuss your case for free.

To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation, call 703-844-3746. You can also connect with us through our online form.