Hopewell VA Reckless Driving Lawyers

Reckless driving is a serious offense under the strict Virginia traffic laws. A conviction for this offense comes with heavy fines, as well as the possibility of spending time in jail. Furthermore, if convicted of reckless driving, then you will have a permanent criminal record. As you can see, it is easy to understand why you would need a seasoned and competent reckless driving lawyer to assist in your defense. One thing that makes reckless driving offenses threatening and scary is the fact that you can be jailed. However, our reckless driving lawyers are here to protect you and represent you in court. We offer legal services for those charged with reckless driving in Hopewell and throughout northern Virginia. Whether you were caught speeding, weaving in traffic, racing, or you caused an accident due to reckless driving, we are here to defend you against those criminal charges. If you were arrested and charged with reckless driving, it is in your best interests to contact our law firm at your earliest convenience.

Reckless Driving in Hopewell VA

In Virginia, you can be charged with reckless driving for violating various traffic rules. For example, you can be charged with reckless driving for excessive speeding, driving an obstructed vehicle, driving a vehicle not under control, and reckless driving by accident, among others. What makes reckless driving unique in Virginia is that it is treated as Class 1 misdemeanor offense, rather than an infraction, as is the case in other states. Similar to other Class 1 misdemeanor offenses, reckless driving comes with heavy penalties, which include a one-year jail term, fines and loss of driving privileges.

You can be charged with reckless driving, by exceeding the allowed speed limit. In Virginia, driving at 20 mph over the posted speed limit is punishable by reckless driving. Also, driving at 80 mph regardless of the posted speed limit amounts to reckless driving. Reckless driving by speed is treated as a Class 1 misdemeanor offense, similar to assault and DUI. You need to note that reckless driving by speed is not the same as a speeding ticket. While a speeding ticket is treated as a traffic infraction, reckless driving is considered as a criminal offense. The difference between the two is that speeding tickets don’t exceed 19 mph over the posted speed limit. Therefore, anything below 20 mph over the allowed speed limit will be treated as a general speeding. You can tell the difference between the two easily, just by checking the document handed by the officer. The charge sheet should specify whether it’s a reckless driving charge or a speeding ticket. Apart from that, in reckless driving, you have to appear in court. As for speeding tickets, you can pre-pay them if you plead guilty and accept the consequences.

Apart from excessive speeding, you can be charged with reckless driving by accident. It is considered under general reckless driving. If your driving actions cause an accident, then the officer who arrives at the scene may charge with reckless driving. During such a situation, the traffic officer will determine the charges, based on witness statements or how the scene of the accident appears. The officers can also charge you with reckless driving by accident, if you are driving in a manner that endangers life, limb or property, such as swerving in and out of lanes. A reckless driving by accident charge can affect your CDL driver’s license. Under usual circumstances, a reckless driving conviction will result in a possible suspension or loss of your CDL. Unlike other situations, a CDL driver cannot be referred to a driving school to have their driving privileges reinstated. Therefore, any conviction will lead to loss of your job as well.

This charge refers to a situation where you are operating a vehicle which is not in good control has improperly adjusted or inadequate brakes anywhere in Virginia. Typically, you will face this charge by being inattentive or losing control of your vehicle and turning too fast. You can also be charged for causing an accident due to faulty brakes. You can also be charged with reckless driving by a vehicle not under control, for losing control of your vehicle due to weather or bad road conditions. If you are charged with this form of reckless driving, Hopewell, VA reckless driving lawyers can help. Failure to control your vehicle can also lead to a suspension or loss of a CDL.

Reckless driving by obstructed view or impaired control is a situation where your vehicle is so loaded that the driver’s view to the back, front or to the side mirrors is obstructed. It also refers to a situation where the loading of the vehicle interferes with the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. A vehicle can be loaded with equipment or filled with passengers in the front seat, beyond the allowed capacity. Once you are charged with this offense, you should consult a reckless driving lawyer immediately. Some drivers assume that having flashing lights or a bumper sticker will excuse them from this charge. However, as long as the obstruction affects proper operation of the vehicle, then you will be charged with reckless driving.

Reckless Driving Penalties

As previously noted, reckless driving is considered as a Class 1 misdemeanor offense. It is, therefore, a criminal case under the laws of Virginia. Some of the penalties associated with reckless driving include six demerit points against your driver’s record, up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The six demerit points remain on your driver’s record for eleven years. Your driving privileges can also be suspended for at least six months upon conviction. Apart from the legal penalties, a reckless driving conviction carries grave personal consequences. Conviction comes with a permanent criminal record. Such a record may affect your future opportunities. Background checks are always conducted during employment, education, security clearances and in financial institutions. Therefore, such a criminal record may deny you such opportunities.

Apart from that, loss or suspension of driving privileges can be a huge inconvenience, especially if you rely on your vehicle every day to move from one point to the other. Also, if your reckless driving resulted in the death of another person, or you were operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, then the charges are upgraded to a Class 6 felony. Felony charges carry worse penalties as compared to misdemeanor offenses. They include exorbitant fines, lengthy probations, jail time of up to twenty years and suspension of driving privileges for several years.

Therefore, you should not take reckless driving charges lightly. Furthermore, you should not allow them to have severe long-term consequences on your life. You only need to contact experienced Hopewell VA reckless driving lawyers, and you will give yourself an opportunity to fight the charges. We will examine both your case, as well as your previous reckless driving cases, to craft a strong defense designed to give you a favorable result in court.

Experienced Hopewell VA Reckless Driving Lawyers

If you are facing criminal charges for the first time, then you may be feeling stressed or frightened, about the potential license suspension and jail time. A reckless driving conviction also comes with long-lasting consequences, which may affect your life negatively. You, therefore, need to discuss your case with an experienced Hopewell, VA reckless driving lawyer immediately.

Working with local attorneys such as Joyner Law PLLC has numerous advantages. Imagine discussing your case, the details of where it happened with someone who is not familiar with the area. It also gets worse when you let someone who has never set foot in the local courts to handle your case. Having a local Hopewell reckless driving lawyer is a great asset to your defense. Having handled thousands of clients and cases in the area, we understand the benefits of working with someone local in your case.

Our competent attorneys have your best interests at heart. We can also help you in various ways. First, we will be your advocate and legal representatives during the investigation and trial. Apart from that, we will also be your legal counsel. We will also keep you updated on all the progress in your case. We will also ensure that you will go for trial when you are adequately prepared. At Joyner Law PLLC firm, we will use every resource at our disposal to secure a positive result in your case, based on the circumstances.

As your criminal defense lawyers, our main job is to look out for your best interests. This will include working tirelessly to protect your rights and to make sure we get the best results possible. As your reckless driving lawyers, we remain committed to your case from the time you contact us to the moment the case is resolved. We understand that the legal world can be confusing and complex. However, we are here to break down everything for you ensure your constitutional and personal rights are protected throughout the trial. We also understand that you may have a lot on your mind, especially when facing such a serious case. Therefore, having professional lawyers by your side can give you peace of mind. As part of our job, we will ensure you understand all the happenings in your case, and you are comfortable with the moves and strategies that we put in place on your behalf. We will also keep you posted on all the developments happening in your case.

At Joyner PLLC law firm, we are always available to respond to queries and concerns that you might have. We understand the seriousness of the charges you are facing. We also know that you might be under a lot of stress and pressure. However, a reckless driving charge should not feel like the end of the world. With competent and experienced lawyers on your side, you can fight a conviction and have the charges reduced, or dismissed. To understand how we can help you, you need to consult us first. We will give you an opportunity to share your side of the story, evaluate the charges against you and then offer valuable legal advice. Once you retain us as your legal representatives, you can rest easy knowing that professionals are handling your case.

Why Joyner Law PLLC

There are hundreds of reckless driving attorneys in Hopewell, Virginia. However, a reckless driving charge is not like any other traffic violation. It is considered as a criminal offense, with severe penalties and consequences. Therefore, you need to work with a team of competent, skilled and experienced reckless driving attorneys. At Joyner PLLC law firm, we can be there for you throughout the trial. If you have never been arrested and charged with reckless driving, then you may not understand what is at stake. The line between a reckless driving charge and a normal traffic ticket is very thin. It is therefore important to talk to our reckless driving lawyers immediately so that we can evaluate and explain the charges you are facing. You don’t have to face reckless driving charges alone. In fact, taking such a risky move can lead to penalties that are more stringent. Even if you are yet to be formally charged, just schedule a free consultation with one of our traffic attorneys. We will start working on your case immediately, and build a strong, solid defense strategy. When it comes to such a serious charge, it is never too early to start building a defense. Contact us today, and we will offer all the legal help you may need regarding your case.

Contact Us Today

We are experienced and skilled criminal defense lawyers, ready and equipped to handle even the most complex charges. Your reckless driving charges are not a simple traffic ticket. They require an aggressive criminal defense strategy, designed to avoid a conviction as well as the associated consequences such as a criminal record, which can affect your security clearances and employment opportunities. Finding a reckless driving lawyer in Hopewell, Virginia is easy. You just need to contact our law firm to schedule an appointment and a free consultation. Contact us today so that we can start working on your case immediately.

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