Most people assume or believe that reckless driving is just like any other traffic violation. They expect to receive a speeding ticket, which they can prepay at their convenience. As much as that might be the situation in other states, the situation is very different in Virginia. Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense in Virginia. A conviction can lead to a jail term, suspension of driving privileges, heavy fines and demerit points on your driving record. Apart from that, a conviction comes with a criminal record, which cannot be expunged.
If you have been charged with reckless driving anywhere in Virginia, you need to hire skilled criminal defense attorneys to help you fight these serious charges. Retaining Mecklenburg County VA reckless driving lawyers can help you to navigate the legal system while fighting for your interests throughout the process. Having knowledgeable reckless driving attorneys can ease your anxiety and stress knowing that you have accomplished professionals by your side.
At Joyner Law PLLC, we understand that the legal system can be complex and overwhelming. However, with the help of our polished reckless driving attorneys, you will understand what is going on throughout the trial. If you have never faced a criminal charge before, then you might find the situation confusing. The good news is that our attorneys will stand with you all through.
Reckless Driving in Mecklenburg County
Being pulled over by police for a traffic violation doesn’t seem like a big deal. For most people, it is just another inconvenience, which they want to get over with as soon as possible. However, in Virginia, some traffic violations are considered so serious that you can end up in jail. Those driving behaviors are known as reckless driving. In Mecklenburg County, there are approximately 14 driving behaviors and traffic violations that amount to reckless driving. They include reckless driving by speed, reckless driving by accident, failing to signal properly, driving a faulty vehicle, and passing when the view is obstructed. Other driving behaviors that are considered as reckless driving include failing to give way to an emergency vehicle, failing to stop at a railroad grade crossing, passing a stopped school bus, driving too fast for conditions, drag racing and weaving in and out of traffic, among others.
Reckless driving by speed remains one of the most common offenses. Most people find themselves in this situation, due to the failure to separate a normal speeding ticket and reckless driving by speed. In Virginia, traveling at 20 mph above the posted speed limit amounts to reckless driving. Also, if you are caught driving at 80 mph regardless of the posted speed limit on the highway, then you will be charged with reckless driving. It is almost impossible to find a roadway that allows speeds beyond 80 mph anywhere in Virginia. You can also be charged with reckless driving by speed, even without exceeding the posted speed limit. This situation arises when there are bad weather conditions such as fog, which create navigation and visibility problems. Reckless driving by accident is also common. During an accident, a police officer who arrives at the scene will collect witness statements and gather evidence. After assessing the situation, the person who is deemed responsible for the accident will be charged with reckless driving by speed. However, it is not as easy as it appears, to prove the accident happened due to reckless driving. A highly skilled lawyer can help you to prove that the accident didn’t happen due to reckless driving.
Penalties for Reckless Driving
Since reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense, you will face the same penalties as those charged with DUI, assault, and theft, once you are convicted. These penalties include heavy fines, suspension of driving privileges, and a possible jail term. The maximum fine amount stands at $2,500. However, the exact figure depends on various factors, including your driving history, as well as the offense committed. If you have a history of reckless driving convictions, then you will end up with a higher figure as compared to a first offender. Also, if it was a case of reckless driving by speed, then the number of mph exceeded will determine the amount of the fine. Just like the fine, the jail term depends on your driving history and extent of the offense. If it’s a Class 1 misdemeanor offense, then the jail term will not exceed 12 months. However, if your aggressive driving behaviors caused an accident, then you will instead face a Class 6 felony charge, which carries a jail term of at least 5 years. Also, a reckless driving conviction can lead to increase in insurance premiums. A permanent criminal record remains one of the biggest penalties for reckless driving. Unlike a fine that you will pay or a jail term that will end after a certain period, a criminal conviction stays on your record forever. This criminal record will show up during background checks. Therefore, if you are seeking education of employment opportunities, the chances are high to be denied, due to your criminal record.
Experienced Reckless Driving Attorneys
Our experienced Mecklenburg County VA reckless driving lawyers understand the seriousness of the charges you are up against. We also believe that no one should be treated like a criminal, just because they have been charged with reckless driving. All our criminal defense lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and crafting a powerful defense strategy for every client. At Joyner Law PLLC, we work tirelessly to help those charged with reckless driving to avoid unnecessary and unjust conviction. We also strive to reduce the impact of these serious charges.
We also understand that cases are different. Even though we have handled thousands of reckless driving cases, we understand that each case requires a customized defense strategy. The chances are high that your case will be heard in the local district court. Our reckless driving attorneys have handled and tried cases here before. We know the local players, the prosecution team, and the judges. There is a high possibility that we have represented clients before the same judges. As much as our close relationship with the court may not influence the outcome of the case, experience comes with numerous advantages. First, we understand how the court treats evidence as well as how the prosecution handles cases. With such levels of knowledge, you can rest assured that your case is in the hands of professionals.
Working with a Mecklenburg County VA reckless driving lawyer requires trusting someone with your case. We understand it is not easy, owing to the consequences that come with conviction. On the other hand, deciding to represent yourself is a fatal move. First, if you have never faced a criminal charge before, there is a high possibility of being intimidated by the court environment. Secondly, the prosecution and the court may ask some hard questions that you may not have anticipated in your preparation. If you perform poorly during the hearings, you will end up incarcerated. However, as long as you work with our reckless driving attorneys, you can rest assured that you are trusting a legal team that takes reckless driving charges seriously. Our preparation process usually begins with a free consultation. During that session, we will assess your case, discuss the circumstances that led to your arrest and examine the evidence that has been presented. During that session, we will also explore the available options as well as how we can proceed with the case.
If you have been charged with reckless driving in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, it is in your best interest to contact our reckless driving attorneys as soon as possible. By doing that at your earliest convenience, you will be giving our lawyers immediate access to the witness statements, evidence and any other material that will be used in your case. Also, you also get instant protection of your rights by avoiding saying anything that might be used against you in court. You have a right to remain silent until you have been directed otherwise by your attorney.
Our Mecklenburg County VA reckless driving lawyers are experienced and highly skilled attorneys, who are waiting to put their competence to work for you. We are waiting for your call or email so that we can proceed with the initial consultation. During that session, ensure you bring everything, however minor, that may be associated with your case. By doing that, you are giving our attorneys the opportunity of building a strong defense strategy. Even if you don’t think something is important, just bring it along, and we will review everything. Let us decide whether it is worth or not, based on the circumstances.
Even if you are yet to be formally charged, don’t hesitate. It is always a smart move to get in touch with experienced reckless driving attorneys as soon as possible. Why do have to wait anyway? At Joyner Law PLLC, we will harness all the legally available options to defend you against these charges. We will do everything humanly possible to have the charges dropped or dismissed. If that will not be possible, then we will work with the prosecution to have them reduced.
Why Joyner Law PLLC
Most people facing reckless driving charges don’t understand the seriousness of the task ahead. They assume that they will get away with a speeding ticket, and resume their lifestyle as if nothing happened. However, that is not the case. As noted earlier, a reckless driving conviction carries the possibility of a jail term, hefty fines, suspension of driving privileges and a permanent criminal record. You will also end up with demerit points on your driving record, which will remain there for eleven years. Going by the severity of a conviction, you need to retain the best team of legal defense attorneys, to protect your reputation, freedom, and rights, during these charges. At Joyner Law PLLC, defending clients charged with reckless driving is what we do best.
With an experience that runs many decades, we know how to handle each case, as well as the approach to use, based on the circumstances. Hundreds of clients rely on our legal services, thanks to our professionalism, expertise, and experience. We treat every client as one of us. Therefore, you can rest assured that we are not representing you for the money, but for the love of what we do. It’s always a joy to see the clients we represent celebrating when their reckless driving charges have been dismissed or reduced. At Joyner Law PLLC, we understand that you might be under excess levels of stress and pressure.
Some people facing reckless driving charges opt to plead guilty and get over with the case, hoping that the prosecution will be lenient. However, you should never think of taking that move. Apart from the usual legal penalty, you will end up with a permanent criminal record, which may jeopardize plenty of future opportunities. So, what should you do when you have been charged with reckless driving? Just contact the accomplished Mecklenburg County VA reckless driving lawyers at Joyner Law PLLC, and we will provide professional and legal advice. We are here to protect your rights and ensure you get a favorable outcome in court. Don’t hesitate or wait for the court appearance. Take advantage of our free initial consultation to discuss the facts of your case with our team of legal experts. If you have been charged with reckless driving in Mecklenburg County, Virginia, contact Joyner Law PLLC for the best legal representation.
Contact Us Today
When you are facing a serious criminal charge such as reckless driving, you need to act fast to ensure you are thoroughly prepared for the trial. With Virginia having some of the toughest traffic rules in the country, a reckless driving conviction can easily land you in jail. That’s why you need to secure accomplished reckless driving attorneys immediately. We are here to protect your rights and ensure you get a fair hearing during the trial. We will also work diligently to secure a positive result in your case. When it comes to reckless driving charges in Virginia, you can always rely on your seasoned attorneys, to defend you aggressively in court. We are waiting for your call. Contact us today for quality legal representation.