This saves you time and money, and is only one of the numerous benefits of hiring a reputable Virginia defense lawyer. Attorney fees and costs can vary depending on the nature of the charge and the circumstances of the case. Other factors that affect total costs include the type of defenses used and whether or not a trial is necessary. Consult with a Virginia reckless driving lawyer to get a clearer picture of what fees and costs may be associated with your case.
Since reckless driving in VA is a criminal offense, the penalties and long term consequences—such as a criminal record—can be severe.
It is in your best interest to consult with a Virginia reckless driving attorney before making any decisions. You must fully understand the potential consequences for a conviction and the options that your lawyer can argue for in your defense.
In addition, you may not prepay reckless driving citations in Virginia. Your appearance is necessary in court on the date listed on your ticket unless other arrangements are made between you and your Virginia reckless driving attorney. You must answer the ticket in the same way as in-state offenders. If you do not have a VA defense lawyer, then you must appear in court in order to defend yourself.
You cannot simply mail in the ticket. This is not a regular speeding ticket or traffic citation, but it is a misdemeanor crime. If you do not show up for your court date, you will be convicted in your absence and subsequently have a criminal record.
Additional penalties for failing to appear may also apply. You cannot mail in the ticket before court in Virginia because the judge has discretion in deciding your penalty depending on the facts and circumstances of your crime.
Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal misdemeanor offense and carries all the penalties of a class I misdemeanor. We understand that returning to the state may be difficult and require significant time and expense.
By hiring an attorney experienced in Virginia reckless driving law, they can petition the court to appear on your behalf and you may not have to be present. This reduces the costs and time you must spend addressing the matter and offers the opportunity to defend the charges against you in court.
It is in your best interest to contact an attorney that handles VA reckless driving cases for a consultation immediately after receiving the ticket.
Out of state drivers face the same reckless driving penalties as Virginia drivers. One exception is that your reckless driving conviction may not impact your driving privileges in your home state, and you may not receive points against your license.
However, Virginia will report the offense and any imposed suspension or points to your home state. Virginia reckless driving consequences of large fines, jail sentences, increased insurance premiums, and the resulting criminal record remain the same for both local drivers and out of state drivers.
The amount you will spend in jail rests upon many factors in your case such as alleged speed, prior driving history, whether there were children in the car, and any other aggravating factors that may exist. Spending time in jail can lead to loss of your job, which means you will not be a position to provide for your loved ones or dependents.
If you are facing a reckless driving charge, the best means of avoiding jail time is by hiring a competent traffic lawyer to represent you. In Virginia, reckless driving is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.
It is similar to driving under the influence, among other serious charges. These violations are considered criminal offenses. It is not like other traffic citations. Therefore, since it is a criminal offense, you will have to appear in court. There is no provision for pre-payment of traffic misdemeanors in Virginia. Here at The Weiland Firm, PLC we regularly get phone calls from people who received reckless driving tickets months or even years ago, simply paid them, and only now do they realize they have a criminal offense on their record.
You can represent yourself in court to answer reckless driving charges. However, going to court without consulting a lawyer first is not advised. Reckless driving charges are different than simple tickets.
Furthermore, judges and courts will treat you differently based on the circumstances surrounding your arrest. Some judges might be lenient, thus giving you a reduced charge, but some will be harsh. Some judges might also give you a good deal, especially if your driving record is clean. But why should you bet on the feelings or mood of a judge? Taking that approach is risky. Furthermore, reckless driving laws in Virginia are complex. If you are found guilty, you face serious penalties which can jeopardize your future opportunities.
Once you receive a ticket or summons, it is advisable to consult a reckless driving lawyer as soon as possible. Experienced Virginia reckless driving attorneys will evaluate your case, prepare a defense or even negotiate with a prosecutor. Hiring a reckless driving attorney also comes with great benefits, especially if you are an out-of-state driver. You may avoid one or all of your hearings.
At certain speeds, however, you may be required to attend the court hearings. Hiring a local driving attorney will advise you regarding your specific case — likely saving you time as well as travel expenses. When the offense is a misdemeanor, then the suspension can range up to six months.
However, if your reckless driving offense escalates to a felony, then you are facing a suspension of up to three years. A suspension will also depend on the number of safe driver points that you currently have, among other factors.
In some part of Virginia, if you are charged with reckless driving by speeding at 30 mph over the posted speed limit, then a suspension of three to six months is not uncommon. Working with a reliable traffic defense lawyer can help to avoid a suspension. A reckless driving lawyer may also be able to convince the court to impose a smaller suspension or at least petition for a restricted license.
It is almost impossible to convince the judges on your own to impose a no suspension or smaller suspension on your own. In Virginia, every traffic ticket comes with a certain number of demerit points. If your reckless driving charges are acquitted by the court then your record may be expunged.
The prosecutor may have decided not to prosecute you after your arrest. This is formally known as nolle prosequi. The prosecutor will ask the judge to dismiss the charges against you. The attorneys at Simms Showers LLP , servicing Leesburg, Winchester, Fairfax, and Manassas, have experience representing clients across Virginia in a variety of criminal matters, including reckless driving and other traffic violations.
If you need legal help with criminal defense, contact us today for a free initial consultation. Our criminal defense firm offers a free phone consultation for criminal or personal injury cases.
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