A Reckless Driving in Virgina Can Ruin A Vacation

Spring is in the air. As the school year draws to a close, quite a few families are planning their summer vacations. Virginia is a favorite vacation spot for travelers. Civil War battlefields, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Yorktown....and state troopers with flashing blue lights. Nothing can ruin a sunny day trip on the highways of Virginia faster than being cited for a reckless driving ticket and a mandatory return trip for traffic court.

Reckless driving in Virginia is one of the few traffic violations that has been elevated to a misdemeanor criminal offense. It is the same classification as a driving under the influence (DUI), hit and run, assault and petit larceny. In Virginia, a reckless driving conviction, like all Class 1 misdemeanors, may result in a fine up to $2500 and jail for up to 12 months, as well as suspension of your driver's license for up to 6 months (even out of state licenses). On top of that, Virginia demands you to return to court to answer the charge. You may not prepay the ticket. As you might imagine, enlisting the help of a Virginia reckless driving attorney would be a wise choice.

The traffic code in Virginia defines no less than 14 specific acts that may be charged as reckless driving. The most common act is speeding; others consist of, racing, failure to signal, passing a stopped school bus, riding two abreast in a single lane (motorcycles), failing to stop prior to entering a highway from a side street, and passing on a hill crest.

Speeding twenty miles over the speed limit is charged as reckless driving. Also, regardless of the posted speed limit, traveling above 80 mph is reckless driving, even if the posted speed limit is 70 or 75 mph. Depending on why you are stopped, and your dealings with the officer, he has the authority to immediately take you into custody and also have your car or truck towed. Generally, these drastic actions are only exercised if you are traveling in excess of 100 mph, you cause an accident, or you are trying to escape.

Southeastern Virginia has about a dozen unique jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction has its own court system and judges. The judges of the many districts have varying manners to handle reckless driving tickets. It is important that you consult with a Virginia Beach reckless driving lawyer who is familiar with the various jurisdictions and can advise you on the best course of action.

James Garrett is a criminal defense attorney in Virginia Beach, VA. He is the founding member of Garrett Law Group, PLC. He practiced daily in the courts in and around Virginia Beach and Norfolk. If you would like to discuss a DUI, reckless driving ticket or any other traffic matter, please call (757) 422-4646.