In Virginia, reckless driving comes in many forms. Anyone operating a motor vehicle may be charged with reckless driving if they exceed the posted speed limit by 20 miles per hour or more. However, drivers in Virginia are never permitted to exceed 85 miles per hour, regardless of what the speed limit is; doing so could result in a reckless driving charge. While exceeding the speed limit is the most common cause of a reckless driving charge, other types of behavior on the road may also qualify. If you have been charged with reckless driving in Virginia, you have some options for beating the charge in court.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is the practice of operating a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner. While it is most commonly associated with speeding at a certain threshold above the posted limit, an individual may also be charged with reckless driving by performing other dangerous actions, such as passing in a no-pass zone, passing on the shoulder or driving an overloaded vehicle. Any operation of a vehicle that endangers life or property qualifies as reckless driving. Because determining which actions may harm others is situational and subjective, you may be charged with reckless driving for a behavior that was not included in this list.
Options For Beating A Reckless Driving Ticket In Virginia
A reckless driving charge is a Class 1 misdemeanor as part of Virginia Code 46.2-862. A misdemeanor is a criminal offense, and so it is added to your criminal record. If you have been charged with reckless driving, you have options to avoid a misdemeanor conviction on your record. Determining which option is best for you will depend upon your risk tolerance as well as the specifics of your situation; not all options are equally effective or satisfactory.
Represent Yourself In Court
A common option for beating a reckless driving ticket in Virginia is to represent yourself in court. This provides the benefit of cost, because you will not have to fund any legal representation on your behalf; however, legal professionals have the experience, resources and knowledge to achieve more favorable outcomes than you may be able to negotiate on your own.
Navigating the processes of a courtroom is a cultivated skill, and attempting to tackle it on your own may leave you feeling like you are not keeping up or that you do not have the evidence or arguments that you need. Individuals representing themselves in court are less likely to present critical arguments, including those against the calibration certificate of an officer’s speed gun, which could result in the charges being dropped entirely, or present an argument for driving school or community service in lieu of the normal sentence you would receive.
Hire An Experienced Traffic Ticket Attorney
The most effective option for beating a reckless driving ticket is to hire an attorney skilled in traffic court. An attorney who has experience in this field will usually know the judge and prosecutor, and may even know the officer, which provides an advantage in your case. Legal professionals who have worked in this field for years understand how to present a compelling case, and they are familiar with the individuals involved as well as how they typically address certain cases. This allows the creation of a more personalized and effective defense based upon the tendencies of the individuals involved.
In addition to their knowledge and experience, attorneys are also able to simplify your case. This saves you time and allows you to continue on with your life and responsibilities while a legal expert advocates on your behalf for the best possible outcome. You do not need to take time off of work and other commitments to compile your case and create your defense; your traffic lawyer will take charge of this process for you. This sets you up for greater success, not only in the trial itself, but also in your personal life as you are able to maintain your commitments to work, education, and family while the case is ongoing.
Reach Out To The Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge
If you have been charged with reckless driving in Virginia, you may be considering your options for beating the ticket. While representing yourself or choosing not to appear in court at all may be appealing options for their simplicity, the most effective method to achieve the best possible outcome for your case is to rely on the legal experience of a traffic defense attorney.
The Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge would be happy to discuss your situation and attend court on your behalf. Reach out to schedule a consultation to discuss a strategy that offers the best chance for a positive outcome.