The freedom that comes from driving is unmatched. Getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road is one of the great joys in life. For some people really opening it up and seeing what the car can do. Unfortunately, this puts other drivers at serious risk. Likewise, there are other major safety violations which can put other drivers or the public at serious risk. If you are caught breaking one of these laws, you can be charged with reckless driving. This serious charge requires a Virginia reckless driving attorney to prevent significant fines and penalties and even jail time.
In Virginia, your state of mind is not considered and a combination of offenses may also result in a reckless driving charge. Reckless driving charges often stem from an accident or incident on the road and Virginia has more than 20 statutes pertaining to reckless driving. You may be charged with reckless driving, for instance, if you are speeding more than 20 miles over the speed limit or if you are observed driving with disregard to others’ safety.
While most people understand that driving under the influence is a serious safety hazard, many more may not realize that there are other serious penalties which have just as much of a risk to drivers and carry just as serious penalties. If you violate one of these 20 statutes regarding reckless driving, you will face charges as serious as driving under the influence, perhaps even more serious if you cause injury or death.
If you are convicted of reckless driving, you will be facing a class 1 misdemeanor. If the incident in question caused another person’s death or occurred when you had a revoked or suspended license, you will be facing a class 6 felony. You will also get six points on your license. Below is a list of activities that may lead to a reckless driving charge. In parentheses behind the offense is the number of years the points will remain on your license.
- Reckless driving – speeding in excess of 80 mph (11 years)
- Reckless driving – speeding 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit (11 years)
- Reckless driving – racing (11 years)
- Reckless driving – passing or overtaking an emergency vehicle (11 years)
- Reckless driving – passing a school bus (11 years)
- Reckless driving – passing on the crest of a hill (11 years)
- Reckless driving – passing at a railroad crossing (11 years)
- Reckless driving – passing two vehicles abreast (11 years)
- Reckless driving – driving two vehicles abreast (11 years)
- Reckless driving – driving too fast for conditions (11 years)
- Reckless driving – failing to give a proper signal (11 years)
- Reckless driving – faulty brakes/improper control (11 years)
- Reckless driving – on parking lots, etc. (11 years)
- Reckless driving – with an obstructed view (11 years)
- Reckless driving – generally (11 years)
- Speeding 20 mph or more above the posted speed limit (5 years)
If you or your loved one has been charged with reckless driving, contact the Law Offices of Patrick N. Anderson and Associates today. We have the expertise and experience to fight for your case aggressively and diligently. Our law practice spans across the Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Northern Virginia parts.