A Reckless Driving in Virgina Can Ruin A Vacation
Reckless driving in Virginia is a misdemeanor criminal charge. You have to appear in court on your court date, even if you are living out of state. A reckless driving defense lawyer can help make the process less difficult for you, and may be able to lessen the charge.
Spring is in the air. As the academic year draws to a close,
many families are organizing their summertime vacations. Virginia is a well-liked vacation spot for travelers. Civil War battlefields, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Yorktown....and state troopers with flashing blue lights. Practically nothing can ruin a sunny day trip on the highways of Virginia swifter than being cited for a reckless driving ticket plus a mandatory return trip for traffic court.Reckless driving in Virginia is one of the handful of 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). Furthermore, Virginia demands you to come to court to answer the charge. You may not prepay the ticket. As you may imagine, enlisting the help of a Virginia reckless driving law firm would be a good choice.The traffic code in Virginia defines no less than 14 distinctive acts that may be charged as reckless driving. The most common act is speeding; others include, racing, failure to signal, passing a stopped school bus, riding two abreast in a single lane (motorcycles), failing to stop before entering a highway from a side street, and passing on a hill crest.Speeding twenty miles more than the speed limit is charged as reckless driving. Also, regardless of the posted speed limit, traveling over 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 towed. Generally, these drastic measures are only exercised for anyone who is travelling in excess of 100 mph, you cause an accident, or you are attempting to escape.Southeastern Virginia has about a dozen diverse jurisdictions. Each jurisdiction has its very own court system and judges. The judges of the different districts have varying manners to handle reckless driving tickets. It is crucial that you consult with a Virginia Beach reckless driving lawyer who is familiar with the diverse jurisdictions and can advise you on the proper course of action.