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All About Reckless Driving in the State of Virginia

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Driving a car is a serious responsibility. Reckless driving will not only put yourself in harm’s way, but can also cause serious repercussions to others. Unfortunately, it is all too common as every two minutes across the nation, a person is injured during a drunk driving crash. In the state of Virginia, reckless driving is not taken lightly. Here is everything you need to know about reckless driving in Virginia.

What exactly is reckless driving?
Categorized under the Regulation of Traffic Code, reckless driving is defined as someone who is driving at a pace of over 20 miles per hour over the speed limit or is driving in excess of 80 miles no matter the speed limit. These laws are pretty straight forward, meaning if you are going 40 mph in a 20 mph zone, you can be arrested for reckless driving.

In addition, there are other expansive parts of the law that include cutting in and out between other vehicles, unsafe passing, failing to stop in front of a school bus, and driving with too many people in the front seat.

First offense
Of course, both your criminal background and working with a reckless driving attorney will go far in determining your first offense punishment. However, it is important to know that any first offender in the state of Virginia is susceptible to any penalty, and expensive fines, jail time, and license suspension can all happen.

Short term consequences
Again, each consequence depends on the person, the lawyers used, and the offense, but some standard penalties include:

  • Up to twelve months in jail.
  • A maximum $2,500 dollar fine.
  • If a cell phone was used, the judge can impose an additional $250 fine.
  • License suspension of up to six months for first offense.
  • Up to four to six points on your license depending on severity of offense.

Drunk driving
In Virginia, DUI attorneys can plea down a DUI charge into a reckless driving charge, which is often called “wet reckless.” When this happens, one can expect to suffer the same consequences of reckless driving as mentioned above, plus completing an alcohol safety action program.

Need a reckless driving attorney? Contact our office today and we will give you more information.

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