Experienced Reckless Driving Attorney in Fairfax

HELPING CLIENTS DISPUTE RECKLESS DRIVING CHARGES

Reckless driving can have serious legal consequences in Virginia. The courts harshly penalize drivers who threaten public safety. Reckless driving is more than momentary negligence or a simple driving mistake. A “reckless” driver is defined as a driver who willfully disregards safety. If you’re facing charges, a skilled reckless driving lawyer can help protect your license, your record, and your future.

Most reckless driving charges in Virginia are based on speeding. If a driver exceeds the posted speed limit by 20 or more miles per hour, or if a driver exceeds 80 miles per hour – without regard to the posted speed limit – that motorist can be charged with reckless driving. In either case, working with an experienced reckless driving attorney gives you the best chance at reducing or dismissing the charges.

But if you are driving in a manner that a police officer believes is reckless, your speed won’t matter. If you are tailgating, failing to use turn signals, running stop signs or traffic signals, intoxicated, texting, or distracted in any other way, your driving could be considered reckless. A reckless driving lawyer can assess the specific details of your case and develop a strong defense strategy.

WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES FOR A RECKLESS DRIVING CONVICTION?

You can’t act as your own lawyer – that’s never a good idea – and you cannot afford to be represented by the wrong Fairfax reckless driving attorney. If you’re charged with reckless driving, far too much will be at stake. Consulting with an experienced reckless driving lawyer can make all the difference in protecting your record and future.

Reckless driving isn’t just a traffic offense in Virginia – it’s a crime, a Class 1 misdemeanor, and if you are convicted, you could be sent to jail for up to 12 months and fined up to $2,500. Your license is suspended for six months, and six “demerit” points are added to your driving record. A skilled reckless driving lawyer can work to reduce or avoid these penalties and help you avoid long-term consequences.

A reckless driving conviction in Virginia creates a criminal record, and if your job involves driving, you may have to seek other employment. Your auto insurance will also cost more after a reckless driving conviction.

HOW CAN YOU CONTEST A RECKLESS DRIVING CHARGE?

Having a good driving record helps. Even if you were in fact driving recklessly, if you have a good driving record, your defense lawyer can tell the court that your reckless driving was a one-time isolated incident. A skilled reckless driving lawyer can also raise other defenses that may apply to your case, including:

Your speedometer was not functioning properly (and you’ve had it repaired).
The radar device measuring your speed was not properly calibrated.
You were speeding because you were involved in a genuine emergency situation.

If your defense is that your speedometer was malfunctioning, documentation of repairs will be critical.

WHEN IS RECKLESS DRIVING A FELONY?

Reckless driving can be charged as a felony in some cases. For example, if you are driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license when you’re charged with reckless driving, the charge is a Class 6 felony.

A felony conviction for a reckless driving incident that causes a fatality can be penalized with a prison term of up to twenty years and a lengthy driver’s license suspension. In such serious cases, it’s critical to have an experienced reckless driving lawyer who can fight for your rights and work to reduce the impact of the charges.

HOW DOES RECKLESS DRIVING DIFFER FROM “IMPROPER” DRIVING?

Your speedometer was not functioning properly (and you’ve had it repaired).
The radar device measuring your speed was not properly calibrated.
You were speeding because you were involved in a genuine emergency situation.

If your defense is that your speedometer was malfunctioning, documentation of repairs will be critical.

HOW WILL A FAIRFAX rECKLESS DRIVING ATTORNEY HELP YOU?

Reckless driving charges can be dismissed or reduced, but to win one of these outcomes – or to prevail with an appeal – you’ll need help from a Fairfax reckless driving attorney with extensive experience in traffic law – a lawyer who routinely defends clients charged with reckless driving.

The Law Office of Scott C. Nolan, PLLC maintains the highest professional standards and provides high-quality legal services at a reasonable cost to his clients. He will handle your case personally and work with all parties involved to bring your reckless driving case to a fair and just conclusion.

Since 2000, criminal defense attorney Scott C. Nolan, PLLC has focused his practice entirely on representing clients who are charged with serious traffic offenses and criminal charges like reckless driving and driving under the influence. He will develop an aggressive and effective defense strategy on your behalf.

To schedule a first legal consultation – or to learn more – call The Law Office of Scott C. Nolan, PLLC or contact his law offices online. If you are charged with reckless driving in Virginia, you must have the right reckless driving attorney’s advice and representation.