Greene County Reckless Driving Lawyer

Virginia recognizes numerous forms of reckless driving, but all of them are Class 1 Misdemeanors. If you face a reckless driving charge, however, you risk jail and a significant fine if convicted, as well as driving license demerits and possible license suspension.

Do not try to manage a criminal charge alone. Our Greene County reckless driving lawyer at LaFratta Law has over a decade of experience defending local people accused of traffic crimes. He can ensure you understand the charge and help you resolve it as favorably as the circumstances allow. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with a skilled traffic violations attorney.

Understanding Reckless Driving Charges

According to Virginia case law, a driver is considered reckless when they operate their vehicle without regard for the safety of people or property or other consequences of their actions. Several different statutes describe specific types of reckless driving as crimes.

A violation of Virginia Code §46.2-852 may be charged when you were involved in an accident. You can also be charged under this statute if you are clocked going more than 80 mph, or driving more than 20 mph faster than the posted speed limit. Other forms of reckless driving include:

• Failing to maintain control of the vehicle or driving with faulty brakes
• Improper passing
• Driving an overloaded vehicle or when the view is obstructed
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Driving too fast for conditions
• Failing to signal or yield the right of way
• Racing

A conviction for any form of reckless driving can have significant personal, professional, and financial consequences.

Our Greene County defense attorney can build a vigorous defense to a reckless driving charge, ensuring you know what to expect and providing steady guidance throughout the legal process.

What Are the Potential Penalties?

Any form of reckless driving is charged as a Class I Misdemeanor. Theoretically, the charge could lead to a fine of up to $2500, a year in jail, and a suspension of your driver’s license. It will also add six demerits to your license, which is likely to raise the cost of your insurance.

In practice, the penalty depends on the circumstances and the court where your case will be heard. If you caused an accident that produced injuries or significant property damage, the penalties for reckless driving are likely to be harsher. A judge is also more likely to impose a significant penalty if you have prior convictions.

Our reckless driving defense attorney knows how Greene County prosecutors analyze these cases and can use that knowledge to secure the best result possible under the circumstances.

Things an Attorney Can Do to Help

When determining your defense strategy, a Greene County attorney can examine the circumstances surrounding your reckless driving charge. If police officers failed to follow proper procedures, it could be possible to have the charges dismissed. Otherwise, the prosecutor must have clear evidence of every element of the specific reckless driving charge. When their evidence of any element is weak, negotiating a plea to a lesser charge may be possible, especially when it is a first offense.

Get Help With a Reckless Driving Charge From a Greene County Attorney

A reckless driving conviction establishes a criminal record that can have lifelong consequences. Our Greene County reckless driving lawyer at LaFratta Law has the knowledge, skills, and experience to minimize the consequences. Reach out today for help fighting a reckless driving charge.