Many people who get a Virginia reckless driving ticket are confused by the charge. What exactly is reckless driving. Is reckless driving a misdemeanor?
YES!
If you’ve been charged with Virginia reckless driving, you need to understand first and foremost that it’s a misdemeanor. It’s not even a low-level misdemeanor. It’s a class 1 misdemeanor, the same level of offense as a DUI.
But what does that mean for you?
If you’re convicted of reckless driving in Virginia, you will have a misdemeanor on your criminal record. It doesn’t go away. If you’re asked by a future school or potential employer about misdemeanor convictions, you’ll have to disclose that you were convicted of reckless driving.
For Virginia license holders, the conviction will cost six demerit points on your driving record, and it will remain on the driving record for 11 years.
Yes, reckless driving is a misdemeanor. That means you should consult an attorney today. Together we can discuss the facts of your case, your driving record, and your personal situation. I’d love to discuss your case if it’s near the Fredericksburg / Spotsylvania / Stafford area.
You may have defenses, such as a calibration of your speedometer or an issue with the officer’s calibration certificates. And I can explain why defenses such as “My car won’t go that fast” are destined to fail. At a minimum, we can try to negotiate the case to a lesser offense or perhaps have it dismissed altogether with you attending a driver improvement clinic.
If you’re charged with misdemeanor reckless driving, let’s talk.
Photo by Mohammed Alnaser