What are the Penalties for Your First Reckless Driving Offense in Virginia?
Many people are surprised when they find out that reckless driving is a criminal offense in Virginia.
Like any criminal offense, a reckless driving charge can lead to fines, loss of driving privileges, and even jail time.
If you have been charged with your first reckless driving offense in Virginia, you need an experienced Virginia traffic defense lawyer right away.
A Virginia traffic defense attorney may be able to reduce or eliminate your reckless driving charge in Virginia.
Contact experienced Virginia speeding ticket lawyer Andrew Flusche, Attorney at Law today to learn how Andrew Flusche can help you.
Jump to the Virginia reckless driving information you need:
Criminal Penalties for a Reckless Driving Virginia First Offense
What are the penalties for your reckless driving Virginia first offense?
Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia law. It can even be a Class 6 felony, depending on the circumstances of your reckless driving charge.
Both offenses can result in a monetary fine, driver’s license suspension, and jail time.
Below, our Virginia reckless driving attorney discusses the penalties you could face for a first-time driving offense in Virginia.
If you have questions or would like to know more about reckless driving Virginia First. Reach out to a reckless driving lawyer today.
Charged with a First-Time Reckless Driving Offense in Virginia? Contact My Office Today to Schedule Your Free Consultation
Jail Time
You may be wondering, what is the minimum jail sentence for reckless driving? It is easier to answer what the maximum jail sentence for reckless driving is in VA.
Virginia law allows for a maximum jail sentence of 12 months for misdemeanor reckless driving and five years for felony reckless driving.
Many people are surprised to find out that you CAN be sent to jail for your first reckless driving offense in Virginia.
Most cases do not result in a jail sentence, but if you are convicted of traveling 30 mph or more over the limit, many judges will impose jail of up to 12 months.
If your driving record is particularly bad, the judge also might sentence you to jail time even if your reckless driving case is not egregious by itself
If your reckless driving charge is a Class 6 felony, you could get a jail sentence of one to five years.
Fine
The minimum fine for a Class 1 misdemeanor and a Class 6 felony for reckless driving in Virginia is $2,500.
A judge can either reduce or increase that fine depending on the circumstances of your case and driving history.
License Suspension
If you are convicted of a first-time reckless driving offense in Virginia, you could lose your license for a maximum of six months.
To get your license back, you would have to pay the DMV a reinstatement fee and bring proof that you have car insurance.
If your license is suspended, some judges will give you a restricted license for work, school, and medical appointments.
Driving Record Points
In Virginia, you receive six points on your Virginia driver’s license for reckless driving.
Unfortunately, any points you receive for any driving ticket or conviction stay on your driving record for two years.
Other Penalties for First Offense Reckless Driving in Virginia
Aside from criminal penalties, there are many other ways that a first-time reckless driving conviction in Virginia can affect you.
Insurance Rate
Your insurance rates will probably go up if you have a record of reckless driving. Some insurance companies could even cancel your insurance policy.
Criminal Record
Depending on the circumstances of your reckless driving charge, a conviction could result in a criminal record.
It’s impossible to expunge convictions in Virginia, so your criminal record could negatively impact a background check.
The Workplace
If you have a driving job (or hope to drive part-time for Uber or Lyft), a reckless driving conviction could cause severe problems with your work.
Some employers will not hire drivers with reckless driving convictions.
Contact a Virginia Reckless Driving Attorney Today
If you have been charged with your first reckless driving offense in Virginia, you should speak to an experienced Virginia reckless driving lawyer right away.
Contact Andrew Flusche, Attorney at Law online or call 540-318-5824today to set up your free initial consultation.
Helpful articles:
- How Much Does a Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer Cost?
- How Bad is a Reckless Driving Ticket?
- How Much Does a Reckless Ticket Cost?
- 4 Tips For Handling a Reckless Driving Ticket
