What Happens With a Reckless Driving Ticket in Fairfax County Virginia?
Learn how to proceed after being stopped and ticketed for reckless driving in Fairfax, Virginia.
Is it a crime or a simple traffic infraction when you drive recklessly?
Reckless driving is considered to be the blatant disregard of life and limb – as well as property, when driving.
True Examples
It could happen when you exceed the speed limit; disobey orders by a traffic police; run a stoplight and other incidences.
There’s a lot of misinformation when it comes to reckless driving in Fairfax County, but if you want accurate information, go straight to the source: Virginia Laws regarding reckless driving. These statutes reveal that reckless driving is a crime, and drivers can be penalized by:
- Fines of up to $2,500
- License Suspension
- Possible Jail Time
- Deductions in Driver’s License Points
- A Permanent Criminal Record
There are several ways to handle this dilemma, but the cleverest move is to hire an attorney. The aim of which would be to have the charges either dismissed or lowered to an improper driving offense – not a crime.
How can lawyers accomplish this? Let’s explore some of the top defenses below:
Prove That You Are a Safe Driver
A clean driving record may be your ticket out of this ticket. When drivers can prove a clean and responsible driving history, it’s easier to argue that reckless driving won’t become a pattern. The judge may give you a pass by reducing the charge to an improper driving offense.
Prove That You Were Not Driving Recklessly
Use technology to prove the real evidence. A speedometer calibration or radar review can help disprove notions presented by the officer.
Prove That You Had a Real Emergency
The court may be lenient with drivers who had real emergencies. Examples include a medical issue that was affecting yourself or a loved one.
Prove Improper Signs and/or Signals
Just as how there’s a lot of human error, machines also fail.
Prove an Accident Wasn’t Reckless
Through scene reenactment and eye witness testimonies, drivers can demonstrate that a road wreck did not occur as a result of reckless driving.
There are many reasons to fight for dismissals or lowered charges. One count of reckless driving could end up costing you well beyond the present and into the future. You could end up paying thousands more in insurance. You could lose or fail to gain employment due to a criminal history. You could be facing several unexpected penalties.
Don’t take a wait-and-see approach for reckless driving. There are valid actions you can take now to put this offense behind you, and move on without a criminal history.
