Reckless Driving Charge Lawyer Fairfax, VA

Reckless Driving Charge Lawyer Fairfax, VA

There are multiple reasons why a person can receive a traffic violation citation, as a reckless driving charge lawyer in Fairfax, VA can attest. Running a red light, going 5 to 10 m.p.h. over the posted speed limit, or rolling through a stop sign are all common traffic ticket causes. Typically, when a driver is caught violating a traffic law, they will be stopped by a police officer who will write a ticket for a moving violation.

However, there are certain violations that are considered more serious offenses and instead of receiving a traffic ticket, the driver is charged with reckless driving. In fact, a reckless driving offense is charged as a misdemeanor or sometimes even a felony if the act is more serious.

What Is Reckless Driving?

Each state sets their own traffic laws, but, generally, a driver can be charged with reckless driving if they are driving a vehicle with wanton or willful disregard for the safety of others on the road or their property. The laws do not usually cite specific behaviors or actions that fall under reckless driving offenses, as a reckless driving lawyer in Fairfax, VA can explain.  It is usually up to the police officer to decide if the driver will be arrested and charged with reckless driving instead of receiving a traffic violation. Some examples of what could fall under reckless driving includes:

•       Lane jumping or swerving into other lanes erratically
•       Driving at a very high rate of speed, such as drag racing
•       Tailgating
•       Illegal passing

Reckless driving offenses that are charged as a misdemeanor can result in up to 12 months in jail and up to $2,500 in fines if the driver is convicted. In some cases, the driver is charged with a felony. For example, if a victim is harmed because of the reckless driving actions of the driver, it is likely the driver will face felony charges. If a person is convicted of a felony, they face a minimum of one year in prison and fines of up to $25,000, depending on how egregious the crime was. There are also different classes of felonies that a driver can be charged with that have even harsher penalties if they are convicted.

Contact a Reckless Driving Charge Lawyer in Fairfax, VA for Help Today

If you have been charged with reckless driving, you are not just facing the prospect of paying a fine. You may be facing jail or prison time. A misdemeanor or felony conviction can have a major impact on your future, including where you can work, live, or obtain an education.

At David Albo, our legal team can help defend you against reckless driving charges or any other traffic offenses you are facing. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with a reckless driving charge lawyer in Fairfax, VA clients trust and find out how we can help.