Clarksville Reckless Driving Lawyer

In Clarksville, understanding the law and your rights is an integral part of successfully facing your reckless driving charges. According to the Code of Virginia, exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 miles per hour, or driving more than 80 miles per hour under any circumstance can result in a reckless driving charge.

Contrary to what many Clarksville motorists believe, reckless driving is a criminal charge, not a standard traffic infraction. Meaning that if found guilty, the reckless driving charge will remain on your criminal record for years to come. This may sound frightening at first, but by working with an experienced Clarksville reckless driving lawyer, you have a better chance of your charge dismissed or reduced. If you are facing charges, contact a skilled reckless driving defense attorney right away.

Reckless Driving Charges

Most reckless driving charges are directly related to speed, but the code gives law enforcement officials a considerable amount of discretion in regards to issuing charges. If an officer feels that a motorist’s driving is hazardous to other motorists, they can make a reckless driving arrest. Drivers can also be detained for reckless driving law violations in Clarksville for the following reasons:

• Driving an overloaded vehicle whose cargo prevents other drivers from seeing clearly
• Passing a stopped school bus while it is loading or unloading passengers
• Passing an emergency vehicle (ex: ambulance, fire truck, police car)
• Driving a car with faulty breaks
• Incorrect use of turning signals
• Passing at a railroad crossing

Reducing a Charge in Clarksville

The code of Virginia also gives judges significant discretion in regards to reducing reckless driving charges. According to section 46.2-869 of the code, Clarksville judges may reduce a charge of reckless driving down to a charge of “improper driving.” Unlike reckless driving, which is a class I misdemeanor, improper driving is simply a traffic infraction that carries a maximum fine of $500. If it is someone’s first time being charged with reckless driving, it is very possible they can have their charge reduced.

Case Dismissal

It is possible to have a Clarksville reckless driving case dismissed if one of the following can be proven:

• The officer’s radar signaling device was inaccurate
• There was no posted speed limit in the immediate vicinity
• They were speeding for emergency purposes
• The arresting officer had an impaired view of their vehicle

In Clarksville court, witnesses can be called, but as time goes by, witnesses can forget important details of the reckless driving event. If the individual’s reckless driving charge cannot be dismissed, a seasoned Clarksville reckless driving lawyer may be able to get the sentence reduced to a lesser charge.

Clarksville Potential Penalties

Clarksville courts are governed by a complex system of procedures and the laws regarding criminal traffic charges are vast. If the individual elects to represent themselves in court, there is a strong chance that the judge will rule against them. Defending oneself in a court of law requires extensive knowledge of the state legal system. The courts are very busy, meaning the judge will more than likely not have time to help the individual understand every single facet of their reckless driving charge.

If found guilty of reckless driving, a motorist can find themselves facing the following penalties:

• Suspension of driving privileges
• Monetary fines of up to $2500
• Incarceration

If found guilty, a driver can find themselves facing the following challenges in their personal life:

• Difficulty finding affordable insurance coverage
• Loss of transportation
• Difficulty passing background checks, getting a security clearance, or finding employment

Working with an Attorney

If you are currently facing reckless driving charges, allow a Clarksville reckless driving lawyer to represent you. They aim to help their clients understand the charges they are facing, and proceed in a manner that produces the best outcome. Contact a reckless driving attorney in Clarksville to learn about the impact it can have on your life.