Different Ways Reckless Driving is Charged in Chesterfield
Reckless driving in Chesterfield is driving in a manner that endangers life, limb, or property. It can be anything from driving at a high speed, to cutting in and out of lanes, or simply driving aggressively. The most common type of reckless driving we see in Chesterfield is speed-related, going over 80 miles an hour or going over 20 miles over the speed limit.
If you are charged with any of these it is important you consult with a Chesterfield reckless driving lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your case and determine how to proceed. Call today to discuss your case in more detail.
Excessive Speeding in Chesterfield
Reckless driving by speed in Chesterfield are tickets for going over 80 miles an hour or going 20 over the speed limit. These tickets in Chesterfield typically occur on Interstate 95 or Interstate 288 and the secondary roads dissecting the county. If charged for reckless by speed, the officers must show your speed was over 80 or 20 over the limit by providing the evidence from their radar or by the pace of their vehicle. Law enforcement will have to show that documentation of their radar or vehicle calibrations in court in order to get a conviction on a case like this.
What Other Ways Can Reckless Driving Be Charged?
In Chesterfield, reckless driving can be charged in a variety of ways. Although excessive speed is the most common, it can also be charged for erratic driving that endangers other drivers like crossing in and out of lanes, cutting off other drivers. It can also be charged for failing to maintain control of your vehicle either taking a turn too fast or driving in a manner that you lose control. Furthermore, it can also be charged for having faulty brakes or a mechanical failure that causes an accident.
What To Expect If Charged With Reckless Driving in Chesterfield County
If charged with reckless driving in Chesterfield, you will first receive a summons from the law enforcement officer which you will then be asked to sign, saying that you agree to appear in court. If it’s an aggravated case, there’s a possibility that the officer could arrest you on the scene and impound your vehicle. Additionally, you should also be prepared for the potential penalties that accompany a reckless driving conviction including a high fine, possible license suspension, and the possibility of jail if it’s an aggravated case.
Importance of Contacting Local Counsel For a Chesterfield Reckless Driving Case
It’s important to hire an attorney on a case in Chesterfield because the penalties that can come with a reckless driving ticket can be severe and long-lasting. Most individuals don’t realize that these are criminal offenses, so not only are there short term possibilities of a license suspension and a jail sentence, but also the long term impact it can have on their insurance and/or toward their job if they have a security clearance or routine background check.
Local counsel is very beneficial in Chesterfield because you want an attorney that understands the policies and procedures of the court, knows what defenses to explore, and know what factors the judges and prosecutors are receptive to. You want an attorney that understands what options are available in the Chesterfield courts, whether it is driving school or in some cases what’s called RDAP, which is a more advanced driving school. A local attorney will know what mitigating factors the courts and the prosecutors are receptive to, including community service, driving school, and letters of reference.