Reckless Driving Charges in Richmond, VA
The most common reckless driving charge in Richmond, Virginia is reckless driving by speed charges. This typically occurs on Interstate 95, 195, or some of the main roads bisecting the city. If charged with reckless driving, the Commonwealth will have to show that you were going 20 miles over the speed limit and/or that you’re going over 80 miles an hour.
Reckless driving can also be charged if you’re involved in an accident and they determine that you’re careless and/or reckless driving caused the accident. You can be charged if you fail to maintain control of your vehicle or what a defect in your vehicle, like brakes, for which you should have had knowledge causes an accident. Each of these different types of reckless driving can carry serious consequences and as a result it is important you consult with a Richmond reckless driving lawyer if accused.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Richmond
Reckless driving has very substantial penalties. It’s a class 1 misdemeanor, so it’s a criminal charge. It has fines that can go as high as $2,500. It can also come with up to a six-month loss of license or license suspension and carry 6 DMV demerit points.
Reckless Driving Summons vs. Speeding Ticket
A speeding ticket under Virginia law is viewed as an infraction, in other words it comes with only a fine. Reckless driving on the other hand is a criminal charge; it carries the possibility of a jail sentence, the possibility of a license suspension, and a very high fine. In addition to that, with a speeding ticket you can sometimes avoid court by just prepaying it and/or having an attorney show up on your behalf. With a reckless driving you will need to appear in court whether you have an attorney or not, unless your attorney can obtain a waiver.
In most cases when you’re charged with reckless driving, the law enforcement officer will advise you that it is a reckless driving charge and also write it on the ticket. They will advise you that you’re required to appear in court, they’ll also cite the reckless driving code section on the ticket.
What to Expect from a Richmond Reckless Driving Case
With regard to reckless driving in Richmond, an individual should be prepared for the possibility of a license suspension, the possibility of a high fine, and the possibility of jail, if it is an aggravated case. However, with an attorney, the options can expand because an attorney can walk an individual through the process, negotiate a resolution, or mitigate the damages to avoid these possible long-term, severe penalties.
How Does Richmond Treat Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is treated very seriously in the city of Richmond. The Richmond prosecutors and judges are very tough on reckless driving charges due to the number of accidents in the area and the high population. Due to the major roadways that intersect the City it is a public safety issue and reckless driving is the cause of a large amount of accidents that occur there. In addition to that, the judges in Richmond can rule very harshly on these charges if it’s an aggravated case and if the individual has multiple prior convictions.