Brunswick Reckless Driving Lawyer

Brunswick, Virginia is widely known as a speed trap for unwary drivers, particularly nearby Interstate 85 and US Route 58. The speed limit along Interstate 85 through Brunswick County is 70 miles per hour. If someone travels at 81 miles per hour or faster on that stretch of roadway, they can be charged with reckless driving under the Virginia statute. A reckless driving conviction in Virginia can result in the imposition of serious criminal penalties.

If you have been charged with reckless driving in Brunswick, Virginia, you need a knowledgeable reckless driving lawyer who is familiar with Brunswick County on your side every step of the way. An experienced Brunswick reckless driving lawyer is familiar with judges, police officers, and county prosecutors, may be able to assist you with obtaining a dismissal of your case, a favorable plea deal, or a reduced penalty upon conviction.

Reckless Driving in Brunswick

In addition to speeding alone, the following additional offenses may constitute reckless driving in Virginia:

• Failing to yield to an emergency vehicle
• Driving with faulty brakes
• Passing a vehicle on a curved roadway
• Aggressive or careless driving
• Drag racing
• “Catch-all” (i.e. in the police officer’s sole discretion, the driver was operating his vehicle in a way that poses a significant danger to person or property)

Speeding

Pursuant to Section 46.2-862 of the Virginia Code, someone may be found guilty of reckless driving based solely upon the vehicle’s speed at the time it was pulled over, under one of the following circumstances:

• The person was driving at a speed of 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit
• The person was driving at a speed in excess of 80 miles per hour, regardless of the applicable speed limit

How Is Reckless Driving Charged?

Pursuant to the Virginia Code, a reckless driving charge is a Class I misdemeanor. Possible penalties for a Class 1 misdemeanor include a $2,500.00 fine, up to a six-month license suspension, and 12 months’ incarceration making it imperative that a Brunswick reckless driving attorney is consulted.

What Are Possible Defenses to Reckless Driving Charges?

As with all crimes, several legal defenses are available to individuals charged with reckless driving in Brunswick, Virginia, including incorrect speedometer reading,  speed radar not properly calibrated, and a bona fide emergency situation.

Contacting a Brunswick Reckless Driving Attorney

Reckless driving convictions in Brunswick can come with hefty fines and even jail time. Other possible ramifications include increased car insurance premiums (amounting to hundreds of dollars over time), points on the individual’s driving record, and a criminal record. Brunswick reckless driving lawyers can examine all of the facts and circumstances of your case, help you to formulate legal defenses to your charges, and potentially assist you with obtaining a dismissal, charge reduction, and/or reduced penalty upon conviction.

It is important to note that a Brunswick judge has the discretion to reduce a reckless driving charge to ‘improper driving’ – a mere traffic infraction with far lesser penalties associated with it (i.e. a fee of no more than $500.00 and only 3 DMV points). Also, an improper driving charge can ordinarily be removed from a defendant’s criminal record once three years have passed. When seeking counsel a Brunswick reckless driving attorney can be contacted at any time, via telephone or email, for an initial consultation.