Tysons Corner, Virginia Reckless Driving Attorney

Most people have received at least one traffic ticket at some point during their lives. People may be stopped by police officers for violations like speeding, running red lights, or having broken taillights. However, in certain situations, the charges a person may face can be more serious. If a person is accused of reckless driving, they may face criminal charges, and a conviction can lead to penalties that may include a permanent criminal record, large fines, and even jail time.

At Noorishad Law, P.C., our attorney provides legal help for people in Tysons Corner and the surrounding areas who have been charged with reckless driving. He can help clients understand the specific offenses they have been accused of committing and the potential penalties they may face. He will take steps to ensure that a case can be resolved successfully while protecting against a criminal conviction and limiting the effects on a person's driver's license, finances, and freedom.

Because reckless driving carries consequences that go far beyond fines or driver's license penalties, a person who has been arrested for this offense should not assume that their case will be handled the same way as an ordinary speeding ticket. Our lawyer will review the circumstances surrounding an alleged offense, examine the evidence that may play a role in criminal charges, and negotiate with the prosecutor to secure a positive outcome to a case.

The Seriousness of Reckless Driving Charges

In Virginia, reckless driving is generally classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor offense. This makes it equivalent to other serious criminal offenses, such as assault and battery. A person who is convicted of reckless driving will face serious penalties, and they will have a permanent criminal record.

Following a conviction for a Class 1 misdemeanor reckless driving offense, a person may be fined up to $2,500, and they could be sentenced to up to one year in jail. A misdemeanor conviction will appear on background checks that may be used by employers, licensing boards, schools, or landlords. Because of the long-term penalties that may apply following a conviction for reckless driving, it is crucial to determine the options for defending against these charges.

Common Reasons People May Face Reckless Driving Charges

Drivers may be accused of reckless driving in a wide range of situations, including:

• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph or more is considered to be reckless driving. Regardless of the speed limit on a particular road or highway, driving more than 85 mph can lead to criminal reckless driving charges.
• Unsafe Passing: A person may face criminal reckless driving charges if they pass another vehicle on a hill or a curve where they are unable to see oncoming traffic.
• Loss of Control: If a person is unable to maintain proper control of their vehicle, they could face reckless driving charges. Unsafe driving that leads to skidding, fishtailing, or other dangerous situations could be a reason for criminal charges.
• Unsafe Vehicle: If a person knew that their vehicle had faulty brakes or other mechanical defects that made it unsafe, they could be charged with a criminal reckless driving offense.
• Illegally Passing a School Bus: Drivers are required to stop for school buses when they are picking up or dropping off children. A person who does not stop as required may face charges of reckless driving due to the risks that they may present to children.
• Street Racing: People who engage in races against other vehicles or other exhibitions of speed or unsafe maneuvers on public roadways may face criminal reckless driving charges.
• Other Types of Dangerous Driving: A person who is accused of operating a vehicle in a way that put other people or property at risk of harm can be charged with reckless driving. This broad category of offenses may apply in any situation where a person has allegedly acted unsafely, such as when they have caused an accident due to a traffic violation.