Vienna Reckless Driving Lawyer

Most drivers are familiar with the traffic violations that they may face when they are accused of failing to follow traffic laws. Minor offenses like speeding will typically result in traffic tickets, but in some cases, people may face serious charges involving accusations of reckless driving. These violations are more serious than simple traffic tickets, and because they are treated as crimes, people may face multiple types of long-term penalties.

The lawyer at Noorishad Law, P.C. provides legal help to people who have been charged with reckless driving. He can review the reasons for an arrest, the evidence involved in a case, and other factors to determine the best options for defense. His goal is to protect clients against serious penalties like jail time while also helping them avoid the loss of their driver's licenses and other issues that could affect their futures.

What Counts as Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Multiple types of offenses may fall under the general category of reckless driving. A person who is accused of operating a vehicle in a way that put others in danger of being injured or was likely to cause damage to property may be charged with a reckless driving offense. Virginia law details specific offenses that are classified as reckless driving, but police officers may choose to charge drivers with this offense in cases where unsafe driving has put other people at risk or after accidents in which people were injured.

Why Street Racing Can Lead to Reckless Driving Charges

Street racing is one of the most serious forms of reckless driving. Anyone who is accused of engaging in a race on a public road or highway, or in certain other locations, such as public parking lots, could face reckless driving charges. Exhibition driving may also fall into this category of offense, and it may include intentionally spinning a vehicle's tires or purposely performing skids or similar maneuvers.

Racing is often treated as a serious offense by law enforcement because of the dangers it presents. People who are racing at high speeds will be more likely to lose control and crash into other vehicles or run off the road and strike buildings or other objects. People nearby may be at risk of injuries, including people in other vehicles on the roads where races take place. Because of these concerns, people who are accused of street racing can face serious criminal charges, and the penalties will often increase if racing allegedly resulted in accidents or injuries.

Other Reasons for Reckless Driving Charges

• Illegal Passing: The reckless driving laws in Virginia address unsafe passing maneuvers, including when a person attempts to pass another vehicle on a hill or a curve where they cannot see approaching traffic. Passing a school bus that has stopped with its red lights flashing can also lead to reckless driving charges.
• Mechanical Defects: A person can face charges of reckless driving if they are accused of operating a vehicle that is unsafe because of brake problems or other mechanical issues. The failure to maintain a vehicle properly could result in charges of reckless driving if a person is accused of knowingly operating a vehicle that was dangerous.
• Failing to Yield or Observe Traffic Signals: Disregarding a stop sign, failing to yield the right of way at an intersection, or ignoring a traffic signal may be considered reckless driving if these actions allegedly put others in danger of harm.
• Excessive Speeding: While exceeding the speed limit will typically lead to a minor traffic ticket, drivers who are accused of traveling at high speeds could be charged with reckless driving. These charges may be filed in cases where a person is accused of speeding by more than 20 miles per hour or driving at least 85 miles per hour.

Penalties for a Reckless Driving Conviction

Most of the time, reckless driving offenses are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors. A conviction can result in a sentence in jail lasting for up to 12 months. A person could also be fined as much as $2,500. In certain circumstances, reckless driving may be classified as a felony offense. Causing a serious injury or death by driving in a manner that was known to be unsafe can lead to felony charges.