Traffic Infractions and Reckless Driving in Manassas Virginia
Virginia Traffic Violations and Your Driving Record
A traffic violation can be as minor as failing to signal when changing lanes or as serious as reckless endangerment. By law, these infractions are considered criminal offenses because they put people in danger. Most people know that traffic violations are a common occurrence, but few people realize how devastating a traffic violation can be and many people wrongly assume that such matters will not require legal services. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, traffic offenses are vigorously prosecuted and can create havoc in your professional and personal life. Drivers run the risk of a suspended license and notification of a conviction on their driving record, which can affect their insurance premiums. Some seemingly simple traffic violations can result in the far more serious reckless driving charge, and repeat offenses can result in a criminal conviction and record.
Battlefield Law Group PLLC Law Firm, PLLC can assist you in all of these traffic matters, and many more as reliable Virginia traffic law attorneys. Whether you’re are a college or university student, hold a Commercial Driving License (CDL) or require military security clearance, we have the experience needed to fight for your rights and reputation. If you are facing such charges, the decision you make as to which lawyer you choose to represent your legal rights is a critical one at this point in your life. Make sure you choose an attorney who is passionate and well-qualified.
Don’t Wait to Take Action
If you were recently cited for a traffic violation such as speeding, it’s important that you take legal action as soon as possible. While one traffic infraction may not seem like a big deal, if you’re found guilty of committing such a violation, you may face monetary fines and in some cases, jail time. Additionally, multiple violations may result in the loss of your driver’s license.
Battlefield Law Group PLLC represents individuals facing traffic violations, as traffic charge lawyers in Virginia and welcomes the opportunity to speak with you about your charges. Even though you may think that you’re dealing with a simple infraction, the reality is that you’re being accused of breaking the law. You should therefore do everything you can to protect yourself from tough legal penalties, and the first step includes obtaining representation from an attorney.
Our clients expect results and we have the confidence to deliver. As our client, you will not only receive highly-skilled legal representation, you will also be given first-class treatment. Our results, spanning over three decades, are well recognized and most of our clients come from client referrals. Further, numerous law firms, many of them accident law firms, refer their injured clients to us because of our reputation. Our goal is to do everything for you, so you can focus on your recovery.
Battlefield Law Group PLLC Will Handle Your Reckless Driving Case With Experience and Dedication
Many people who receive Reckless Driving tickets in Virginia are stunned to learn that the charge is a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Can I really be charged criminally for driving too fast or having a fender bender? In short, YES, and it’s very common, you are not alone and there is help.
Reckless driving is defined generally as driving on a highway of the Commonwealth of Virginia in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person, regardless of the permitted speed limit. This is a very expansive definition and includes an unlimited number of driving behaviors. In addition to the Reckless Generally statute are several specific driving behaviors that are considered reckless, including but not limited to:
- Passing a school bus improperly as it is picking up or dropping off children;
- Engaging in a speed race with another car;
- Improperly passing on a crest of hill; and
- Driving recklessly in a parking lot.
The most common reason a person is charged with Reckless Driving is because the person is claimed to have exceeded the speed limit by more than 20 miles per hour or drove over 80 miles per hour, regardless of the posted speed limit. For example, officers will charge a person with reckless driving for traveling 82 miles per hour in a posted 65 mile per hour zone. Another very common reason for a Reckless Driving charge is after a car crash. It is very common, even for a relatively minor fender bender, that a Summons for Reckless Driving will be issued by the law enforcement officer. Often a car crash is simply an accident but in other occasions, it involves a series of bad driving decisions that caused the crash and injuries occurred. However, the person who made the error is not always clear and law enforcement officers make their best judgment call at the scene. Just because a person is charged, does not mean they are guilty. Also, even if there is some fault by the person charged it is still possible to build a defense and or have the charge reduced to a traffic infraction.
If you are convicted of Reckless Driving in Virginia, a Class 1 misdemeanor goes on your driving record. The possible punishment for Class 1 misdemeanor is a fine of up to $2,500 and a jail sentence of up to one year. Your driver’s license will receive six demerit points if you are licensed in Virginia, and your license may be suspended for up to six months. While these are uncommon outcomes for most offenders, it is important for people to understand the serious nature of the charge and the importance of defending against the charge.
If you have been charged with reckless driving in Virginia, your first call should be to an experienced Manassas reckless driving lawyer. A reckless driving conviction can change your life for the worse. The fines, loss of license, and possible jail time are only a few of the problems you face. Increased insurance premiums, necessary disclosure at work, and a criminal record are potentially significant concerns to be considered.
Before going to court in Virginia, please contact an experienced local attorney who is familiar with the jurisdiction of your case. An experienced VA reckless driving lawyer can give you the tools you need to mitigate and defend your case. Each jurisdiction is different with regards to whether to take a driver improvement class before or after court, whether the court will acknowledge a speedometer calibration, and if any other documentation or work would be helpful for your defense. Contacting an attorney before taking any independent action could help save you time, money and frustration.
If you are charged with reckless driving in Virginia, call Battlefield Law Group PLLC for a consultation. No attorney can make any guarantees about the outcome of your case, but we can review the facts of your case and evaluate the best possible strategy for your defense. We will work with you to help you achieve the best possible results. Contact us today and begin defending your driving record and your rights.