Reckless Driving Lawyer Fairfax, VA

Do I Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in the past, having an experienced reckless driving lawyer Fairfax VA locals recommend on your side is extremely important. This is especially true in cases that involve felony accusations. However, even for misdemeanors, defendants are often best served by having a professional lawyer represent them in court — rather than trying to represent themselves. While you are not legally required to have a reckless driving lawyer in Fairfax VA represent you, there are several reasons why you may benefit from doing so.

The Complexity of the Criminal Justice System

No matter how smart you are, the legal system makes it very difficult to represent yourself effectively in court. Even individuals with law degrees typically choose to hire other lawyers when they are facing criminal charges, simply because another lawyer may have the time and the resources to analyze the case in greater detail. Each case involves numerous variables that could affect the outcome, and someone who is involved in the case as a defendant might not be able to identify and assess these variables accurately. A reckless driving lawyer Fairfax VA community members choose to protect their rights can make all the difference in the outcome.

What Can a Lawyer Do For a Defendant?

1. Negotiate plea deals or negotiate for lesser charges: In some cases, the prosecution may be willing to negotiate a plea deal. Negotiating a plea deal can be a lengthy and complex process; it’s not something that you’d want to handle on your own. Furthermore, lawyers may have personal and professional connections with local prosecutors, which could make the prosecution more willing to engage in negotiations.

2. Utilize knowledge of local court procedures and customs: Even though criminal litigation is broadly the same across the country, each state has its own laws. Many counties and cities even have additional laws that differ from federal and state legislation. All of this can greatly affect how a case proceeds in court. An attorney with extensive knowledge of local court procedures can be invaluable during a criminal proceeding, no matter how minor the charges may be.

3. Gather evidence and information from witnesses: This part of a criminal defense case can be very demanding. Quite simply, if you are facing charges yourself then you likely don’t have the time, energy, or contacts to collect all of this information. A lawyer may be more capable of collecting evidence related to your case and then determining which evidence is most important.

4. Work with investigators and other industry professionals: In criminal defense cases, it may be beneficial for the defense to hire independent investigators to look into the evidence. Lawyers tend to form relationships with professionals in specific industries who may provide useful information in these types of cases. These professionals might also act as “expert witnesses” to shed light on difficult issues in complex court cases.

An Overview of reckless driving in Virginia from a reckless driving Lawyer Fairfax, VA

Take it from a reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA provides – Virginia’s reckless driving laws are tough! The reckless driving laws often focus on fast or dangerous driving. They are not merely a simple traffic infractions in Virginia. Reckless driving is a crime that is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Other Class 1 misdemeanors in Virginia include crimes such as DWI, assault and battery, and petty larceny.

Note: Our lawyers practice in Fairfax, and all other counties of Virginia. We have offices in Fairfax, Arlington, and Staunton. We reference Fairfax, VA in this article because it is the largest jurisdiction in Virginia and with the most rigid procedures. Work done to Fairfax standards meets or exceeds the standards in every other jurisdiction in the Commonwealth, so it is common to use it as a benchmark.

Retaining a reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, Va is a good idea because the maximum penalty for a Class 1 misdemeanor is up to 12 months in jail and fines up to $2,500. In addition, the court can suspend one’s driver’s license for up to six months. Don’t panic, though. Rarely do people get jail for most cases of reckless driving. The larger concern is the criminal record for one who has a clean criminal record and wants to maintain that status.

If you receive a citation for reckless driving in Virginia, in most cases you will be required to appear in court. There is no option of prepayment of fines by mail, so you must appear in court. However, in certain jurisdictions, if you retain a reckless driving lawyer, there are limited circumstances when a reckless driving lawyer Fairfax VA drivers rely on might be able to appear in court on your behalf.

The most common form of reckless driving is recklessness by high speed.

Virginia Code §46.2-862 says that a person is guilty of reckless driving if he or she (1) exceeds the speed limit by twenty miles per hour or more or, (2) exceeds 80 miles per hour regardless of the speed limit. Under this law, recklessness is defined by speed alone. Some Judges have an unwritten rule that, even for people with great driving records, the punishment is one day in jail for every mile per hour over 90, and will suspend licenses for driving over 80 mph. Whether you were in control of the vehicle and operating in an otherwise safe manner is not defense. A reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA is needed so that you know what judges to avoid with certain arguments or, if you can’t avoid them, what you can do to convince them to make an exception to the rule.

Another commonly alleged form of reckless driving involves traffic accidents. Virginia Code § 46.2-853 says that one is guilty of reckless driving by driving a vehicle under improper control. Police officers often make this allegation at the accident scene merely because there has been a collision, despite limited or even no evidence that a crime has been committed. In many instances, a traffic accident is not the result of any criminal behavior whatsoever. For example, an experienced reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA will argue that well established Virginia case law states that the mere happening of an accident does not on its own prove reckless driving.

A third common form of reckless driving falls under Virginia Code §46.2-852. This is commonly referred to as “general” reckless driving. This is driving in any manner that endangers life, limb, or property of any person. That is a subjective standard employed by the charging police officer. The ultimate question of whether certain driving behavior rises to that threshold is one for which a reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA can be invaluable.

A reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA can assess the evidence against you, identify potential defenses, and present those issues to a Prosecutor in plea negotiations or in a trial before a judge in the General District Court. This would include the presentation of mitigation to the court. That could include information about the circumstances of the allegation and information about you that might serve to lessen any punishment. For example, if you have a good past driving record, have taken a driver safety course, issues with your vehicle, etc. By the way, there are good safe driving courses and there are bad ones. A good reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA will be able to direct you to the best classes.

In Virginia, the local prosecutor is called a Commonwealth’s Attorney. In most jurisdictions in Virginia, there is also an opportunity to negotiate, or “plea bargain” with the prosecutor. That would include consideration of alternative lesser charges. For example, an experienced reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA can help lower your reckless driving crime charge to a mere traffic infraction such as speeding 19 mph over, or even Improper Driving, which is the most minor moving violation that exists in the Code. One important thing to note is that in many jurisdictions, the Commonwealth’s Attorney will only speak to a reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, Va. As a Defendant in these jurisdictions, you can’t even talk to the Prosecutor, so you have no ability to get a plea bargain to a lesser charge.

If you have been convicted of reckless driving, or any offense in the General District Court, one has 10 days during which he or she may elect to appeal the result. In Virginia, one is guaranteed a new trial under that circumstance. An appeal will be heard in higher court called the Circuit Court. At that stage, you even have the right to have your case heard by a jury of your peers. A reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA would serve much the same role at the appeal stage, but be advised that the Circuit Court has a different set of rules and procedures than the General District Court.

When considering a reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA, keep in mind what you have at stake. A reckless driving conviction is a criminal conviction that can have future repercussions in matters like school and job applications, or security clearance evaluations. The Department of Motor Vehicles, whether in Virginia or elsewhere, can impose demerit points for a reckless driving conviction that can be the basis of license revocation regardless of the judgement of any local court. Of course, a conviction can impact insurance rates for years.

A reckless driving ticket brings the risk of a criminal conviction and all that goes along with it –fines, potential license suspension, and even jail in some cases. A reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA will work to keep your driving record free from a criminal conviction, will work to protect your liberty that can be compromised by a jail sentence, will work to protect the freedom that comes with your driver’s license, and will work to protect your wallet by mitigating the impact of fines and insurance rate increases. A reckless driving lawyer Fairfax VA motorists turn to can protect your rights.

What qualifies as reckless driving? 

Reckless driving is a serious offense that should not be taken lightly, as a reckless driving lawyer Fairfax, VA clients depend on is familiar with. It refers to driving in a dangerous and negligent manner that endangers the lives of others around you.  Excessive speeding, swerving between lanes, and making unsafe, improper turns all fall under reckless driving. Even if you did not intentionally mean to drive recklessly, you can still be charged with it. A police officer often uses tools like a speedometer or dash-cam footage to support the reckless driving charge. If you have been charged with reckless driving, be sure to consult with a lawyer so they can review your case. 

What can I expect from my case? 

There are a number of key things to know if you are involved in a reckless driving case. Whether or not it was your first offense or have had multiple convictions, you can face serious consequences if you are convicted of reckless driving. There are a number of types of reckless driving violations, so the consequences you will be facing will depend on the charge. However, there is a possibility that you can have your charge changed or dismissed. If you hope to obtain the best possible results from your case, contact a lawyer who can provide you with quality legal services and help you explore your case options. 

Can I have my charge reduced? 

It is possible to have your reckless driving charge reduced. It also depends on what kind of violation you committed, as there are more than ten types of reckless driving charges in Virginia. Your charge can be reduced from a misdemeanor to an infraction. Attempting to have your charge reduced alone is not recommended. Hiring a lawyer who has had prior experience representing clients in similar situations can greatly boost your chances of success. They understand how to assess the evidence and present your case so that you can have your reckless driving charge modified and face less severe consequences. 

What consequences can I face if I’m convicted? 

There are several serious consequences that you can face if you are convicted of reckless driving. Consequences can include fines, suspension or permanent loss of your license, seizure of your vehicle, and jail time. Depending on the circumstances and nature of your driving, you could also face harsher consequences. As a Fairfax reckless driving lawyer can tell you for example, street racing immediately results in harsher consequences, such as the loss of your license and permanent seizure of your vehicle. Even if you are convicted of an infraction, you may still have to pay a large fine. The more convictions that you have, the more severe your consequences will be. 

How can a lawyer defend me? 

Before determining what strategies to use for your case, a reckless driving lawyer will review the evidence against you. They will see if the evidence is strong enough. To build your case, an experienced lawyer will look for any weaknesses in the charge against you. For example, they might see if the police officer did not do the proper procedures, or they do not have sufficient evidence to charge you with reckless driving. Contact a Fairfax reckless driving lawyer who can explain your rights and advise you on what you should do so that you can avoid making the wrong decisions to harm your case.

A Fairfax VA Reckless Driving Lawyer You Can Trust

Regardless of what accusation you are facing — and even if you’re not sure whether or not you may be facing an accusation in the future — you are protected by the law in a number of ways. Hiring a reckless driving lawyer Fairfax VA offers is one of these essential legal protections– call us today to find out how we can help you.