Traffic or related criminal offenses such as reckless driving can be a harrowing experience for anyone, as penalties can include substantial fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Moreover, such violations can have other unexpected implications to include increased insurance rates, employment risk where driving is required, and the social stigmas that often accompany a conviction for reckless driving. If you are like many people, you assume that paying a fine for a traffic violation is the cheapest and easiest way to deal with the problem. What many people do not consider is the long-term implications of the traffic violation. In Virginia, an accumulation of traffic tickets can drastically increase your insurance rates. An accumulation of points on your driving record can also put your driving privileges at risk.
This distinction can cause a little confusion for some drivers because some highways in Virginia now have 70 mph speed limits. So, is it reckless to drive 81 mph on those roads or in other words only 11 mph over the speed limit? Under Virginia Code §46.2-862, if a police officer or trooper in Charles City clocks you at 81 mph on any highway, regardless of the posted speed limit, you can be charged with the crime of reckless driving. There are ways for you to contest a traffic violation or speeding ticket successfully. Many times, these tickets can be crushed on a technicality or other procedural issue.
Among the reckless driving code sections, § 46.2-862 is undoubtedly the most frequently used statute. This statute strictly refers to the speed at which you are driving without any regard to your manner of driving. This statute defines reckless driving in two ways. The first section of this statute dictates that you can be convicted of reckless driving for traveling 20 mph or more above the speed limit. The second section defines reckless driving as driving over 80 mph no matter the posted speed limit. This section becomes particularly troublesome on highways with 70 mph speed limits.
When a driver is stopped by a police officer in Charles City and subsequently issued a Virginia traffic ticket or Virginia speeding ticket for violation of state law or a county/city regulation, he or she may be charged with a traffic infraction, misdemeanor, or a civil violation. States often apply points to your driving record for this offense and if you accumulate enough points then you could lose your license.
If you need the help of a traffic ticket lawyer in Charles City, call our law firm immediately for help and speak to a lawyer about your options.
The SRIS Law Group can help you best possible outcome based on the facts of your case. If you wish to consult a Law Offices of SRIS P.C. traffic attorney in Charles City, VA, call us at 855-696-3348.
