The Hopewell, VA authorities strictly enforce the Virginia traffic laws. In fact, a motorist can be convicted of reckless driving for speeding as little as 11 mph over the limit if the speed allegation is 81 mph in a 70 mph speed zone. Therefore, according to the statute going as little as 11 mph over the speed limit can result in a conviction for reckless driving.
If you prepay your ticket, you are pleading guilty to whatever you are charged with whether it is speeding or reckless driving. If you plead guilty to reckless driving, you will have a Class 1 misdemeanor on your criminal record. Whether you are a local Hopewell resident or someone traveling through the city, a speeding offense can be a serious matter. According to VA § 46.2-861, an individual cannot drive so as to exceed a moderate speed under the circumstances and traffic conditions existing at the time, regardless of any posted speed limit.
Reckless driving in Hopewell, VA is punishable by a fine up to $2,500, 12 months in jail, and possible 6-month license suspension. A restricted license does not give you absolute permission to drive whenever you want, but it can at least help you get to work.
In order to find you guilty of reckless driving, the Commonwealth in Hopewell must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were guilty of the violation you were charged with, and you, of course, have the right to defend yourself against your charge. Traffic or related criminal offenses such as reckless driving can be a distressing experience for anyone, as consequences can include substantial fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
In reckless driving cases where the judge suspends your driver’s license, he or she can authorize a restricted license. This gives you permission to drive for specific purposes like going to work, taking your children to school, going to the doctor, and attending school. There are often questionable situations in a driving under the influence case, which may not be significant enough to lead to dismissal but can be used as leverage for a better plea agreement.
The record review also shows that virtually everyone who was clocked by Hopewell deputies as going faster than 80 mph was charged with reckless driving, a misdemeanor criminal charge that adds 6 demerit points on the licenses of Virginia drivers. The Hopewell, VA DMV Points System consists of 3-point violations, 4-point violations, 6-point violations, which are applied against your driving record for every traffic violation you incur. These demerit points last for 11 years on your VA driving record from the date of your conviction. If you have received a Virginia reckless driving ticket and the charge was discrete to speed, it likely will fall under reckless driving. This statute allows a police officer to charge you with reckless driving if he believes you were driving in a manner that risks life or property.
If you need help of traffic ticket lawyers in Hopewell, 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 Hopewell, VA, call us at 855-696-3348.
