Reckless driving is a serious crime in Virginia, especially if you already have sentences for other serious traffic-related offenses on your record. Depending on the facts neighboring your arrest or ticket, extenuating circumstances may convince a judge to reduce or dismiss the charges against you. Because dangerous driving puts so many lives at risk every day, many traffic offenses are punished with heavy fines. Some violations such as driving while impaired or reckless driving are even prosecuted as criminal offenses with possible jail time.
Many people think they do not need an experienced attorney to defend them for traffic violations. They assume that even the worst consequences cannot significantly affect their lives and that they can handle their cases themselves quickly. A person may have had his or her license suspended because of a court order, prior conviction of another offense or by order of the Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Manassas is not a busy city with an extensive public transportation system. A valid driver’s license is vital for getting to work, keeping up with your children’s busy schedules or even completing your daily tasks. Even one minor traffic ticket can make your life very difficult if you live in northern Virginia.
In Prince William County, Manassas Park, Dumfries, and Haymarket, reckless driving defendants can talk to the prosecutors and some qualified drivers can take a driving improvement class for dismissal. However, many reckless driving cases do not qualify for this program.
Serious traffic offenses that are considered reckless driving in Virginia include any traffic violations that are supposed to endanger others, which include but are not limited to:
- Drag Racing
- Excessive Speed (more than 20 mph above the posted limit)
- Failure to Signal
- Passing a Stopped School Bus
- Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles
- Aggressive Driving – weaving in and out of traffic or across lanes
While some of these actions seem reckless or aggressive, others seem just careless or inattentive. For otherwise law-abiding people, facing a criminal charge for a traffic violation can seem severe. It is important that you do not plead guilty to a criminal traffic offense without first seeking the advice of a experienced Prince William County (Manassas) reckless driving attorney.
The effects of a criminal charge on your record can be devastating and long-lasting. A criminal record could stand between you and a job, a promotion, a security clearance, or impact your immigration status. Additionally, if you are convicted of reckless driving in Prince William County, your license may be suspended for up to 6 months, which can adversely affect your ability to travel to your workplace.
If you already have points on your license or want to preserve a clean driving record, it may be advisable to consult an experienced traffic defense attorney before pleading guilty and paying a speeding ticket. An attorney may be able to spot defenses to your particular speeding ticket and get the infraction dismissed or your punishments reduced.
If you need the help of traffic ticket lawyers in Prince William (Manassas), Town of Dumfries, Manassas Park or Haymarket, 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 Prince William (Manassas), VA, call us at 855-696-3348. B
