Reckless driving
In Virginia, reckless driving is punishable as a class one misdemeanor - that's the same classification as drunk driving, assault and battery, resisting arrest, and many other criminal activities.
A class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Additionally, the judge may suspend your driver's license for up to a year. And when the DMV reports to your insurance company that you've been convicted of a serious traffic offense, your insurance premiums will never be the same.
Also, as a misdemeanor conviction, a reckless driving conviction could have an impact on your employment, especially if your employment requires using your driver's license, or if you have government clearance. I understand that your entire life may be affected by this case, and I will treat your case with the care and respect you deserve.
But I was only speeding...
In Virginia, the General Assembly has enacted laws making twenty different types of driving activities "reckless" by statute, and punishable as a class 1 misdemeanor. These types of activities include speeding more than 20 miles per hour above the posted limit, speeding in excess of 80 miles per hour regardless of the posted limit, failing to maintain control of your vehicle, passing emergency vehicles, and many others.
If you are only charged with simple speeding, your summons should state that clearly. If you need help telling the difference, please feel free to call me - no case is too small, and I can help with your speeding ticket too.
What can be done?
As your reckless driving attorney, I will handle every aspect of your case. In many cases, you do not even need to appear in court, but an experienced and professional reckless driving attorney will communicate that very clearly to you well in advance of your court date. I understand that your appearing in court, sometimes traveling from a great distance, requires that you take a day off work, arrange child care plans, and sometimes even book a hotel. I will communicate clearly with you so that you can rest easy knowing that your case is in good hands.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney can have your case reduced out of reckless driving, or even dismissed entirely in some instances.
A transcript of your driving history is essential in preparing your defense. And don't worry just because you think your driving record is bad - sometimes, prior offenses don't show up on transcripts if they are older or were not classified as moving violations.