Huntington, Virginia Reckless Driving Defense Lawyers

Knowledgeable Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys Representing Clients in Huntington

A reckless driving charge can come as a shock, especially if you have never had an encounter with law enforcement before. The law is broadly written, so people can end up charged with this offense for a wide variety of reasons. To protect your rights, consider working with a Huntington, VA reckless driving defense attorney.

At Salvado Law Offices, we know how serious a reckless driving conviction can be. We can advise you of your rights throughout your case and work toward the best possible outcome on your behalf. As skilled traffic defense lawyers, we have helped many clients accused of reckless driving and similar offenses.

Will I Go to Jail for Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving in Virginia is treated as a criminal offense, not a routine traffic violation. As a result, jail time is a real possibility depending on the circumstances of the case. Most reckless driving charges are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors. A conviction at this level carries the potential for up to 12 months in jail, even for a first offense. Judges may consider factors such as speed, traffic conditions, prior driving history, and whether anyone was placed at risk.

In more serious situations, reckless driving can be charged as a felony. Virginia law allows a reckless driving charge to be elevated to a Class 6 felony when a driver causes another person's death as the sole and proximate result of reckless driving while operating a vehicle on a suspended or revoked license for a moving violation. A felony conviction exposes a defendant to years of incarceration and the lasting consequences of a felony criminal record. While felony reckless driving cases are uncommon, they underscore how severe the potential penalties can be.

What Counts as Reckless Driving?

Virginia defines reckless driving broadly, and many drivers are surprised by what conduct can lead to criminal charges. Speed-based reckless driving is among the most common examples. Driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit, or exceeding 85 miles per hour regardless of the speed limit, qualifies as reckless driving under state law.

Reckless driving is not limited to speed alone. It can also include racing another vehicle, weaving aggressively through traffic, passing on a curve or hill where visibility is limited, or operating a vehicle with faulty brakes or other unsafe conditions. In some cases, a reckless driving charge arises from a momentary lapse in judgment. In others, it stems from an officer's interpretation of how a vehicle was operated under the circumstances.

Since the statute covers such a wide range of behavior, these cases often depend heavily on the specific facts and how the alleged conduct is presented in court.

Other Penalties for Reckless Driving in Virginia

Beyond the possibility of incarceration, a reckless driving conviction can carry several additional penalties. For a misdemeanor or felony conviction, courts may impose fines of up to $2,500. Judges also have the authority to suspend a driver's license for up to six months, which can create serious challenges for work, school, and family responsibilities.

A reckless driving conviction adds demerit points to a driver's record and appears on background checks. Insurance premiums frequently increase, and commercial drivers may face professional consequences. Moreover, because reckless driving is a criminal offense, it does not simply disappear over time like a standard traffic ticket. The long-term impact can follow a driver for years.

At Salvado Law Offices, we provide strong defense against reckless driving charges, working to safeguard your driving privileges and protect your future.