Fairfax, Virginia Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys

Skilled Reckless Driving Defense Lawyers for Clients in Fairfax

Challenging a seemingly minor traffic offense may not seem worth it. However, a reckless driving charge should be taken seriously, as the consequences for a conviction could set your life back for a long time. To protect your best interests, get in contact with a Fairfax, VA reckless driving defense attorney.

At Salvado Law Offices, we provide representation and counsel to motorists accused of reckless driving. You can rely on us to safeguard your rights in court to the fullest extent of the law, as we have decades of experience in criminal defense, and we have helped numerous clients fight serious charges with successful results.

What Counts as Reckless Driving in Virginia?

In general, you can be charged with reckless driving in Virginia if you drive in such a way that you endanger the "life, limb, or property" of any person. Virginia law also outlines many other acts of reckless driving, including:

• Driving a vehicle with faulty brakes
• Passing while approaching a curve where your view is obscured
• Driving with an obscured view of the road
• Passing at a railroad crossing
• Passing a stopped school bus
• Failing to signal
• Excessive speeding
• Driving too fast when there are adverse conditions on the road
• Street racing

If you have been accused of reckless driving, reach out to an attorney. If you speak to law enforcement about your case, your statements could be recorded and passed on to the prosecutor, which could jeopardize your defense strategy. Our lawyers can discuss your case with you in private and inform you of your best options.

What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Virginia?

If you are accused of reckless driving, you should know that you face criminal as well as administrative penalties. As a Class 1 misdemeanor, reckless driving is punishable by up to 12 months in jail, as well as a potential fine of up to $2,500. You could face Class 6 felony charges if your reckless driving caused the death of another person while your license was suspended or revoked, carrying the possibility of one to five years in prison.

Additionally, a conviction of reckless driving will result in six demerit points being added to your license by the Virginia DMV. If you accumulate enough points in a one- or two-year period, your license could be suspended. Accumulating demerit points may also result in higher insurance rates, so it is critical that you avoid a conviction at all costs.

How Can I Defend Against a Reckless Driving Charge?

There is no "one size fits all" defense against a reckless driving charge. Instead, your defense should be carefully tailored to suit your circumstances. Our firm can help you come up with a personalized strategy for an optimal outcome, considering all possible ways to get the offense reduced to a lesser charge or dismissed entirely.

One possible defense strategy may involve challenging the officer's testimony in court. Radars are not always accurate, which can cast doubt on an accusation of excessive speeding. Moreover, if the reason for the traffic stop was not grounded in the reasonable suspicion that a crime was committed, the prosecution's case could be weakened.

If your conduct did not rise to the level of reckless driving, we could make a case for improper driving, a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of up to $500.

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