A case of reckless driving is a serious issue and should be treated as such. Otherwise, it could lead to some unpalatable consequences if poorly handled. That’s why it’s necessary to give it all the attention it deserves to try to dismiss the case, have the speed reduced, and save yourself some trouble.
Top 5 Things to Do If Charged With Reckless Driving
Here’s what to do if charged with reckless driving:
Take It Seriously
You should take a reckless driving charge seriously. Even if reckless driving seems like a harmless speeding ticket to you, you shouldn’t dismiss it with a wave of the hand. Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor in some states like Virginia and could attract a maximum punishment of one year in jail and a $2,500 fine if you’re convicted. You’ll also have a permanent criminal record as a result.
Mind Your Words
Be careful about what you say lest you ruin your case. For example, making excuses about your plight and blaming it on troopers could impact your case negatively. So, don’t say you aren’t aware of the speed limit, that the officer’s radar gun must have clocked someone else’s car and not yours, that you were the only one who got stopped even though you were going with the flow of traffic, or that you were pulled over due to your license plate. Avoid saying such things because they can annoy the judge and jeopardize your case.
Be Prepared to Pay More for Insurance
Be prepared to pay more for insurance if you lose your reckless driving case. A conviction attracts six negative points on your driving record in places like Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Your insurance will surely go up if you’re found guilty of reckless driving in Virginia. You know what paying more for insurance could mean, right? It can deplete your life savings and leave you in serious debt.
Brace up
Brace up for the challenges ahead and be prepared not to drive if you lose a case of reckless driving. Your license could be suspended if you’re found guilty of a reckless driving charge. You may also be placed on probation for two years. While on probation, you could go to jail if you make some minor mistakes, like running a stop sign.
Get a Lawyer
Don’t just get a lawyer; get a specialist attorney—a traffic attorney per se—who is well-versed in traffic laws and specializes in reckless driving cases. The right attorney should be the one who always appears in traffic court and understands all the angles of traffic defense.
In a nutshell, here’s what to do if charged with reckless driving: take it seriously, mind your words, be prepared to pay more for insurance, brace up, and get a lawyer. Do it, and you’ll be fine.
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Fairfax, Virginia, it’s important to contact a qualified traffic attorney as soon as possible. At the law office of Lewis Law Firm, PLLC, our team has experience handling all types of traffic offenses, and we can help you fight your charges.
Lewis Law has won over 94% of cases in more than 1,000 court appearances and succeeded in securing the reduction of the sentences in over 340 of those cases. We’re an experienced and innovative traffic and DUI law firm in Fairfax.
For more information or inquiries, call Lewis Law’s toll-free number (703) 591-4507, visit their office at 3925 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 202, Fairfax, VA 22030, or get your free consultation today.
