What is Reckless Driving in Alexandria?
A driver can be charged with reckless driving in Alexandria if he drives a motor vehicle recklessly or at a speed or in a manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of another person.
Alexandria Reckless Driving Charges
There are a number of charges in Alexandria that are considered reckless driving. They include:
Reckless Driving in Alexandria is a Crime-NOT a Traffic Infraction
- General Reckless Driving (Va. Code §46.2-852)
- Reckless Driving by Speed (Va. Code §46.2-862)
- Aggressive Driving (Va. Code §46.2-868.1)
- Racing (Va. Code §46.2-865)
- Failing to Maintain Proper Control/Faulty Brakes (Va. Code §46.2-853)
- Reckless Driving on Parking Lot (Va. Code §46.2-864)
- Failure to Give Proper Signal (Va. Code §46.2-860)
- Passing a Stopped School Bus (Va. Code §46.1-859)
- Passing at a Railroad Crossing (Va. Code §46.2-858)
- Passing Two Vehicles Abreast (Va. Code §46.2-856)
- Passing On or at the Crest of a Grade or Curve (Va. Code §46.2-854)
- Passing or Overtaking an Emergency Vehicle (Va. Code §46.2-829)
- Driving with Overloaded Car/Obstructed View (Va. Code §46.2-855)
- Driving Two Abreast in a Single Lane (Va. Code §46.2-857)
- Driving Too Fast for Highway/Traffic Conditions (Va. Code §46.2-861)
- Failure to Yield Right-of-Way when Entering Highway (Va. Code §46.2-863)
- Failure to Yield to Stationary Emergency Vehicle (Va. Code §46.2-921.1)
Proof of Alexandria Reckless Driving Charge
Reckless driving is frequently charged after a car accident. The police officer who responds to the scene determines who was at fault and charges that person with reckless driving. However, an accident does not itself prove reckless driving. The Commonwealth still must prove that the offender drove in a manner that endangered the life, limb or property of another person.
Alexandria Reckless Driving Penalties
An Alexandria reckless driving charge is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor. It is punished with up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2500, court costs, driver’s license suspension, DMV demerit points, and possible enrollment in the Virginia ASAP program. If the offender was texting while driving, there will be a mandatory minimum fine of $250 (Va. Code §46.2-818.2). For more information on texting while driving in Virginia under Va. Code §46.2-818.2, click here.
There could be many additional consequences to a reckless driving conviction in Alexandria, including insurance premium increases, loss of educational and employment opportunities, security clearances could be in jeopardy, and there could be immigration consequences for anyone who is not a United States citizen.
It is important to contact an Alexandria reckless driving lawyer as soon as possible to review options for, consequences of, and possible defenses to an Alexandria reckless driving charge. If a conviction cannot be avoided, an Alexandria reckless driving lawyer can help to obtain the best possible outcome.
Difference Between Reckless Driving and Traffic Infractions in Alexandria
The difference between a traffic infraction and an Alexandria reckless driving charge is the degree of danger caused by the driver’s conduct.
Unlike traffic infractions, a driver CANNOT pre-pay a fine for an Alexandria reckless driving charge. The driver MUST come to court. Failure to appear in court could result in an ADDITIONAL criminal charge.
Contact Alexandria Reckless Driving Lawyer Jean Humbrecht Today
Additionally, a traffic infraction is punished with just a fine and potentially DMV demerit points, but, in addition to those penalties, reckless driving can be punished with driver’s license suspension and even jail.
Reckless driving in Alexandria has serious consequences and should not be taken lightly. It would be wise to consult with an Alexandria reckless driving lawyer before going to court.
Felony Reckless Driving
Reckless driving in Alexandria can sometimes be a felony. If the offender’s license was suspended or revoked for a moving violation and the driver caused the death of another person as a result of his reckless driving, he will be charged with a Class 6 felony (Va. Code §46.2-868(B)). The offense is punished with up to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $2500, DMV demerit points, and driver’s license revocation for 1 year.
For more information on felony reckless driving charges, click here.
Contact Your Alexandria Reckless Driving Lawyer Jean Humbrecht Today
If you are facing a reckless driving charge in Alexandria, contact Alexandria reckless driving lawyer Jean Humbrecht today to handle your case and discuss any possible defenses you may have. An Alexandria reckless driving lawyer can help obtain the best possible result based on your particular circumstances.