What is Reckless Driving in Prince William County?
A driver can be charged with reckless driving in Prince William County 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.
There are a number of charges in Prince William County that are considered reckless driving. They include:
There are a Number of Reasons a Driver May be Charged with Reckless Driving in Prince William County
- 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)
- Driving Too Fast for Highway/Traffic Conditions (Va. Code §46.2-861)
- Failing to Maintain Proper Control/Faulty Brakes (Va. Code §46.2-853)
- Failure to Yield Right-of-Way when Entering Highway (Va. Code §46.2-863)
- 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)
- Driving with Overloaded Car/Obstructed View (Va. Code §46.2-855)
- Driving Two Abreast in a Single Lane (Va. Code §46.2-857)
- 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)
- Failure to Yield to Stationary Emergency Vehicle (Va. Code §46.2-921.1)
Proof of Prince William County 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 in Prince William County. The Commonwealth still must prove that the accused drove in a manner than endangered the life, limb or property of another person.
Reckless Driving Penalties in Prince William County
A Prince William County 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 §46.2-868).
There could be many additional consequences to Prince William County reckless driving convictions, including increases in insurance premiums, loss of educational and employment opportunities, loss of security clearances, and potential immigration consequences for anyone who is not a United States citizen.
It is important to contact a Prince William County reckless driving lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your Prince William County reckless driving charge. If a conviction cannot be avoided, a Prince William County reckless driving lawyer can help to obtain the best possible outcome.
Felony Reckless Driving
Contact Prince William County Reckless Driving Lawyer Jean Humbrecht Today
Reckless driving in Prince William County 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)). It 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, click here.
Difference Between Reckless Driving and Traffic Infractions in Prince William County
The difference between a traffic infraction and a reckless driving charge in Prince William County is the degree of danger the driver caused. As a result, a driver can pre-pay a fine for a traffic infraction in Prince William County and avoid going to court, but he CANNOT pre-pay a fine for a reckless driving charge and MUST go to court. Failure to appear in court could result in another criminal charge. Additionally, traffic infractions are only punished with fines but, because reckless driving is a crime, it can be punished with jail time.
Reckless driving in Prince William County has serious consequences and should not be taken lightly. It would be wise to consult with a Prince William County reckless driving lawyer before going to court.
Contact Prince William County Reckless Driving Lawyer Jean Humbrecht Today
If you are facing a reckless driving charge in Prince William County, contact Prince William County reckless driving lawyer Jean Humbrecht today to handle your case and discuss any possible defenses you may have. A Prince William County reckless driving lawyer can help obtain the best possible result based on your particular circumstances.
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