Although reckless driving is generally a misdemeanor offense and often carries no jail time if no other offense is associated with it, like DUI, there are consequences that can significantly affect one’s daily life. It is for this reason that it is always a good idea to hire a criminal attorney or DUI lawyer to handle such a case for you.
Reckless driving can include driving behavior such as swerving dangerously in and out of traffic lanes, traveling at speeds more than 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, or operating a motor vehicle even though the driver was aware that he or she was extremely intoxicated. Courts have ruled someone to be driving recklessly even if they were driving at the posted speed limit if weather problems like heavy fog or snow along with heavy traffic conditions made operating a motor vehicle at that speed extremely hazardous.
You might be charged with reckless driving for merely speeding, driving without headlights, running a red light, being involved in an accident, or by merely being inattentive. In such circumstances, a skilled attorney can challenge the charge and often get it dismissed or reduced to an infraction such as speeding that is not a criminal offense and would have less serious consequences for your insurance and driving record.
Often, a driver charged with DUI is also charged with reckless driving, a separate offense. It may be a factor in determining your knowledge of the risk you took to drive while under the influence and disregarded it, however.
Being convicted of reckless driving can result in a misdemeanor criminal record, revocation or suspension of one’s driver’s license, and a fine or jail time if the defendant had multiple offenses on his record or their driving conduct resulted in an injury to someone or property damage. If the driver was on parole or probation at the time, the conviction may result in a revocation of his or her parole and jail time may be imposed.
Protect yourself, your license, your rights and your sense of security and justice by hiring a criminal attorney who will advise you and ensure that your rights are protected during every step of your legal ordeal.
Robert G. Hyman, Stafford VA DUI attorney has been proudly serving Stafford, Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg Virginia and the neighboring counties for over 28 years. Whether you are a juvenile or adult, we will assist and defend you throughout the entire process.