Experienced Norfolk Reckless Driving Attorneys

Being charged with reckless driving may mean serious consequences, including points on your license, higher insurance costs, and suspension of your license over time. Proving you were not engaged in such actions is often even more difficult since you may feel it is your word against a police officer’s.

At Welch & Wright, PLLC, our Norfolk reckless driving attorney can provide you with insight into your rights. We aim to protect your driving record, reduce or dismiss your reckless driving charge, and help you minimize any negative consequences.

What Constitutes a Reckless Driving Violation in Virginia?

Reckless driving is a serious charge that can significantly impact your driving record. We strongly encourage you to treat this type of traffic violation as a serious offense and hire an experienced legal team to help you.

According to Virginia state law, reckless driving is a six-point moving violation added to your driving record. Receiving a ticket for reckless driving alleges you engaged in some type of activity that could endanger others and was in violation of the state’s laws. It is considered to be Reckless Driving when driving any speed over 85 mph or 20 mph over the posted speed limit. Reckless driving is considered a crime, meaning you could see consequences associated with a Class 1 misdemeanor under Virginia Code 46.2-868.

Norfolk Reckless Driving Laws

The following are some of the most common reckless driving laws that can lead to a traffic violation. You can read more details of each law listed below on the Virginia State website.

• Driving with faulty brakes – VA Code 2-853: This charge relates to driving a vehicle that is not under proper control, which can have any type of brake failure risk.
• Passing on a curve or at the crest of a hill – VA Code 2-854: This charge involves a person who overtakes or passes another vehicle that is driving in the same direction, approaching the crest of a grade, or approaching a curve on a highway. It may also apply when a driver passes without proper sight to do so safely.
• Driving with an obstructed view – VA Code 2-855: This charge indicates the driver was operating a vehicle that was overloaded with too many passengers or belongings, leading to the driver lacking a clear view or any other type of obstruction of the driver’s view:
• Passing two vehicles abreast – VA Code 2-856: This type of reckless driving occurs when a driver passes two other vehicles moving in the same direction.
• Driving two abreast in one lane – VA Code 2-857: A person may face this reckless driving charge if they drive a vehicle next to another person on a road designed for one vehicle or drive side-by-side with another vehicle on a one-lane road.
• Passing at a railroad crossing—VA Code 2-858: Drivers may face this charge if they try to pass another driver who is proceeding in the same direction as them at a railroad crossing.
• Passing a stopped school bus – VA Code 2-859: This type of charge occurs when a person fails to stop when a school bus is approaching them, including a bus for children, disabled people, or the elderly.
• Failing to signal – VA Code 2-860: Drivers face this charge when they fail to provide a proper signal for their actions, such as signaling that they will turn, slow down, or stop.
• Failure to yield right-of-way – VA Code 2-863: This charge is applicable in situations where the driver fails to yield the right-of-way.

How Can a Norfolk Reckless Driving Attorney Help Your Case?

When you get a traffic ticket for reckless driving, it is beneficial to hire defense lawyers to help you reduce your charges, prove you are innocent of those charges, or reduce the maximum consequences you face. With the help of a criminal law attorney with extensive experience handling cases of reckless and aggressive driving, you could see benefits such as:

• Legal defense strategies tailored to meet the specifics of your situation
• Provide you with insight into the rights you have
• Help you face the criminal charges in a courtroom if that is necessary

An attorney who has extensive legal representation experience in traffic law in the Commonwealth of Virginia may be able to help lessen the charges you face.

Examples of Common Reckless Driving Offenses

There are numerous potential reckless driving charges you could face, depending on the situation. Take a look at some examples of the reckless driving offenses you could be facing:

• You could face a reckless driving charge if you fail to signal before you make a turn
• You may face charges if you engage in activity that seems to be “racing,” which could mean driving side-by-side with one or more vehicles (if the race is pre-arranged, the commonwealth could seize the vehicle from you)
• If you fail to have properly maintained brakes and they cause an accident, you could face reckless driving charges
• Driving too fast for conditions, for example if the roads are wet from recent rain, could lead to charges of reckless driving
• Driving 20 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit or driving over 85 miles per hour are reckless driving charges

What are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Norfolk?

Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor offense. If the court convicts you of this charge, you could face:

• Fines up to $2,500
• Incarceration for up to 12 months
• License suspension for up to six months

Defense Strategies for a Reckless Driving Case

Convictions of reckless driving could lead to more than just demerit points on your license. They could lead to a criminal record and jail time. Often, without legal representation, it may be your word against that of the law enforcement officer. For this reason, your legal team will work with you to develop a strong defense strategy. Some examples may include:

• Contesting the legitimacy of the stop or showing that the police officer did not have a reason to pull you over
• Medical emergency, demonstrated by your seeking of medical care after the stop
• Disputing identity as the driver, such as showing you were not the person behind the wheel
• Questioning the accuracy of the radar or laser reading
• Inaccurate speedometer or other mechanical failures that could reduce your culpability
• Using GPS data to show lower speeds than indicated if your vehicle offers this service

What Are the Costs of a Reckless Driving Charge in Norfolk, Virginia?

You received a reckless driving ticket. What will this traffic offense mean to you when it comes to the actual implications of your action?

• Fines of up to $2,500
• License suspension of up to 6 months
• Injury to another person, which could lead to a personal injury lawsuit filed against you
• Loss of life if you cause an accident due to excessive speed or other reckless driving charges
• Jail time of up to 12 months
• Court costs for your ticket
• Insurance premiums may increase since that speeding ticket or other reckless driving conviction shows the insurance company you may be more of a risk to insure
• Lawyer fees for contesting the ticket, developing a defense strategy, or paying for a criminal defense attorney to appear in court
• Potential job loss, especially if your job relates to driving

Why Clients Who Have Been Charged With Reckless Driving Choose Welch & Wright

For those who navigate Norfolk traffic often, know it is easy to become frustrated with the roadways and other motor vehicles. As attorneys, we know the implications of your driver’s license and criminal record because we work with countless people facing these charges. When it is your word against that of law enforcement, let our strong reputation, creative defense strategies, and dedication be on your side.

Client Testimonials

“Nick Wright represented me in traffic court. Before I decided to work with Nick, he provided me a consultation on my reckless driving case. He is very personable and knowledgeable. I am very happy with the outcome of my case and the lesser fines. I definitely recommend working with Nick!”- Rene R.

“I live in Pennsylvania and was driving to Virginia Beach. Received a reckless driving ticket near Chesapeake bridge. Decided to hire an attorney. After reading the reviews, I decided to go with Welch & Wright law firm. I called them and they could not have been nicer. Nick T. Wright made the process simple and I cannot find an attorney more perfect/knowledgeable to deal with my case.”- Alice J.

“Nick was great, he was very helpful and clearly explained the process. He was able to reduce my reckless driving down to the best possible outcome which was a non-point, non-moving violation. I highly recommend Nick.”- Spencer B.

Additional Resources

• Virginia Law on Driving Too Fast For Road Conditions: Learn how you can face a reckless driving conviction if you drive too fast when the roads in Hampton or Norfolk are too wet.
• Virginia State Law on Speeding: Speeding is a common problem. Learn what you can expect if you are charged with speeding.
• Virginia State Law on Street Racing: Street racing is a specific type of reckless driving charge requiring skilled defense strategies.
• Reckless Laws For Driving Two Abreast in a Single Lane: Find out what driving abreast of another vehicle could mean for you. Learn what this type of reckless driving charge could mean for you.

If You Have Been Charged With Reckless Driving, Contact Welch & Wright

If you are facing any type of reckless driving charge, serious traffic ticket, DUI, or hit and run charge, put our legal team to work for you. Let our attorneys at Welch & Wright, PLLC, work with you to develop a strong defense strategy to potentially reduce your charges or consequences. Call us now at (757) 707-8803 or use our contact form now to schedule a free consultation.