subject: Is Reckless Driving, in Fairfax County Virginia, a Simple Traffic Ticket or a Criminal Offence? [print this page] Is Reckless Driving, in Fairfax County Virginia, a Simple Traffic Ticket or a Criminal Offence?
Reckless Driving is a very serious moving traffic violation in Fairfax County Virginia. A driver who is convicted of reckless driving will be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor which is a criminal offense. That driver might have their license suspended for a maximum of six month and might be assessed 6 penalty points on their driving record. In addition court fees and fines might be in the range over $150 dollars, an amount that triggers a requirement to report traffic violations that have an excess of $150 dollar penalty fees. Which will affect current and future employment and might even affect clearances if applying for a government job. Insurance premiums will also be affected where car insurance might double due to the reckless driving conviction.
Most traffic laws require that it be proven that the driver engaged in reckless behavior. This is proven by the fact that the driver ignores standard driving procedures thereby either intentionally causing accidents or other damage to life limb or property.
The mere endangerment of life, limb or property may result in your conviction in Fairfax County Virginia. There are many different types of reckless driving. Traveling at an excessive rate of speed alone is not the only way to be charged.
For example, the mere act of spinning your tires before you enter the main road may result in you being charged with reckless driving. If you are accused of speeding more than 90 miles per hour in Fairfax County, several judges have the unwritten policy of assigning 1 day in jail or more for each mile per hour above 90 mph.
This also applies to charges if you are accused of exceeding 35 mph above the speed limit in lower speed zones.
For instance, in front of some judges, a Fairfax County Reckless Driving conviction for 94 mph in a 55 mph will result in a 4 day jail sentence. If you have a bad driving record, the likelihood of more jail time is possible.
Fairfax County Judges often take into account many factors presented by your lawyer during the sentencing phase of a trial.
These factors include:
- Whether you were polite to the officer when receiving the ticket.
- Whether you have a clean driving record or even plush points in your record.
- Whether you attended a prior driving school.
- The speed or other observations when the officer stopped you to issue the ticket.
- Your testimony in court.
It is strictly enforced by law enforcement and the Court in Fairfax County General District Court. If you have been charged with a traffic violation in Northern Virginia, you should definitely consult with an experienced Virginia Reckless Driving Attorney that has worked with the all Virginia commonwealth attorney's.
