| Submitted by leohill on Friday, September 11, 2009 - 06:40 |
Whether residents or visitors of Virginia, motorists encounter getting into trouble because of reckless driving. Reckless driving is a traffic violation that involves drivers or vehicle operators who ignore traffic rules and regulation. Once spotted by a police officer, a Virginia reckless driving ticket will be handed to the driver.
To help you understand the procedure, outcomes, and causes, here are some of the most asked questions about reckless driving, specifically in Virginia:
Am I committing a crime when I get a ticket because of reckless driving?
Reckless driving works under class 1 misdemeanor. This means that when you get a Virginia reckless driving ticket, you are actually committing a crime of a “lesser” act. Remember that speeding up gives you the capacity to endanger life and property.
If the authorities prove that I committed such violation, what are the possible penalties?
You will be charged with Virginia reckless driving if you speed up more than 80mph or 20mph above the speed limit, depending on which area of Virginia you are in. Penalties may range up to a year in jail or a fine of USD 2,500, others would require up to USD 5,000 depending on the gravity of the violation. Your driver’s license will also be suspended up to six months.
If I live in a different state and happen to be involved in Virginia for reckless driving, do I need to attend court hearings?
You have the privilege not to attend court hearings, for as long as you have a lawyer to represent your case. Many vehicle operators, living outside the state, who receive Virginia reckless driving ticket immediately hire a local lawyer so they wouldn’t need to fly back to Virginia and appear in court. Just as long as there is a representative, you won’t get in trouble.
Is there any way that police officers mistaken me for reckless driving?
Usually, police officers know when you are actually speeding over the limit, but genuine reasons for speeding such as medical emergencies or broken/misread speedometer can help clear out your record.
Would it really help lessen my case if I hire a lawyer?
It is always recommended that you hire a good and trusted lawyer once you receive a Virginia reckless driving ticket because he can help you lighten the penalties. For instance, you can just attend driving school lessons instead of being jailed.
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