Reckless Driving By Speed In Virginia

You're driving through the Commonwealth of Virginia in Brunswick County or Mecklenburg County in a 70 mph zone, staying with traffic, and your speed reaches 81.  A trooper in the median clocks you with radar, issues you a summons, and explains you may pre-pay the charge by mail.  No big deal, right?   Wrong!  Reckless driving by speed, including any speed in excess of 80 mph, regardless of the speed limit, and exceeding the posted speed by 20 mph or more in any speed zone, is reckless driving per se in Virginia, a class 1 misdemeanor CRIMINAL offense, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, up to a $2500 fine, and loss of operator's privileges.  Other potential consequences of a criminal conviction include increased insurance premiums or cancelation of insurance, employment consequences, and loss of security clearances.  Reckless driving IS a big deal in Virginia, and for in-state and out-of-state drivers can create long-term, unexpected, negative consequences. Do not take a reckless driving charge in Virginia lightly.  Regardless of the jurisdiction in Virginia you were charged in, seek the advice of an experienced local traffic defense lawyer who can advise you of the potential consequences of the charge and how to best defend it. In Brunswick County, Greensville County or Mecklenburg County, including the towns of Lawrenceville, Emporia, South Hill, Brodnax, La Crosse and Boydton, contact the law offices of Slayton & Clary at (434) 848-3632.