Reckless Driving Charges in Virginia?

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The Virginia Justice Group defends drivers facing reckless driving charges — a criminal misdemeanor that can mean jail time, license suspension, and a permanent record.

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Reckless driving is not just a speeding ticket!

Police car parked behind a black sedan, with an officer speaking to the driver

What is Reckless Driving in Virginia?

  • Reckless Driving is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

  • Penalties include up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a 6-month loss of your driving privileges if found guilty.

  • It is not a traffic infraction and you cannot prepay the penalty. You must appear in court.

  • If found guilty, reckless driving will appear on your permanent criminal record which will show on a background check

  • Out of state drivers are equally subject to Virginia’s strict reckless driving laws.

A reckless driving misdemeanor charge can be given for:

Reckless by Speed occurs when a driver is driving more than 20 miles per hour above the posted speed limit or over 85 miles per hour (regardless of the speed limit). In many jurisdictions, prosecutors will push for jail time and judges will consider it for speeds exceeding 90 to 100 miles per hour.

Why do you need a reckless driving attorney?

Whether you have a clean driving record or this isn’t your first offense, the penalties for reckless driving are serious:

  1. A guilty conviction adds 6 demerit points to your license which will last 11 years

  2. Mandatory jail time for certain speeds

  3. Up to 6-months license suspension

  4. Up to 1 year in jail

  5. Commercial drivers risk CDL disqualification, even for a first offense

  6. Insurance premiums typically spike 50-100% after a conviction

  7. Will show on a background check and could affect security clearance status

At The Virginia Justice Group, your attorney will:

  • Challenge radar calibrations

  • Investigate officer observation

  • Challenge speed calculation methods

  • Skillfully negotiate with Prosecutors for a more favorable outcome

  • Prepare you with mitigation prior to your court date that will positively influence your case

Get Started

Don’t just take our word for it!

“Charles was highly recommended to us by another attorney and recently represented a family member for a reckless driving charge, which is a class 1 misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $2500 fine. The end result was the best result that we could have ever hoped for. The charge was completely dismissed. Charles gave us a list of mitigating things to do before court, allowing us to be prepared. Prior to the start of court he spoke with the prosecutor and police to gauge our situation well. During the court hearing he presented our side to the judge very convincingly. He is a skilled attorney, very thorough and well prepared. We highly recommend him!”

— Daniel P.

Reckless Driving FAQ

  • The short answer is yes. In many jurisdictions, speeds of 90 to 100 miles per hour or greater are considered for not only a misdemeanor conviction, but also jail time. Reckless Driving charges are serious offenses.

  • Courts and judges usually accept the police officer’s speed device readings as accurate evidence. However, if we can show that the police officer’s device was not properly calibrated or that the officer did not use the device properly, then we may be able to get the speed reading excluded. It’s also possible that your speedometer was showing the wrong speed. We can help show that your speedometer was inaccurate, which might convince the judge or prosecutor to reduce your Reckless Driving charge.

  • Technically, you have the right to represent yourself. However, Reckless Driving is a serious charge and you should absolutely have a lawyer on your side when dealing with a Reckless Driving case. Not only are you facing huge fines, but you could lose your license, be stuck with a criminal record, and even go to jail.

  • If you’ve been found guilty of Reckless Driving in the past, or if you have multiple prior traffic infractions, prosecutors and judges are likely to be harsher with you than with others who have a clean driving record. In a case like this, it is important that you contact a lawyer early i the process to get started off on the right foot with positive mitigation evidence, such as driver improvement programs, reckless driving classes, community service, and other measures.

“CJ was just awesome!!!!!! He help me with my case and won with great results!!!! I highly recommend!!! Also note he always responded to my text calls and also answered all my questions during the whole process, he just amazing!!!!!”

— CHRISTOPHER G., CLIENT

Start building your case today.

Submit a contact form and C.J. will call you to discuss the details of your case and outline a strategy for success.

Areas We Serve

Prince William County, Virginia

Manassas, Gainesville, Haymarket, Nokesville, Manassas Park, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Occoquan

Fairfax County, Virginia

Fairfax, Centreville, Chantilly, Fair Lakes, Reston, Herndon, Vienna, Tysons, Great Falls, McLean, Springfield, Burke, Annandale, Falls Church, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Lorton

Fauquier County, Virginia

Warrenton, Vint Hill, New Baltimore, Bealeton, Catlett, Broad Run, Marshall, The Plains, Midland, Remington, Calverton, Opal

Loudoun County, Virginia

Leesburg, Sterling, Ashburn, South Riding, Broadlands, Purcellville, Aldie, Lansdowne, Brambleton, Lovettesville, Round Hill, Hillsboro, Hamilton

Stafford County, Virginia

Stafford, Aquia Harbor, Falmouth, Fredericksburg