Virginia Tough on Reckless Drivers: Jail Time for Speeding?

Flashing blue lights in the rear view mirror often is enough to spark a sense of panic in drivers, and for good reason.  Drivers in Virginia know that the police officers in their state make it a priority to execute large scale initiatives aimed at curbing traffic violators.  But did you know that people have actually been sent to jail for speeding?  In Virginia, Reckless Driving is a term that can refer to several different violations.  As a Class 1 Misdemeanor, reckless driving charges carry serious consequences for those convicted.  A year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine is possible.  Moreover, there are some laws in Virginia that are not quite as intuitive as reckless driving or speeding.  Your Virginia Beach Lawyer can explain the charges you face, as well as whether or not you should consider hiring him for your case.

Even some of the most astute professionals in the Commonwealth have been charged with reckless driving, so while the consequences may be severe, it is not necessarily an offense to be overly embarrassed of committing.  That is not to say that reckless driving is acceptable; one man from New Jersey recently went to jail for speeding 110 miles per hour through the Chesapeake Bay Tunnel!  However, most reckless driving charges arise when a person is caught traveling faster than 80mph – or 20 + mph over a posted speed limit.

Virginia residents charged with traffic violations should never dismiss their charges as less-than-serious.  Nobody wants to pay thousands of dollars, go to jail, or possibly lose their license to drive.  Since Virginia polices its roadways heavily, there are attorneys in Virginia Beach and Norfolk that are particularly experienced in defending traffic related charges;  whether it is your money, liberty, or ability to drive on the line, your lawyer will be ready to fight your charges on your behalf.