Out of State Motorists Beware: Harsh Penalties in Virginia

If you are visiting Virginia from another state, then welcome to the Commonwealth! We hope you choose to stay for quite a while. But by "stay," we don't mean as a "guest of the state." However, if you are caught speeding on Virginia highways and roadways, incarceration is a very real possibility.

Reckless Driving in Virginia

The term "reckless driving" might connote wild, irresponsible, or out-of-control behavior, but according to Virginia law, you can be charged with Reckless Driving simply by traveling above 80 miles per hour - even if that's less than 15 mph over the speed limit!

What's more, Reckless Driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is the most serious class of non-felony crime in the state. In addition to steep fines, this conviction will appear on your criminal record. 

Reckless Driving Speeding in Virginia

If you are unlucky enough to be clocked going 20 mph over the speed limit in Virginia, you will probably be charged with reckless driving speeding. In addition to the penalties for reckless driving, you face a license suspension of up to 6 months.

What's more, if you are charged with driving more than 90 mph, you may go to jail. Your incarceration time can range anywhere from a couple days to a few months. This is a harsher penalty in Virginia than it often would be for first-time felony drug offenders, auto thieves, embezzlers, or drunk drivers.

For a Virginia reckless driving charge, you could experience other consequences such as: 

• the revocation of your driving privileges by your employer or commercial driver's license (as a result of your criminal record);
• a sharp increase in auto insurance rates;
• an inability to qualify for auto insurance if your license gets suspended; and
• a harsher sentence for any future crimes committed in Virginia. 

For more information on hiring a Virginia reckless driving attorney to fight your ticket, read our article on When Out of State Motorists Are Caught Speeding in Virginia.

Bob Battle's GUARANTEE for Reckless Driving/Speeding and Other Serious Traffic Offense Defendants!

Bob Battle is the only reckless speeding Lawyer in Virginia to offer a guarantee that could be worth thousands of dollars in free legal representation. Under Virginia law, if you are convicted of reckless driving/speeding in the General District Court, you have a right to appeal and get a new trial in the Circuit Court. Bob Battle guarantees that, if you wish to appeal your case, he will represent you on appeal to the Circuit Court for FREE!

If you have been ticketed for reckless driving/speeding in Virginia, there is no time to waste! Get a free copy of Bob Battle's consumer guide, The Shocking Truth About Reckless Driving/Speeding in Virginia. Or, contact 804-673-5600 to schedule your legal consultation today.