The Impact of a Reckless Driving Conviction on Future Criminal Charges

As a criminal offense, reckless driving in Virginia has the potential to impact your life for many years to come. A Virginia reckless driving conviction creates a permanent criminal record, raises your insurance rates, and may bar you from future and even present jobs. On top of all this, a reckless driving conviction could increase your sentences for other crimes.

How Can a Reckless Driving Conviction Increase Sentences for Other Crimes? 

Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal charge. It is listed as a Class 1 Misdemeanor and is treated as any other Class 1 Misdemeanor when your prior record is examined according to Virginia's sentencing guidelines.

This may not seem like such a big deal, however, a prior conviction can dramatically affect your potential sentence should you face criminal charges in the future. Having a prior criminal conviction on your record could change a criminal sentence from probation with no jail time to 6 months to a year in jail.

Learn more about the penalties for reckless driving in Virginia by visiting our article library. 

As the state where driving is viewed under its laws as "a privilege, not a right," traffic law in Virginia can cause extraordinary inconveniences for those charged with any traffic violations.

When the punishment does not fit the crime, as is typically the case under Virginia's traffic laws, an experienced attorney may be needed. 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.