Treatment of Reckless Driving Cases in VA Beach

In Virginia, reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor and therefore treated very seriously by law enforcement officers, judges, and prosecutors. If charged, it is important you understand exactly what you are facing and what the long term consequences of a conviction could be. Below, a Virginia Beach reckless driving lawyer discusses how these charges are treated by the Virginia legal system and what an experienced attorney can do to help with your case.

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What is the Courtroom Process Like For Someone Facing Reckless Driving Charges?

Virginia reckless driving cases are very similar to speeding ticket cases in that you have to answer to the officer and not the prosecutor which is little bit different from most criminal cases. The officer will be present in court and will try to present the events that took place that caused him to issue a reckless driving ticket in the first place. The judge will ask for the defendant to present evidences of their own and have the cross-examination of the officer.

If the defendant is pleading guilty then the defendant will have an opportunity to argue sentencing and can offer any kind of evidence that may go towards persuading the judge. The judge will decide the penalties right there on the spot after both sides have finished presenting their evidence and the case will be closed in one day.

How Does Virginia Treat Reckless Driving?

Virginia as a state treats reckless driving offenses very seriously, and is in fact much harsher than many other states in this regard. Judges look at it as a serious case and tend not to look too kindly on those who go to fast on the highway. It is not uncommon for anyone going over 30 miles an hour over the speed limit to be thrown in jail without many questions.

Why Is It Important To Contact Local Counsel In Virginia For These Kinds of Cases?

It is very important to contact local counsel in Virginia for this kind of case because reckless driving is not only a criminal charge but it is a most serious type of misdemeanor. A conviction has the possibility of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. This level of freedom lost is not something that anyone should take lightly. Having local experience is very important because local reckless driving attorneys are going to know how a judge is likely to rule on a case given the facts and can use it to their advantage to build a strong defense to cater to that particular judge’s nuances.