Have you gotten a reckless driving charge?

It might come as a surprise at how little it takes to get a reckless driving charge. Until you’re asked to pull over, you might not even realize you’re over the speed limit.

But then it happens, and you’re served a ticket that could impact your life for years to come. It can be a scary experience that leaves you confused, not knowing what to expect.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help! Keep reading for our guide on what to expect if you are charged with reckless driving.

3 Important Things to Note About Reckless Driving

First, we’re going to list 3 important things you need to keep in mind about a reckless driving charge. These are something to come to terms with and always have in mind.

1. Reckless Driving Is a Misdemeanor

For a first-time reckless driving charge, you’ll likely think, “how bad is a reckless driving charge?” Well, it’s not a traffic infraction, it’s actually a misdemeanor charge. This means you should prepare for criminal charges.

2. You could Face Jail Time

If you’re caught going at 90+ miles per hour, you should expect a sentence that includes jail time if you are convicted of reckless driving. The time can vary, but depending on your speed you’re looking at least at one day of active incarceration.

3. Take It For the Serious Charge It Is

Prosecutors and judges alike are hard on reckless driving cases. Prosecutors don’t usually like to break the charges down without a good reason.

This isn’t a traffic infraction, it can have long-term impacts on things like:

• Driving privileges
• Your career
• Your security clearance

And more. As such, you must have a good reckless driving lawyer on your side. It doesn’t take much to get a reckless driving charge. For example in Virginia state, you can get it for failing to yield right of way. You can find out more here at peterlouielaw.com.

Reckless Driving Arrests

Usually, a driver won’t get arrested in reckless driving cases. The exceptions to this are:

• if the driver is under the influence of alcohol but not charged with a DUI.
• The officers feel the person won’t regard the summons and will not show up at court.

In most cases though, the driver gets released with a summons, where you promise to show up on your court date. Then, once that date comes around you need to go to court for the case hearing.

Evidence That Goes Against You

Usually, eyewitness evidence comes from the attending officers. But if there were other road users present or involved, their statements can come up. For example, if you caused an accident, those involved will testify.

Sometimes dash-cam or highway camera footage will also come up if available. There will be evidence from a radar or laser device that tracked your speed if you were over the limit. The speedometer calibration can also count as evidence.

Even your statements to the police can go against you. If you admit fault, stating why you were speeding or why you committed the offense can go against you. As can whether you cooperated with officers or not.

Know What Happens If You Are Charged With Reckless Driving

If you are charged with reckless driving, this isn’t something you can ignore. You must turn up to court on your date and present yourself well. The repercussions can impact your life for years. Make sure you have a good lawyer by your side so you don’t face it alone.

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