Hanover Reckless Driving Lawyer
Those who are ticketed for reckless driving in Hanover County face being charged with a class 1 misdemeanor, which is the most serious misdemeanor offense. If convicted, you could spend time in county jail, especially if you have a previous pattern of ticketed offenses. Serious fines may also be part of the sentence, as well as suspension of your driver’s license. When charged with any of these serious violations, the matter calls for representation by an experienced Hanover reckless driving lawyer.
Many reckless driving tickets are issued in the county, especially on I-95, the 301, and Highway 1. Additionally, illegal passing or racing reckless driving tickets can be given out on any local thoroughfare. To discuss your case and begin building a defense, consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney today.
Reckless Driving Penalties in Hanover County
A conviction can bring a jail sentence of up to 12 months and a fine of up to $2,500. First-time offenders with good driving records could receive probation and a lower fine, though there are no guarantees.
By statute, any reckless driving conviction results in six demerit points being added to the violator’s Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driving record, and that conviction stays on their record for 11 years.
If you are ticketed for reckless driving and have no valid driver’s license (or if it has been suspended or revoked) and cause a fatal accident, it is charged as a class 6 felony, which can bring a penalty of up to five years in prison and up to a $2,500 fine making it imperative that a Hanover reckless driving attorney today.
If the prosecution can prove that your reckless driving was due to the use of a mobile device, a $250 fine enhancement is added to the reckless driving penalty.
Appealing a Reckless Driving Conviction
If convicted of any offense, including reckless driving, you can appeal the decision, if you file within 10 days from the date of your conviction. But rather than General District Court (where traffic violations are heard), your appeal moves to the Hanover County Circuit Court. In these instances, the conviction is not reviewed. It is instead set aside, and a new trial takes place, where all evidence is heard again in front of a new judge.
Prior to trial in either the General District Court or the County Circuit Court, it is possible that your reckless driving lawyer in Hanover could be able to plead your reckless driving charge down to a lesser charge of improper driving or simple speeding. Neither of these two convictions are misdemeanors, and both would likely result in smaller fines.
A Hanover Reckless Driving Attorney Can Represent You In Court
Local reckless driving tickets are referred to the General District Court for the 15th Judicial District of Virginia, which is located at 7515 Library Drive in Hanover. Traffic cases are heard on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday (except on the fifth Friday of the month) beginning at 8:30 a.m.
If, for any reason, it is not practical (or possible) for you to appear, you can sign a simple General Power of Attorney (POA) form that allows your lawyer to appear on your behalf. He or she can contest the charge against you and maybe win the case without you being present if you do all you are told in providing necessary evidence prior to trial. Call today to speak with our Hanover reckless driving lawyer.
