Defending Reckless Driving By Accident Cases
Although not as common as reckless driving by speed charges, reckless driving by accident cases are treated seriously by prosecution and judges in Richmond and carry severe punishments for those convicted. Therefore, if you are facing a reckless driving charge in Richmond, Virginia it is important you seek experienced legal representation as soon as possible. Below a Richmond reckless driving lawyer discusses how legal representation can benefit you. Call today to discuss your case and how to proceed.
Why Should Someone Hire An Attorney For a Reckless Driving By Accident Case?
You want to hire an attorney in a reckless driving by accident case because of the penalties involved. Reckless driving by accident is a class 1 misdemeanor, it carries up to 12 months in jail, a $2500 fine, and the possibility of up to a six-month loss of license. In addition to that, it carries 6 DMV demerit points, which will impact your driving record and possibly insurance. Additionally, with an accident case, it can be really hard to defend yourself if you’re not familiar with the court proceedings and judges involved. However, an attorney can negotiate with the prosecutors to try and resolve the matter. You’ll want an attorney that has experience and knowledge of the proceedings, the judges, and the prosecutors in trying to handle this matter to try and get the charge reduced or even possibly dismissed.
What Goes In To Defending These Types of Cases?
When defending a reckless driving by accident case it is important to determine if the prosecution can show beyond a reasonable doubt that your driving was reckless in a manner to endanger life, limb or property and that your driving was the cause of the accident. We will cross examine the officer and any witnesses presented by the state but also present our own evidence and witnesses that can show you were not at fault. The burden of proof is higher in a criminal proceeding than a civil proceeding. With a criminal proceeding it’s proof beyond reasonable doubt while in a civil proceeding it’s typically just a preponderance of the evidence.
What Are Some Important Steps An Attorney Can Take To Help In This Kind of Case?
An attorney can help in a reckless driving by accident case by developing a strategy to fight the case but also attempt to find a resolution with the prosecution that could result in a reduction or dismissal. Your attorney will examine the witness statements and accident reports to determine the strength of the prosecution’s case but also to look for alternative explanations for what happened. An attorney will also, seek to present the mitigating factors that could result in the Court reducing the charge or possible punishments.
