What is Reckless Driving in Richmond, VA?
A reckless driving lawyer in Richmond answers questions about what constitutes reckless driving in Richmond, potential penalties, and where the cases will be heard.
What is Reckless Driving in Richmond?
Reckless driving in Virginia can mean a number of things. Primarily, the main difference that makes it unique in Virginia is reckless driving is a class 1 misdemeanor. It can carry up to a $2,500 fine, up to twelve months in jail, and up to six months loss of license. In addition to that, it carries 6 DMV demerit points which can have a long term impact on your insurance.
Reckless driving is also charged multiple ways in Virginia. You can receive a charge for reckless driving by speed for going 20 miles over the speed limit and/or going over 80. In addition to that, you can be charged in relation to an auto accident, you can be charged in relation to passing a vehicle, you can also be charged in relation to dangerous equipment issues also known as the fault brake statute.
An Officer’s observations of your driving can also result in a reckless driving charge. If an officer observes driving they feel to be reckless, for example cutting in and out of lanes, driving too close to other vehicles at a high rate of speed, or driving that can otherwise be viewed as a risk to life and/or property, you can be charged with reckless driving.
What are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Richmond?
Enforcement of reckless driving in Richmond can be very strict. With the location of major roadways like 95, 64 and 295, high speeds and other reckless behaviors are heavily enforced.
For standard violations the Court typically imposes high fines that come with significant 6 DMV demerit points. However, in aggravated cases, the Court’s in Richmond will suspend your driver’s license and impose jail sentences.
What Makes Reckless Driving Charges in Richmond Unique?
The unique factor for the City of Richmond is how the aggravated cases, speeds over 90 for example, are punished. With the vicinity of the major roadways, the Courts in jail will impose jail sentences and significant license suspensions where other courts may not.
Where Will Reckless Driving Cases Be Heard in Richmond, Virginia?
Michael: In the City of Richmond, there are two primary courts that hear these cases . One is the John Marshall Courts Building downtown; the other is across the river, the Richmond Manchester Building, which is now on Hull Street.
The John Marshall Courts Building is located downtown, they typically have,they have two courtrooms that hear traffic cases at 9:30 AM, and depending on your case, if you do not have an attorney you can spend the better part of your morning of afternoon waiting for your case to be called.
The Richmond Manchester or what’s considered to be the south side courthouse, is a little more flexible with – their court dockets. They have court dockets typically at 9:00 and again later in the afternoon.
