Reckless Driving in Virginia

Reckless driving has led to some of the most horrific accidents over the years. It is because of this that it has been considered as a criminal offense in many cities the world over. In Virginia, however, reckless driving can carry a number of fines and penalties, including jail time.

Talking about Jail Time

Now, while most would tell you that reckless driving does not necessarily lead to jail time, that is not always the case. For example, if you have been caught driving at 95 to 100 mph in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford, you run the risk of facing jail time. You have to keep in mind that getting caught for reckless driving is something that you cannot have expunged. At the very least, it will stay in your DMV records for 11 years.

So how do you know if jail time is on the table? In most cases, the court will not grant you a public defender or a court-appointed criminal lawyer. This would only be an option if your case would result to some jail time. A reminder, however; although it can be quite tempting to represent yourself if you were not given the option of a public defender, do not do so. It is still best to get a criminal lawyer to ensure that you do not incriminate yourself in the process.

The Long-Term Consequences

Aside from the fines and the jail time, getting involved and convicted in a reckless driving case can also cause your insurance premium to go up by more than 20%. In the same line, if you have had a number of reckless driving convictions, you might find yourself having a hard time getting a security clearance.