Speeding down an open road, running a red light, or passing another car on a two-lane highway may not seem like a big deal to you. However, these are the sorts of actions that can lead to a reckless driving charge. Unlike a simple speeding ticket, reckless driving is a criminal offense. It carries heavy penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If you've been charged with reckless driving, you must understand what's at stake and how to defend yourself.

What Counts as Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Virginia has some of the strictest reckless driving laws in the country. The most common offense is excessive speed—going 20 mph over the limit or driving faster than 85 mph, regardless of the posted speed. But reckless driving covers more than just speeding. Other violations include failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, passing a school bus with its stop sign extended, and driving in a way that endangers others, even without exceeding the speed limit.

For example, a driver who weaves between cars at high speed or fails to slow down in poor weather conditions could be charged with reckless driving. The same applies to someone who loses control of their vehicle while driving aggressively. These charges aren't just about how fast you were going—they focus on whether your actions put others at risk.

Fighting a Reckless Driving Charge

Because reckless driving is a misdemeanor, a conviction can permanently stay on your criminal record. But a charge does not mean an automatic conviction. A lawyer can examine the case details and challenge the evidence against you.

One defense strategy is questioning the accuracy of the speed-measuring device. Radar and LIDAR readings are unreliable, and calibration errors can produce inaccurate results. Another approach is proving that the driving behavior was justified—such as avoiding an accident or responding to a sudden emergency. Sometimes, an attorney can negotiate to reduce the charge for improper driving. This lesser offense carries only a fine and no criminal record.

Contact Select Law Partners

A reckless driving charge can have serious consequences, but you don't have to face it alone. The attorneys at Select Law Partners understand Virginia's traffic laws and can help you fight the charges. Contact us today to discuss your case.