Virginia Reckless Driving Ticket • What You Must Know
A Virginia reckless driving ticket alleges a Class 1 misdemeanor criminal offense. A reckless driving ticket in Virginia is legally known as a Virginia Uniform Summons. It is sometimes called a ticket, citation or summons, but make no mistake, this is no minor traffic infraction. A Virginia police officer can issue a Virginia Uniform Summons to a motorist for misdemeanor reckless driving violations. The most common scenario is the police officer issuing a Virginia reckless driving ticket during a traffic stop or at the scene of a motor vehicle accident. Signing the summons is not an admission of guilt. Let us review your case!
Do Not Panic Over Your Virginia Reckless Driving Ticket • We Can Help!
I had an awesome experience with Riley & Wells! I got a reckless driving charge in VA while on vacation & decided to get an attorney to go to court for me. I had no experience with court or how getting an attorney works, but their team made it so easy & gave me clear information as to what to expect & what they will be doing for me. Mr Wells got the misdemeanor charge down to the lowest offense- a non-moving infraction of defective equipment.
That means no record & no points for me! $750 flat fee for his representation, plus $266 for the fine & court fees. I’d say that’s a pretty good deal considering what that reckless driving charge would cost me in fines & the spike in my insurance costs- plus the time off work & gas it would’ve cost me to drive back to VA to appear in court myself. Both Mr Wells & his assistant Kristin are great!
I was charged with reckless driving – speeding 91/70 mph zone. Riley & Wells was able to get the speeding ticket reduced to defective equipment, which is a no points, non-moving, minor traffic infraction. I also did not have to show up to court, as Cody represented me there.
At the firm I worked with Cody and Kristin, they turned a bad situation into a good one. They were caring, friendly, and responsive to my concerns. I want to thank you, and everyone else in helping me to get the best possible outcome with my case.
I highly recommend Riley & Wells, because they’re the best!
I was super distraught and stressed about a potential reckless ticket and CRIMINAL record. I called Riley & Wells and Mr. Vinson took my case. He and his assistant were very communicative. He sent me his recommendations for what I should prepare before going to court. On court day, he was on time, attentive, and made sure I understood the process. He was able to get my charge completely DISMISSED. I strongly recommend Riley & Wells for all of your traffic-related needs.
I usually don’t write reviews but when searching for a lawyer to represent me in court I heavily relied on Google reviews for guidance. I was given a ticket for Reckless Driving, which is a criminal misdemeanor in VA, it’s a big deal, so I didn’t want to take any chances by going with the most “affordable” lawyer who didn’t have as many reviews on google. I had a great experience with Riley and Wells.
Communication was great, via phone and email. Cody, who represented me was able to come to an agreement with the judge who lowered my charge to a non-moving violation for defective equipment and no points to my license. Very satisfied with their service, highly recommend to others who need representation in court for speeding tickets!
Riley & wells serviced me back in September of 2023 and delivered what was said in private conversations about the expectations and results of my case I am grateful they kept their word. They represented me on the day I had to work and could not go to court. They are really affordable too. There are pay options. My charge was dropped from a reckless driving to an improper braking due to very bad inclement weather and so many circumstances surrounding it and a low fine. Riley and wells Thank You and Your Team for the fast work you guys communicated the entire way and I was never worried.
I was very pleased with the outcome of my reckless driving case. Mitch was able to get the charges dropped to a lesser offense and it was all handled in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend this firm.
I want to express my deepest and sincerest appreciation for the expert legal counsel and representation by your firm at my recent court appearance at Hanover County General District Court for the charge of reckless driving. Mr. Wells’ counsel prior to, and representation during, my case was outstanding and resulted in the best possible judgement possible given the circumstances. I am also very thankful to Mr. Riley for taking my case and his initial counseling, in which he advised me of a number of actions to take in order to mitigate the consequences as a result of the reckless driving charge.
Furthermore, I would like to extend thanks to all of the associates at Riley and Wells law firm that assisted in my case. Riley and Wells attorneys at law have exceeded my expectations and guided me the entire way through my case. I appreciate them bearing their experience, reputation and professionalism in my defense.
V/r
Gregory G.
Virginia Beach, Va
Right after I received a reckless driving ticket from Petersburg Sheriff’s department I looked for a lawyer. I saw the reviews on Riley and Wells and immediately called them. Their staff immediately took down my information and Mr. Wells called me later that day. After discussing my case with him I knew right away that they could help me out. I took some pictures and laid out a story for them to help them better understand my situation.
Mr. Wells discussed my case with me and the possible outcomes and his confidence in getting my ticket reduced. I was out of town and worried about my career as I did not criminal misdemeanor on my record. Mr. Wells kept me informed and notified me on the day of my court appearance right that my reckless driving had been lowered to a non driving violation. I am extremely glad that I called Riley and Wells and that they fought hard for me.
Free Virginia Reckless Driving Case Evaluation By Top Rated Attorney
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***Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in all Virginia Courts***
Understanding The Virginia Uniform Summons For Reckless Driving In VA
The Virginia Uniform Summons is the legal document most commonly used by law enforcement officers when charging a motorist with a reckless driving violation, a traffic infraction or other misdemeanor offense. This issuance of this document is usually the first step of the reckless driving in Virginia legal process. The summons officially names the driver as the accused, informs you of the specific reckless driving offense being alleged, and sets the matter for a hearing before the court at a specific date and time. You are promising to appear when you sign the summons. Failure to appear in court will result in a reckless driving criminal misdemeanor conviction and a possible arrest warrant being issued for failure to appear.
The Virginia Reckless Driving Ticket Is Not Just Any Traffic Ticket
Reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal offense. Many drivers mistake a Virginia reckless driving ticket as merely a traffic infraction. Do not make this mistake! The Virginia reckless driving ticket can catch out-of-state drivers by surprise because reckless driving in their state is a traffic infraction and not a criminal offense. A conviction results in a permanent record, which can impact your job, insurance rates, and overall life. It is crucial to understand the seriousness of this charge and seek legal help quickly. Our top rated Virginia reckless driving lawyers can help with the goal being to avoid the harsh penalties by having your matter either reduced or dismissed.
What Are The Consequences Of A Virginia Reckless Driving Ticket?
A Virginia reckless driving ticket can have serious legal consequences depending on the facts of your case and your circumstances. A conviction can result in up to 12 months in jail, a fine up to $2,500, and a suspension of driving privileges for up to six months. Additionally, the DMV will assess six negative demerit points to your driving record and maintain that conviction on the driving history for 11 years. The penalties and consequences can also be more than what are imposed by the courts and the DMV. The long-term effects can include loss of automobile insurance coverage or significant increases in the cost to maintain coverage. Employment and future opportunities can also be affected depending upon your circumstances.
How To Properly Handle A Virginia Reckless Driving Ticket Matters
A Virginia reckless driving ticket encounter usually starts with a face to face interaction with the charging police officer. A cooperative encounter with the police officer who is issuing the Virginia reckless driving ticket is important even if you disagree with the allegation. Belligerent, hostile or aggressive behavior during the issuance of the summons will likely negatively affect the case at trial. The issuance of the summons is not a conviction and signing the summons is not an admission of guilt. The accused must now appear in court to defend the case or retain a Virginia reckless driving lawyer for representation. In many cases, you may not have to appear in court if you have a lawyer.
Take Immediate Action After Receiving Your Virginia Reckless Driving Ticket
It is crucial to take immediate action upon receiving a Virginia reckless driving ticket. First, carefully review your Virginia Uniform Summons for your name and identifying information, the specific charge and law section, the location of offense and scheduled date/time of your court hearing. Recognize that your signature on the summons is not an admission of guilt but a promise to appear in court. Next, consider consulting with an experienced attorney who specializes in defending Virginia reckless driving cases.
A top rated attorney can provide essential guidance on how to best defend your Virginia reckless driving ticket with the possibility of convincing the Court to dismiss the case or reduce the case. Our experienced lawyers will advise that certain key pieces of evidence may be necessary in order to present the best defense. Gather all of the relevant evidence such as: witness statements, video evidence, pictures, speedometer calibration, character evidence, other forms of mitigation evidence, etc. that could support your defense. Ignoring your Virginia reckless driving ticket will likely result in a permanent record, high fines, a driver’s license suspension and a possible arrest warrant for failure to appear in court.
Do I Need A Lawyer For My Virginia Reckless Driving Ticket?
An experienced top rated Virginia reckless driving lawyer will be able to professionally defend your case and in most instances secure a result far better than you could obtain on your own without an attorney. Do not plead guilty or attempt to defend your case alone without first consulting an attorney. We recommend that you take advantage of being able to consult with one of our attorneys for free about your Virginia reckless driving ticket. An experienced attorney will explain the charge, assess the evidence, and map out various defense strategies along with providing some potential outcome scenarios based on the facts of your particular case.
Reckless driving is not just a simple traffic ticket. It is a criminal offense with long-lasting consequences if convicted. These consequences can include jail time, fines and a permanent record. Navigating the legal system without professional help is risky. Are you prepared to cross examine the police officer who issued the Virginia reckless driving ticket? Are you prepared to object to the prosecuting attorney when they present evidence to the Judge? Are you prepared to argue your case live in Court? In some instances, the best strategy is to negotiate the case with the prosecution to a successful resolution rather than arguing the case to the Judge. Prosecutors will generally not speak or negotiate with unrepresented defendants.
We will guide you through the legal process. Hiring the best Virginia reckless driving attorney for your case is crucial. It will be extremely difficult to effectively challenge the charge or lessen the consequences without experienced legal representation, thus putting you at a huge disadvantage. These are just some reasons why you need a lawyer to defend your Virginia reckless driving ticket.
What To Look For When Searching For The Best Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer?
Choosing the right attorney for your Virginia reckless driving ticket is important. Obviously, you will want to retain a Virginia reckless driving lawyer with experience, integrity, and expertise to protect your rights and to provide quality representation. Reckless driving defense is a specialized area of the law. Don’t trust your future to a law firm that either juggles many areas of law or simply does not possess the necessary experience. You want an accomplished advocate, who will stand by your side, from beginning to end, to represent you professionally, and aggressively if necessary.
When selecting an attorney for representation, especially with something as serious as reckless driving, you should consider the following:
- the lawyer’s knowledge or expertise in the field;
- the lawyer’s reputation, accomplishments, and recognition in the field; and,
- the lawyer’s ethical standards.
Experience. Look for a lawyer with a lengthy track record of successful representation defending Virginia reckless driving cases.
Understanding. Ensure that the attorney understands your situation and how your case could forever change your life.
Ability to Communicate. If the lawyer speaks in legalese and doesn’t bother to explain the terms used, then perhaps you should consider an attorney that clearly explains your case.
Availability. Will the lawyer be available to discuss your case and provide necessary updates as the case progresses?
Rapport. Is the attorney someone you can get along with? Good chemistry will ensure a better attorney-client relationship and more positive results for your case.
Client Reviews. Review client testimonials & client reviews.
Case Results. Ask the attorney about similar cases he has successfully resolved.
Reasonable fees. A legal fee for representation must be reasonable. The American Bar Association recommends the flat fee. A flat fee is a fixed fee to completely handle the legal representation from beginning to end. CAUTION: Beware of comparing one attorney with another on the basis of fees alone. Cheap is not necessarily good. The lowest fee may not indicate the best value in legal work. Everyone wants to save money, but the cheapest lawyer probably is not the best. A newer or inexperienced lawyer who charges a significantly lower legal fee may end up costing more than an experienced attorney who charges a higher legal fee if the more expensive lawyer provides efficient service and gets better results.
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law Will Present Your Best Defense
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law stands out as the premier choice for defending and protecting your rights if you have received a Virginia reckless driving ticket. Our law firm has over 60 years of combined experience, has successfully represented over 30,000+ clients and has been favorably reviewed more than 1500+ times. We are recognized as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News & World Report and have an “AV Preeminent” rating from Martindale-Hubbell. An AV Preeminent rating is the highest level of peer rating and signifies that the lawyer’s peers rank them at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Our clients consistently praise our expertise, personal attention, and ability to achieve favorable outcomes, including reduced charges and dismissals. We listen to the concerns of our clients and communicate clearly throughout the entire legal process. Our attorneys are strong advocates and are fully invested in securing the best possible result for your case. We leverage our long term professional relationships and connections with the courts and the prosecution to effectively advocate on your behalf. Take the first step in protecting your future by contacting us for a free initial consultation.
Virginia Reckless Driving Ticket Defense • We Will Fight For You
Fighting a Virginia reckless driving ticket requires a strategic approach. The first step is to consult with an experienced lawyer who understands Virginia’s strict reckless driving laws. Our intake specialists will interview you about the facts of your case. One of our top rated attorney will then review your case and consult with you in detail regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the case. We prepare every case for trial. At trial, the goal is to cast doubt on some aspect of the prosecution’s case. Alternatively, we might negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution if that protects the client and results in a disposition that is favorable to the client.
Negotiating a successful plea deal can be an effective strategy for driver’s who have been issued a Virginia reckless driving ticket. Plea negotiations require an experienced attorney because the prosecutor and the police officer who issued the summons will likely not negotiate with unrepresented motorists. This approach can significantly mitigate the consequences such as incarceration, high fines, loss of driving privileges, a criminal conviction and DMV demerit points. By reaching a plea deal, you avoid the uncertainty of a trial and what a Judge may order at sentencing. NOTE: All plea agreements must be approved by the Judge and the Judge is not required to accept a plea agreement.
The chances of successfully resolving a Virginia reckless driving ticket increase when the defense is properly prepared for trial or possible plea bargaining. Thorough preparation includes gathering evidence, identifying potential witnesses, and building a strong defense strategy. Our attorneys will be ready to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, cross examine the police officer and present defense evidence. Defenses may include challenging the officer’s observations or any witness bias. The accuracy of the police officer’s RADAR, LIDAR or PACE evidence may be questionable. We may present mitigation evidence which might include extenuating circumstances, a speedometer calibration, evidence of a good driving history, and completion of a driver improvement program or community service. There are other substantive, technical and procedural defenses.
In many cases, there will be a sentencing that will immediately follow the trial. It is very important to be prepared for the sentencing part of your case. Many reckless driving cases are won at sentencing. In lay terms, this means that the Judge may have found the evidence sufficient to find the defendant motorist guilty but was nevertheless convinced by the attorney to reduce or dismiss the case.
We Have Successfully Defended Thousands of Virginia Reckless Driving Tickets
My experience at Riley and Wells was excellent. My free consultation took place over the phone which was convenient but also very thorough. Mr. Riley took the time to listen to the details of my case, gave me an idea of what to expect in court, and advised me on what to do before going to ensure a better result. When my court date arrived, Mr. Wells spoke with me briefly about the details and what he anticipated the result would be before meeting with the prosecutor.
I ended up with all three charges, one of which was reckless driving, dismissed! Thank you for a great experience.
I was super distraught and stressed about a potential reckless ticket and CRIMINAL record. I called Riley & Wells and Mr. Vinson took my case. He and his assistant were very communicative. He sent me his recommendations for what I should prepare before going to court. On court day, he was on time, attentive, and made sure I understood the process. He was able to get my charge completely DISMISSED. I strongly recommend Riley & Wells for all of your traffic-related needs.
I usually don’t write reviews but when searching for a lawyer to represent me in court I heavily relied on Google reviews for guidance. I was given a ticket for Reckless Driving, which is a criminal misdemeanor in VA, it’s a big deal, so I didn’t want to take any chances by going with the most “affordable” lawyer who didn’t have as many reviews on google. I had a great experience with Riley and Wells.
Communication was great, via phone and email. Cody, who represented me was able to come to an agreement with the judge who lowered my charge to a non-moving violation for defective equipment and no points to my license. Very satisfied with their service, highly recommend to others who need representation in court for speeding tickets!
I was charged with reckless driving – speeding 91/70 mph zone. Riley & Wells was able to get the speeding ticket reduced to defective equipment, which is a no points, non-moving, minor traffic infraction. I also did not have to show up to court, as Cody represented me there.
At the firm I worked with Cody and Kristin, they turned a bad situation into a good one. They were caring, friendly, and responsive to my concerns. I want to thank you, and everyone else in helping me to get the best possible outcome with my case.
I highly recommend Riley & Wells, because they’re the best!
Riley & wells serviced me back in September of 2023 and delivered what was said in private conversations about the expectations and results of my case I am grateful they kept their word. They represented me on the day I had to work and could not go to court. They are really affordable too. There are pay options. My charge was dropped from a reckless driving to an improper braking due to very bad inclement weather and so many circumstances surrounding it and a low fine.
Riley and wells Thank You and Your Team for the fast work you guys communicated the entire way and I was never worried.
I was very pleased with the outcome of my reckless driving case. Mitch was able to get the charges dropped to a lesser offense and it was all handled in a very professional manner. I would highly recommend this firm.
I had an awesome experience with Riley & Wells! I got a reckless driving charge in VA while on vacation & decided to get an attorney to go to court for me. I had no experience with court or how getting an attorney works, but their team made it so easy & gave me clear information as to what to expect & what they will be doing for me. Mr Wells got the misdemeanor charge down to the lowest offense- a non-moving infraction of defective equipment.
That means no record & no points for me! $750 flat fee for his representation, plus $266 for the fine & court fees. I’d say that’s a pretty good deal considering what that reckless driving charge would cost me in fines & the spike in my insurance costs- plus the time off work & gas it would’ve cost me to drive back to VA to appear in court myself. Both Mr Wells & his assistant Kristin are great!
I want to express my deepest and sincerest appreciation for the expert legal counsel and representation by your firm at my recent court appearance at Hanover County General District Court for the charge of reckless driving. Mr. Wells’ counsel prior to, and representation during, my case was outstanding and resulted in the best possible judgement possible given the circumstances. I am also very thankful to Mr. Riley for taking my case and his initial counseling, in which he advised me of a number of actions to take in order to mitigate the consequences as a result of the reckless driving charge.
Furthermore, I would like to extend thanks to all of the associates at Riley and Wells law firm that assisted in my case. Riley and Wells attorneys at law have exceeded my expectations and guided me the entire way through my case. I appreciate them bearing their experience, reputation and professionalism in my defense.
V/r
Gregory G.
Virginia Beach, Va
Right after I recieved a reckless driving ticket from Petersburg Sherrif’s department I looked for a lawyer. I saw the reviews on Riley and Wells and immediately called them. Their staff immediately took down my information and Mr. Wells called me later that day. After discussing my case with him I knew right away that they could help me out. I took some pictures and laid out a story for them to help them better understand my situation.
Mr. Wells discussed my case with me and the possible outcomes and his confidence in getting my ticket reduced. I was out of town and worried about my career as I did not criminal misdemeanor on my record. Mr. Wells kept me informed and notified me on the day of my court appearance right that my reckless driving had been lowered to a non driving violation. I am extremely glad that I called Riley and Wells and that they fought hard for me.
Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law for Your Virginia Reckless Driving Ticket
***Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in all Virginia Courts***
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Riley & Wells Attorneys-At-Law is registered to practice law with the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission. Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in all Virginia Courts by the Virginia State Bar. We are an “AV Preeminent” rated law firm by Martindale-Hubbell and a “Best Law Firm” according to U.S. News and World Reports for the highest level of professional excellence in legal ability and ethical standards. Martindale-Hubbell and U.S. News and World Reports are distinguished, established organizations that publish reliable information regarding lawyers and law firms. Other attorney rating organizations such as Virginia Super Lawyers, Legal Elite by Virginia Business Magazine, Avvo.com, and others also routinely recognize our firm for outstanding legal ability and the highest ethical standards.
