Woodbridge Reckless Driving Attorney

Defending Against Serious Traffic and Criminal Charges in Virginia

If you have been charged with reckless driving in Virginia, you may be surprised to learn that this is not just a traffic ticket; it is a criminal charge with the potential for jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. You may have been pulled over for speeding 20 mph or more over the limit or driving over 85 mph, or driving in a manner that endangers life or property.

At Stevens Caruso, we fight to protect your rights, your record, and your freedom. We are reckless driving lawyers with years of experience defending clients charged with reckless driving in Woodbridge and throughout Northern Virginia and Prince William County. Our Woodbridge reckless driving attorney knows how to go to trial and to negotiate your charges, how to challenge an improper stop, and how to achieve the best possible result for you. That may warrant a dismissal, a reduction to a lesser charge, or a nominal penalty.

What Is Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Virginia Code § 46.2-852 through § 46.2-869 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle in a manner that is dangerous to life, limb, or property. In many states, reckless driving is a traffic ticket. However, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the same level as a DUI and certain assault charges.

Common examples of reckless driving in Virginia include the following:

Speeding 20+ mph over the speed limit
Driving over 85 mph, regardless of the speed limit
Driving a vehicle which is not under control
Driving a vehicle with faulty brakes
Passing on or at the rest of a grade or on a curve
Failing to yield the right of way
Passing a stopped school bus
Racing another vehicle
Driving too fast for the weather or road conditions
Aggressive or erratic lane changes

It is important to note that you may not have caused an accident or been in a dangerous situation, but you could be pulled over or charged with reckless driving based on your speed or driving behavior.

Penalties for Reckless Driving in Virginia

As noted above, reckless driving is a criminal charge with real consequences. Potential penalties include the following:

Class 1 Misdemeanor Penalties (Typical Reckless Driving)
Up to 12 months in jail and/or A fine of up to $2,500
6 demerit points on your driving record
Driver’s license suspension for up to 6 months and in some cases 2 years.
Permanent criminal record

Virginia DMV also records reckless driving convictions and keeps them on your driving record for 11 years. Insurance companies may raise your rates significantly or cancel your policy altogether.

Felony Reckless Driving – When Charges Escalate

While most reckless driving charges are misdemeanors, you may be charged with a Class 6 felony if your reckless driving causes a fatal accident or serious bodily injury.

Examples of Felony Reckless Driving

Causing a fatal crash due to speeding or aggressive driving
Driving recklessly with a suspended license, causing injury or death
Being involved in street racing that results in a collision

Penalties for Felony Reckless Driving

1 to 5 years in prison (or up to 12 months in jail and/or a $2500.00 fine at the judge’s discretion)
Felony criminal record
Loss of driving privileges
Long-term consequences for employment, licensing, and background checks

If you have been charged with felony reckless driving, it is important to contact a Woodbridge reckless driving attorney immediately. At Stevens Caruso, we defend reckless driving charges and felony reckless driving charges with the urgency and focus that they require.

Can Reckless Driving Charges Be Reduced?

Yes. In many cases, a seasoned Woodbridge reckless driving attorney can work to have your charge reduced to a lesser offense, such as:

Improper driving (minor traffic infraction with reduced fine and no jail time)
Speeding (with mitigation evidence)
Failure to obey a traffic signal or other civil infractions

Whether a charge can be reduced depends on several factors, such as:

Your driving history
The speed or behavior alleged
Whether an accident occurred
Calibration records of your vehicle and the officer’s radar/lidar device
Whether you have completed a driving improvement course

We will thoroughly review every aspect of your case and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for you. That may be a dismissal, a reduction in charges, or a not guilty verdict at trial.

Don’t Go It Alone – Work With a Woodbridge Reckless Driving Attorney

Too many people believe that reckless driving is just a speeding ticket they can handle on their own. However, in Virginia, reckless driving is a far more serious offense. A criminal conviction for reckless driving will have consequences that a regular traffic infraction does not. Such charges can create a permanent criminal record, which may impact your job opportunities, professional licenses, security clearances, military enlistment, and even your ability to travel to certain countries. Additionally, if you are a commercial driver, a conviction may mean the end of your career.

At Stevens Caruso, we understand how Virginia judges and prosecutors treat reckless driving cases. We are familiar with the defenses that work in the courts of the Commonwealth Prince William County courts and tailor our defense to the specific facts of your case. For instance, we can challenge radar calibrations, look for procedural errors, or negotiate a reduction to improper driving. Our Woodbridge reckless driving attorney is here to fight for the best possible result in your case. And for those who live elsewhere, we also represent out-of-state drivers and help resolve the charge without the need to return to Virginia for court. So, if you are local or just passing through, we make your defense a priority.

Our goal is to keep you out of jail, protect your license, and keep your record as clean as possible. With so much at stake, hiring a reckless driving lawyer is one of the best decisions you can make.

Common Questions About Reckless Driving in Virginia

Why Should I Hire an Attorney for Reckless Driving in VA?

Because reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, it has real criminal penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Many people are surprised to learn that driving over 85 mph on a highway can result in a criminal charge. A lawyer knows how to evaluate the case, negotiate with prosecutors, and present evidence on your behalf. Most drivers can’t do that for themselves. Hiring a well-versed attorney can help you avoid harsh penalties and keep the charge off your record altogether.

Is it Possible to Get a Reckless Driving Charge Dismissed?

Yes, dismissal is possible, especially in cases involving first-time offenders, borderline speeds, or cases involving technical errors, such as uncalibrated radar or lidar devices. Judges and prosecutors may also be more willing to dismiss the charge if you have completed a driver improvement clinic, have a clean driving record, or show remorse and responsibility. A seasoned Woodbridge reckless driving attorney will know how to present your case to get the best result possible.

What are the Most Common Penalties for Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving penalties include up to 12 months in jail, a/or $2,500 fine, six demerit points, and a license suspension of up to six months. However, the consequences extend beyond court. Your car insurance rates may skyrocket, and a conviction may limit job or educational opportunities. If the charge is elevated to a felony (such as when a fatality is involved), the penalties may include years in prison, thousands in fines, revocation of driving privileges and permanent loss of civil rights. A reckless driving conviction can haunt you for years, which is why it is crucial to mount a strong legal defense.

Out-of-State Drivers Charged with Reckless Driving in Virginia

If you were pulled over while driving through Woodbridge, I-95, or any other part of Northern Virginia, and you are not a Virginia resident, you will still need to resolve the criminal aspects of your case. To be clear, a conviction will appear on your home state’s driving record and affect your insurance or license.

Our firm represents out-of-state drivers and at times can handle court appearances on your behalf to save you the cost and inconvenience of traveling back to Virginia.

What to Do After Being Charged with Reckless Driving

Do not plead guilty without talking to a lawyer.
Obtain your summons or paperwork and record the court date.
Contact a local Woodbridge reckless driving lawyer as soon as possible.
Do not discuss the case on social media or with others.
Start documenting evidence of mitigation, such as a clean driving record or driver safety courses.

Contact Stevens Caruso – Your Woodbridge Reckless Driving Defense Team

At Stevens Caruso, we understand the fear and uncertainty that comes with a reckless driving charge. We do not judge; we defend. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor for speeding or a felony involving serious injury or death, our team will fight to protect your future, your record, and your reputation.

Let us evaluate your case, explain your options, and develop a plan to achieve the best possible result. We have helped countless clients in Prince William County and beyond resolve reckless driving charges with minimal consequences, and we can help you, too.

Casey and Lisa offer free in office initial consultations and can be reached through by contacting Casey on his cell phone 703-967-5750 or Lisa on her Cell 804-731-4262 or the firm’s online contact form.