How Will a Reckless Driving Charge Impact My Life?

Have you recently been charged with reckless driving? Are you worried about what the repercussions that such a charge could cause? At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we have years of experience representing clients who have found themselves in situations similar to the one you may be facing. As an experienced speeding ticket lawyer in Abingdon VA, Mark T. Hurt has also assisted clients who were facing reckless driving charges. You can count on our team to direct you through the legal process in a way that will leave you feeling confident in our abilities.

What is reckless driving?

When a person is operating a vehicle and has a complete disregard for safety or is negligent in doing so, their actions are classified as reckless driving. With reckless driving, a person has to be doing something more negligent than that of a basic traffic offense. When a person is convicted of reckless driving, they may be required to pay fines and could even spend time in jail. A few examples of what constitutes reckless driving are:

• Driving the vehicle at an incredibly high speed
• Attempting to hide from or outrun a police officer
• Unsafely passing another vehicle on a highway
• Tailgating
• Disregarding traffic signals and signs

If I am convicted, will it stay on my record?

Worrying over a possible conviction for reckless driving can be stressful. A conviction will likely stay on your record. You may not even realize how this could impact your life. Here are a few ways that a conviction on your driving record could negatively impact you:

• Gaining future employment could be difficult. If you apply for a job that runs DMV background checks, a charge on your record could impact your ability to gain employment. This is especially true if you are trying to obtain a position that requires you to drive for work.
• It could impact your current job. If you are responsible for driving a vehicle for work, and are no longer able to do so because of a reckless driving conviction, you could lose your job. If you have a suspended license, you will no longer be able to perform some of your job responsibilities.
• If you are looking to adopt a child, a reckless driving charge could impact your ability to do so. Thankfully, in most cases, the older the charge, the less relevant it becomes.
• With a reckless driving charge on your record, it could impact any future convictions you receive. This means a second charge could result in a more serious sentencing.
• In some situations, your car insurance could be impacted. Your insurance carrier might be motivated to increase your rates significantly.

The only time that a conviction may not be found on your record is if you have had it expunged. When it comes to reckless driving, the chance of having a record expunged depends on the circumstances surrounding your specific situation.

Contact The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt

It is likely that you will want to take any measure necessary to avoid a conviction for reckless driving. The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt has the experience required to provide you with legal representation that you can rely on, even in the most complex situations. Call us today to schedule an appointment with a speeding ticket lawyer Abingdon VA residents trust.

Abingdon Speeding Ticket FAQs

Your Abingdon VA speeding ticket lawyer can help you save your driving record, and a hefty amount of cash while they’re at it. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we have over 25 years of experience helping our clients fight against traffic tickets ranging from speeding to reckless driving and CDL violations. Read on for some answers to the most common questions about speeding tickets, and get in touch with us today to get started on your case.

What Are The Consequences Of Getting A Speeding Ticket?

The consequences of receiving a speeding ticket can vary significantly based on the severity of the violation. In Virginia, consequences can range from a fine, points added to your driving record, and potential increases in insurance premiums. For more serious offenses, such as reckless driving—which in Virginia can include speeding excessively over the limit—there may be harsher penalties, including the possibility of jail time.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay A Speeding Ticket In Virginia?

Failing to pay a speeding ticket in Virginia can lead to several serious consequences. Initially, it may result in additional fines and late fees. If the payment remains outstanding, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest, and your driver’s license could be suspended. It’s crucial to address speeding tickets promptly to avoid escalating penalties that can complicate your financial and legal situation.

What Should I Do Immediately After Receiving A Speeding Ticket?

Immediately after receiving a speeding ticket, it’s important to carefully read the ticket and note any deadlines for payment or court appearances. You should consider whether you want to pay the ticket and accept the penalties or contest the charge in court. If you choose to challenge the ticket, don’t waste any time – contact an Abingdon speeding ticket lawyer as soon as you can.

What Is The Difference Between A Moving And A Non-Moving Violation?

A moving violation occurs when a vehicle is in motion at the time of the infraction, such as speeding, running a red light, or driving under the influence. These violations typically result in points on your driving record and may have more severe consequences. Non-moving violations, however, involve infractions that do not directly relate to the vehicle’s motion, such as parking violations, faulty vehicle equipment, or expired registration. Non-moving violations usually do not affect your driving record but can still result in fines and other penalties.

What Should I Expect When Going To Court For A Speeding Ticket?

If you choose to contest a speeding ticket in court, expect to present your case before a judge or magistrate. On your court date, it’s important to arrive on time, dressed appropriately, and prepared with all relevant documents and evidence. You’ll have the opportunity to explain your side, present evidence, and question any witnesses. Depending on the specifics of your case, the judge might dismiss the ticket, reduce the charges, or uphold the ticket as originally written. Representation by a legal professional can help navigate court proceedings and present your case effectively.

Let Us Help You With Your Speeding Ticket

At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we’re dedicated to helping clients understand their rights and options. Contact us today to discuss your case, see how an Abingdon speeding ticket lawyer from our team can help.