Lebanon, VA Reckless Driving Lawyer & Virginia Traffic Citation Attorney

Located in the rolling hills of Clinch Mountain, the quaint town of Lebanon offers spectacular outdoor and cultural activities, including the Channels Natural Area Preserve, Big Cedar Creek Falls, and Stone Mountain Distilling.  Home to less than 3,500 residents, the sparsely populated, winding roads offer the perfect backdrop for weekend cruisers.

However, taking a long drive down highway 19 can quickly turn into a nightmare when an individual is ticketed for reckless driving.  Many unsuspecting Lebanon residents and visitors are unaware of the speed traps that litter the local interstate, making them easy targets for police officers.

Speeding May Be Reckless Driving, Which is a Criminal Offense

Driving 20 miles over the posted speed limit or over 85 mph (regardless of the speed limit) is not merely a speeding violation; instead, it carries a much harsher charge of reckless driving.  Those convicted of reckless driving could face steep fines, a license suspension, points on their driving record, a lifelong criminal record, and up to a year in jail.  Considering the magnitude of these penalties, hiring an experienced Lebanon, Virginia reckless driving attorney is critical.

If you received a reckless driving ticket, don’t gamble with your future—call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt to schedule a complimentary consultation.  We offer affordable fixed-fee representation in traffic citation cases, and we accept credit card payments.

Hiring a Lebanon, Virginia reckless driving lawyer could save you from a lifelong criminal record, jail time, and significant fines!

What Is Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Law enforcement officers can issue a reckless driving citation for several reasons, including (but not limited to):

• Excessive speeding (20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit or in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the speed limit);[1]
• Driving a vehicle that is not under control;
• Passing two vehicles abreast;
• Passing at a railroad grade crossing;
• Failing to give proper signals;
• Failing to yield the right-of-way or reduce speed when approaching stationary vehicles;
• Racing;
• Injuring another person while racing;
• Aggressive driving;
• Endangering a person or property; and
• Illegally passing a stopped bus or at a highway intersection.[2]

Although the laws are clear on what constitutes reckless driving, the penalties can differ significantly depending on each case’s circumstances.  For example, in some instances, the state can permanently confiscate a vehicle and throw a person in jail for a year.[3]  For this reason, it is critical to hire a reckless driving lawyer who can build a solid defense to mitigate severe penalties.

What Are the Penalties for a Reckless Driving Conviction in Lebanon?

In many states, the consequences of reckless driving are similar to speeding; however, this is not the case in Virginia.  Virginia has some of the strictest traffic laws in the country, and a conviction for reckless driving could have lasting and costly impacts.  Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia (or Class 6 felony if a fatality is involved), punishable by expensive fines, license suspension, and, in some cases, up to a year in jail.[4]

One of the biggest missteps can be made with a reckless driving charge in Lebanon is treating it like an ordinary traffic ticket.  It may be tempting simply to sign and pay the ticket and not worry about it again.

However, signing and paying the ticket is an admission of guilt. If the ticket is for reckless driving (even if only due to excessive speed), this criminal offense will go on a person’s permanent record, as this type of criminal offense cannot be expunged.  Thus it will be discoverable in a background check, such as for a job application.

If you received a citation, we urge you to call our office as soon as possible to schedule a complimentary consultation.  We can listen to the facts of your case, explain your legal options, and fight tenaciously in seeking a reduction or dismissal of charges.

How Much Does a Lebanon Traffic Citation Attorney Cost?

At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we understand how financially devastating a reckless driving conviction can be, which is why we always desire to help our clients pay the least amount possible.  As such, unlike other firms that bill by the hour, we offer affordable fixed-fee representation.  This means you will pay the same amount, regardless of how long it takes to resolve your case (even if a trial is necessary).

We understand that most individuals do not have extra money to pay legal fees.  This is not a problem, as we are happy to accept credit card payments for our services.

Why Should I Hire Virginia Reckless Driving Lawyer Mark Hurt?

Statistically, individuals represented by legal counsel have a significantly higher chance of obtaining more lenient penalties or dismissals in traffic citation cases.  Attorney Mark Hurt has over 25 years of legal experience and has successfully argued for reduced charges and dismissal in hundreds of traffic citation cases.  When you hire The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we will do everything in our power in seeking to ensure the most favorable outcome possible.

Call 276-623-0808 to Schedule Your Free Consultation Today with an Experienced Lebanon Reckless Driving Attorney.

Reckless driving charges in Lebanon, Virginia, require careful analysis of each case to develop a strong defense and mitigate penalties.  This type of defense often requires years of experience and a deep understanding of Virginia reckless driving laws.  At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we have the tools necessary to develop the strongest case possible for our clients.  Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.

[1] VA Code § 46.2-862, https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-862/.

[2] VA Code §§ 46.2-852-69, https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/.

[3] VA Code § 46.2-867, https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title46.2/chapter8/section46.2-867/.

[4] VA Code § 46.2-868, § 46.2-868. (Effective January 1, 2021) Reckless driving; penalties (virginia.gov).