Reckless Driving Lawyer Abingdon VA
Getting pulled over by a police officer can be a nerve-racking experience on its own, but add in the stress of receiving a citation for reckless driving? That can be downright disorienting. If you have received a reckless driving citation, it is important to understand that this infraction is not a simple speeding violation. If convicted, you could face consequences that are far more severe than those handed out to “simple speeders.” As a result, it is important to seek experienced legal guidance from an Abingdon, Virginia reckless driving lawyer as soon as you possibly can. The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt may be able to aid you in seeking dismissal of the charges against you or may be able to help you mitigate any potential consequences that could be associated with those charges.
What Is the Difference Between Speeding and Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving occurs when the driver of the vehicle willfully drives in a dangerous manner and without any regard for the rules of the road or the safety of those about them. Reckless driving insinuates that you were breaking traffic laws purposefully rather than simply making a mistake or misjudgement. A speeding ticket can be paid right away and does not require a court appearance, but a reckless driving ticket is not simply a fine that can be paid–you’ll have to appear in court to plead your case. It is partially for this reason that it will be important to have an experienced Abingdon, VA reckless driving lawyer on your side as you navigate this legal situation.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
You can, of course, choose to represent yourself, but why put your criminal record, insurance rates, hefty fines, and potential jail time in jeopardy? Getting professional, reliable help from an experienced Abingdon, VA reckless driving lawyer is just a phone call away.
What Is Considered Reckless Driving?
There are a few actions that are considered automatically reckless. These vary from state to state, but a few examples include:
-Driving a vehicle with faulty brakes
-Driving an overloaded vehicle that obstructs the driver’s view or controls
-Failing to give proper signals
-Failing to yield the right of way
-Tailgating
-Speeding 20-25 miles per hour over the speed limit
-Driving faster than 85 miles per hour regardless of speed limit
-Driving too fast for highway, traffic, and weather conditions.
-Racing
-Burning rubber
-Endangering a person on driveways or parking lots open to the public
-Illegally passing
These are just some of the reasons why a police officer may pull you over and issue you a citation for reckless driving. We understand that many of these situations are mistakes that may be unintentional, despite the fact that the charges against you imply that you acted consciously. Crafting a strong legal defense related to the unintentional nature of your actions is important whenever possible. Thankfully, an experienced Abingdon, VA reckless driving lawyer can help. Please do not hesitate to call today. You do not need to navigate this situation alone.
Guidance from an Abingdon VA Reckless Driving Lawyer
Reckless driving is a broad term, as a reckless driving lawyer in Abingdon VA can tell you. It can include passing an emergency vehicle to exceeding the speed limit to many other scenarios. If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, you may be scared, confused, and uncertain about what happens next. Our reckless driving lawyer in Abingdon VA from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt knows all too well that a conviction can be serious. We can help you build a strong defense and reduce the likelihood of long term repercussions if convicted.
To schedule a consultation with an attorney about your reckless driving charge, call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt today.
Reckless Driving Questions and Answers
- Does a reckless driving charge mean I have to go to court?
Yes; reckless driving is a criminal offense, and therefore it’s necessary that you appear in court, or else a reckless driving lawyer in Abingdon VA can appear in court on your behalf.
- Is it possible to prepay a reckless driving ticket?
Because reckless driving is considered a criminal offense, rather than an ordinary traffic violation; you cannot prepay a reckless driving ticket. It will be important for you to work with a reckless driving lawyer in Abingdon VA to build a strong defense against the charge.
- Is jail time possible if I was charged with reckless driving?
Yes; reckless driving convictions can lead to jail time regardless of whether your charge is rated as a misdemeanor or a felony. In the former scenario, that could mean months or one year in jail. In the latter situation, you could face a multiple year sentence. However, what ultimately happens will depend on the unique details of your case, and on the defense that your reckless driving lawyer in Abingdon VA helps you build. It is possible to minimize or avoid jail time altogether with the help of your attorney.
- Could I lose my license?
Yes–a suspension of your license is possible if you are convicted. The length of the suspension will depend upon whether your case of reckless driving is ruled a misdemeanor or a felony. With a misdemeanor, the suspension could be a short as 10 days, or as long as six months. A felony conviction could result in as much as three years of jail time. Having a reckless driving lawyer in Abingdon VA on your side could mean convincing the judge to shorten the length of your jail time, or dismissing the charge altogether.
- Do I need a lawyer after being charged with reckless driving?
While you do have the right to represent yourself if you are charged with reckless driving, it may be in your best interest to hire a reckless driving lawyer in Abingdon VA. A criminal defense lawyer who understands the court system, and knows the judges and prosecutors in the jurisdiction where your case is pending can make an enormous difference in the outcome of your case.
The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt
After a reckless driving ticket, consider working with a reckless driving lawyer in Abingdon VA whose experience with reckless driving cases speaks for itself. Mark T. Hurt from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt will make every effort to provide you with a strong defense. To schedule your free consultation, call 276.623.0808 today.
If you are facing harsh penalties after being charged with reckless driving, you should consider speaking to a reckless driving lawyer Abingdon VA offers. To learn more about your legal options, contact Mark Hurt of The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt.
Virginia’s driving laws are considered by many to be some of the strictest in the country. In Abingdon, these laws are heavily enforced by law enforcement. A reckless driving conviction can be included in your charges if you were driving at least 20 mph over the speed limit, or above 85 mph regardless of the speed limit. This means if you are driving on the I-95 and the posted speed limit is 70 mph, you could be charged with reckless driving if you were driving 81 mph.
Consequences for Reckless Driving in VA
In Virginia, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor for the first offense. Penalties could include:
- Fines up to $2,500
- Jail time
- Suspension of license
- Points on a license
- Revocation of insurance or an insurance premium increase
- Probation
- Criminal record
Reckless driving charges can be very complex to defend against which is why you should talk with a reckless driving lawyer in Abingdon VA as soon as possible. This is especially true if you have been previously charged with a driving or traffic offense.
Examples of Reckless Driving
When you consult a reckless driving lawyer Abingdon VA respects such as Mark Hurt of The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, they will need to know everything about your charges. If your ticket says “RD” or “Reckless Driving,” that is your charge. The reason you were charged might be for any of the following:
- Passing on a curve
- Failure to control a car which resulted in an accident
- Driving one of two cars abreast in a single lane
- Failure to signal
- Passing through closed railroad crossings
- Failure to yield
- Racing cars
- Driving to intimidate another person
- Speeding
A good reckless driving lawyer Abingdon VA motorists choose such as Mark T. Hurt can investigate the circumstances of your case and build an appropriate defense. Points that a reckless driving lawyer Abingdon VA relies on might consider include:
- Were there any witnesses who observed your reckless driving? Are they credible?
- Did the police officer follow proper procedure before giving you a ticket or arresting you?
- Was any device they used properly calibrated?
- What might a prosecutor try to use against you, and how can their points be defended?
- Were you in an emergency at the time of the event?
- Is your driving record clean apart from this charge?
As a successful Abingdon reckless driving lawyer, Mark T. Hurt has often been able to get clients’ charges reduced or dropped. He may be able to do the same for you.
These cases are often processed through the criminal justice system very quickly. The sooner you contact a reckless driving lawyer Abingdon VA has to offer, the better the outcome of your case might be.
Call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for an Experienced Reckless Driving Lawyer Abingdon VA Offers
Mark Hurt of The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt works with clients throughout Virginia who have been charged with reckless driving. Our legal team can work hard to protect your rights. Learn what a reckless driving lawyer Abingdon VA provides can do for you. For a free consultation with Mark T. Hurt, a reckless driving lawyer Abingdon VA trusts, call today.
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