Serving Fairfax County: Traffic Violation Lawyer in Fairfax County
Many people charged with reckless driving in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia, including out-of-state drivers and out-of-state motorists, think that reckless driving is simply a glorified speeding ticket because they never endangered anybody. This is simply not the case. You may be wondering what exactly reckless driving is, how reckless driving cases are prosecuted, how people convicted of reckless driving are punished, how you can help yourself if you have been issued a summons for reckless driving in Fairfax or Northern Virginia, and how a qualified Fairfax and Northern Virginia reckless driving and traffic defense lawyer can assist you.
Reckless driving is aggressively prosecuted in Fairfax and Northern Virginia. It is NOT a traffic violation or civil offense. Rather, it is a criminal offense - a Class 1 misdemeanor. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most serious misdemeanor offense in Virginia - equivalent to assault and battery or possession with intent to distribute a small amount of marijuana. If convicted, you will have a criminal record. The conviction may drop off of your DMV record after a certain amount of time, but it will NEVER be removed from your permanent criminal record with the FBI and state law enforcement (NCIC). This can present significant problems for people with a security clearance or who have employers that do a criminal background check. Moreover, life insurance applications routinely ask whether the applicant has ever been convicted of reckless driving. There are consequences beyond your auto insurance rates skyrocketing.
Virginia reckless driving, even as a first offense for someone with a perfect driving record, is punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a six-month license suspension. In cases where the speed is above 90 miles per hour, or there is actual reckless behavior, prosecutors routinely seek, and judges impose, active incarceration and a hard license loss (no restricted license), even if the person has a clean driving record. Even at speeds of 80 to 84 miles per hour, some judges suspend driving privileges for 30 to 60 days.
As a former Northern Virginia prosecutor, attorney Kyle G. Manikas understands how reckless driving cases are prosecuted and how they can be defended.
Having an experienced Fairfax and Northern Virginia reckless driving defense attorney can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your case.
Having handled thousands of a particular type of case, such as reckless driving, gives a former prosecutor insight, experience, and judgment that can substantially benefit your defense. It is experience that cannot be gained by non-prosecutors, even over many years of practice. This experience puts former prosecutors at a distinct advantage in handling your Virginia reckless driving case.
At Manikas Law LLC, our practice has been built upon the premise of treating each client charged with reckless driving with individualized attention.
If you have been charged with reckless driving or another serious traffic offense in Fairfax or Northern Virginia, contact Manikas Law LLC in Fairfax, Virginia, at 703-873-7473 (toll-free 888-503-8075).
We Handle All Reckless Driving Charges
The most commonly charged forms of reckless driving are Va. Code 46.2-862 and Va. Code 46.2-852. However, there are many forms of reckless driving, as outlined on our page discussing Reckless Driving Penalties & Punishments. For more frequently asked questions, see our Reckless Driving FAQs page.
Attacking Reckless Driving Charges
Like DWI cases, reckless driving cases can be very technical. Reckless driving cases can often be defended by attacking the admissibility of the officer's laser or radar calibration. Virginia has strict statutory requirements for the admissibility of these documents in reckless driving cases. Issues with respect to the form of the calibration, the notarization, the authentication or the date of the calibration, among many other potential issues, can prevent the calibration from coming into evidence.
Other Serious Traffic Cases
There are a number of other very serious traffic offenses in Virginia. Such charges include, among others:
- Driving on a Revoked/Suspended License (18.2-272; 46.2-301, 46.2-391)
- Driving Without an Operator's License (46.2-300)
- Hit & Run/Leaving the Scene of an Accident (46.2-894 & 46.2-896)
- Eluding an Officer (46.2-817)
- Driving After Being Declared an Habitual Offender (46.2-357)
These offenses are not merely traffic tickets, but are criminal offenses punishable by jail, substantial fines, and license loss. In fact, some of these offenses are felony crimes punishable by up to five years in prison. Many people end up serving more jail time on these offenses than they do on DWI and other serious criminal cases. There are important defenses that can be asserted against these charges and an experienced Fairfax and Northern Virginia traffic defense attorney can discuss these matters with you.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
To speak with a traffic and criminal defense lawyer about reckless driving and other serious traffic charges in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia, contact Manikas Law LLC by calling 703-873-7473, or contact us by e-mail. For toll-free assistance, call 888-503-8075. We are located in Fairfax, Virginia.
