How a Manassas Criminal and Traffic Defense Attorney Can Help if You Face Reckless Driving Charges
In Virginia, reckless driving is a crime, not a less serious traffic ticket. If you were arrested for this crime, you don’t want to make it more challenging to obtain a favorable outcome in your case—this means avoiding certain mistakes common in reckless driving cases. The experienced Manassas reckless driving lawyers at The Wilson Law Firm can help you build a defense that protects against these pitfalls and fights to get the charges dismissed or reduced to a less severe offense.
Crucial Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Virginia Reckless Driving Charges 
Reckless driving charges are a misdemeanor offense in Virginia.
Common violations include driving at an excessive speed under Virginia Code § 46.2-862 and driving at a speed that endangers a life, limb, or property pursuant to Virginia Code § 46.2-852.
When counseling our clients, we help them steer clear of anything that might weaken their ability to mount a vigorous defense. Here are typical mistakes we recommend you avoid:
- Admitting guilt. One of the most detrimental actions you can take is admitting fault to the officer at the scene. Doing so can significantly compromise your defense and make it more challenging to dispute the charges in court. Don’t offer any statements that could be used against you in court later.
- Arguing with the officer. While it may be tempting to contradict the officer or try to explain your actions, doing so often does more harm than good. Arguing with the officer might escalate the situation and lead to additional charges or harsher penalties.
- Not taking the charges seriously. Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor in our Commonwealth, with potential penalties including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Failing to take the charges seriously can have severe punishments and long-term consequences in your life. It's vital to understand the gravity of the situation and take proactive steps to defend yourself.
- Pleading guilty. Pleading guilty without fully understanding the implications or exploring your legal options is a grave mistake. By pleading guilty, you essentially forfeit your right to challenge the charges or negotiate a reduced sentence through a plea bargain. You need to remember that you could have strong defenses—even if you believe you’re guilty of reckless driving.
- Not hiring an attorney. One of the most significant mistakes you can make is failing to retain a skilled Manassas reckless driving lawyer. An attorney at The Wilson Law Firm offers considerable knowledge and skill to defend individuals in reckless driving cases in Virginia and provides invaluable guidance and representation throughout the legal process. Your lawyer will raise your defenses, gather evidence to support your defenses, and refute the prosecutor's case against you, and negotiate a plea agreement if this would benefit you.