Does everyone who is convicted of reckless driving in Virginia receive the same sentence?

No. While Virginia law establishes maximum penalties for reckless driving, the actual sentence that an individual receives for the crime of reckless driving is dependent on numerous factors.

Possible Penalties for Reckless Driving in Virginia

The potential penalties for a reckless driving conviction depend on whether you are convicted of a class 1 misdemeanor or a class 6 felony. For either offense, you face jail time, a fine, and a suspended driver’s license. The very first time you are convicted, for example, you could face jail time of up to 12 months, a fine of up to $2,500, and a license suspension of up to two years.

Factors That Influence Virginia Reckless Driving Sentences

While Virginia law provides a maximum sentence for your reckless driving conviction, you may not face the same consequences as other drivers who are convicted of reckless driving. Some of the things that could impact your individual sentence include:

• Whether you have any prior convictions. This could mean that the judge is likely to be lenient in your sentence.

• Your driving history. Similar to prior convictions, the court may be less likely to be lenient if you have a poor driving history.

• The reason for your reckless driving arrest. Reckless driving speeding, passing a stopped school bus, or drag racing, for example, could result in different sentences.

• The county in which your reckless driving case is heard. Some counties have reputations for being harsher with reckless driving sentences than others.

• The individual judge presiding over your reckless driving case. Some individual judges have reputations for being harsher with reckless driving sentences than others.

• The attorney who is representing you in your reckless driving case. Some lawyers are more effective than others in reckless driving defense cases.

To learn more about how to protect your rights if you have been charged with reckless driving, please contact The Wilson Law Firm today. Let an experienced reckless driving lawyer help you through the process so that your chances of an unfair sentence are reduced.