Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia that comes with harsh penalties if you are convicted. In addition, you would have a permanent criminal record. Fortunately, you may be able to have the charges reduced to a less serious offense with the help of an experienced reckless driving lawyer.
Five Ways to Get Your Reckless Driving Charge Reduced in Virginia
You may be able to get your reckless driving charges reduced to a less serious offense even if the prosecutor has a strong case against you. Here are five options to achieve this goal:
- Defenses. You may have strong defenses to your charges—even if you know you are guilty. A skilled reckless driving lawyer can determine which defenses will help you the most. They can use them to mount an aggressive defense strategy that could get the charges dismissed or convince the prosecutor to reduce the charges through a plea bargain.
- Improper driving. Improper driving is a three-point traffic infraction that is removed from your driving record in three years. You may be able to get the charges reduced to improper driving if you can show that you were minimally culpable.
- Cooperation of the police officer. The police officer who charged you will reckless driving will have to attend your court hearing. If you cooperated with them and were respectful when you were arrested, you may be able to get them to recommend that the charges against you be reduced to a less serious traffic infraction, such as improper driving or a speeding ticket.
- Driver improvement clinic. Depending on the judge, you may be able to get the charges against you reduced if you attend a driver improvement clinic. Your attorney can advise you if this is a good option in your criminal case.
- Community service. Some judges will reduce a reckless driving charge if you perform community service before you are sentenced or as a condition of your probation.