Don’t Lose Your License: A Fairfax Reckless Driving Lawyer on VA Demerit Points

Fairfax Reckless Driving Lawyer

In Virginia, reckless driving charges are far more serious than a typical traffic ticket; they are criminal offenses that can significantly impact your driving record and even lead to license suspension. It’s important to understand exactly what Virginia law considers reckless driving and the serious consequences that come with it. Keeping your driving privileges safe and staying informed about the Virginia DMV’s demerit point system is vital. At David Deane Law, our Fairfax reckless driving attorney, David Deane, could truly be the difference between a manageable outcome and severe, long-lasting repercussions.

Understanding Reckless Driving with Our Fairfax Reckless Driving Lawyer

Virginia has strict laws governing reckless driving, making it a serious criminal offense that extends beyond typical traffic violations. Reckless driving law in the state targets various unsafe practices, such as speeding, failure to yield, and navigating traffic improperly.

What sets reckless driving apart is its classification as a criminal misdemeanor. This means the stakes are higher—potential penalties include sizable fines and jail time. Trust our experienced Fairfax reckless driving lawyer at David Deane Law to explain the types of reckless driving and guide you through the complexities of the charges.

More Than a Simple Ticket: A Fairfax Reckless Driving Attorney on Why It's Criminal

Reckless driving transcends the realm of a mere traffic infraction, becoming a criminal offense under Virginia law. A reckless driving ticket can lead to severe consequences, including substantial fines, jail time, and the potential for felony charges. Law enforcement officers assess various factors, such as speed in excess of the maximum speed limit or improper control of a motor vehicle, which can dramatically impact your driving record. At David Deane Law, our experienced Fairfax reckless driving attorney, understands the intricacies of your case and can help navigate these serious implications.

Understanding the Virginia DMV Demerit Point System with Your Reckless Driving Lawyer

Virginia uses a DMV demerit point system to track driver behavior, with reckless driving carrying severe penalties. Traffic infractions add points based on severity, quickly impacting your license and increasing insurance rates. Consult our Fairfax reckless driving lawyer at David Deane Law. Attorney Deane will thoroughly analyze your case to minimize penalties from demerit points and other infractions. Protecting your driving record is imperative to avoid further repercussions.

How Demerit Points Are Assessed and Tracked

Demerit points in Virginia are assigned following traffic infractions or reckless driving incidents. Drivers start with zero points and risk accumulating penalties with violations.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) employs a demerit point system to track driving infractions, with points remaining on a driver’s record for two years from the offense date, though the conviction itself may remain longer, impacting driving privileges. The severity of the infraction determines the number of points assigned:

  • 6-Point Violations are considered the most serious offenses, carrying 6 demerit points. These include, but are not limited to, reckless driving (whether by speed, such as 20 MPH over the limit or over 80 MPH, or general reckless operation), driving under the influence (DUI), hit and run (especially involving property damage over $1,000), driving while suspended or revoked, manslaughter related to driving, eluding police, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and felony speeding (speeding 20 MPH or more over the speed limit where the speed limit is 80 MPH or more and the vehicle is going over 90 MPH). While the points apply for two years, the conviction for these severe offenses can stay on your record for 11 years.
  • 4-Point Violations are assigned for moderately severe infractions, resulting in 4 demerit points. Common examples include speeding 10-19 MPH over the posted limit, unsafe passing (such as passing on a curve or hill, or passing a stopped school bus), failure to yield right of way, following too closely, failure to stop at a signal, sign, or steady red light, and improper driving. The points for these violations apply for two years from the offense date, though the conviction can remain on your record for 3-5 years.
  • 3-Point Violations are given for less severe offenses, accumulating 3 demerit points. These typically involve speeding 1-9 MPH over the posted limit, improper turning (including illegal U-turns or improper lane changes), failure to obey highway signs (excluding stop signs and signals), failure to yield to a pedestrian, failure to signal, and improper stopping on the highway. The points for these violations also apply for two years from the offense date, with the conviction typically remaining on your record for 3 years.

During a traffic stop, officers note violations, adding corresponding demerit points to records, which DMV tracks electronically. The facts of your case dictate the assigned points. Seek professional advice to address infractions effectively and preserve your driver’s license.

How Long Do Demerit Points Stay on Your Record?

In Virginia, demerit points remain on your driving record for two years from the date of the violation, however the actual traffic violation may stay on your record for up to 11 years. After this period, points may not affect your insurance rates or lead to further penalties, but they can still be visible to law enforcement.

The Impact of Demerit Points on Your Driver’s License and Insurance

Accumulating demerit points can significantly affect your driving record and insurance premiums. With each infraction, whether it be a reckless driving charge or a minor speeding violation, insurers may view you as a higher risk. This perception can lead to increased rates or even policy cancellations. Moreover, accumulating points can result in a suspended license, restricting your ability to drive legally. Don’t face these serious consequences alone and contact our reckless driving attorney at David Deane Law today!

License Suspensions, Revocations, and Restricted Privileges

Consequences of accumulating demerit points can lead to serious ramifications for drivers. A reckless driving conviction may result in license suspension or revocation, severely restricting one's ability to operate a motor vehicle legally. Additionally, certain privileges, such as driving for work or other essential tasks, may also be limited. Given these severe potential outcomes, an experienced Fairfax reckless driving lawyer at David Deane Law can be pivotal in navigating your case and working to protect your driving privileges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a Fairfax reckless driving lawyer can potentially reduce your charges by negotiating plea deals or demonstrating mitigating circumstances. Their expertise in Virginia law may lead to lesser penalties, reduced demerit points, or even case dismissal, ultimately protecting your driving record and insurance rates.

Yes, removing demerit points from your record is possible under certain conditions. You may attend a driving improvement course or contest the violation in court. However, policies can vary by jurisdiction, so it’s essential to consult with a reckless driving lawyer for tailored legal advice.

Stop Googling "Reckless Driving Attorney Near Me" and Contact David Deane Law Today!

If you are searching for a “reckless driving attorney near me,” look no further than David Deane Law. Reckless driving attorney David Deane has a track record of success and is committed to fighting for your rights.

Recognized for several consecutive years as one of the leading Criminal Defense Lawyers in Northern Virginia by both Washingtonian Magazine and Northern Virginia Magazine, David boasts over 25 years of expertise in managing various criminal and traffic offenses, including DWIs, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, assault, theft, and drug-related cases, encompassing both felonies and misdemeanors. With a background that includes prosecuting numerous felony and misdemeanor cases, David’s dual experience provides him with a distinct advantage in effectively defending your case, as he understands the strategies used by prosecutors in building and presenting their cases.

Reach out to our skilled Virginia reckless driving lawyer for a free consultation today!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *