Reckless Driving

In addition to these penalties and the serious impact they can have on your day-to-day life, people convicted under Virginia reckless driving law often experience extremely high insurance premiums that can make affording insurance difficult. If you are charged with reckless driving, however, working with a qualified lawyer you trust can significantly improve the outcome of your case.

Getting Ready for Your First Reckless Driving Case in Fairfax County

If you’ve been issued a summons for reckless driving, it’s important to start preparing as soon as possible. Fairfax County General District Court doesn’t have a standard policy for reducing reckless driving charges simply because it’s your first offense—though some judges may be more lenient than others, and certain factors are beyond your control. That’s why it’s highly recommended to contact an attorney who regularly handles reckless driving cases. Even if it’s your first offense, reckless driving is still a misdemeanor, and with the right preparation, it’s often possible to avoid serious consequences. At Ervin Law, we dedicate a significant amount of time to helping our clients prepare, because when you step into that courtroom on your court date, that’s where the real work begins.

Many people who get reckless driving tickets in Fairfax County think they can handle court without an attorney, but based on our experience, we strongly recommend consulting with a local attorney before making that decision. In Fairfax, some judges may issue a guilty verdict with a small fine, which may seem like a good outcome, but it can leave you with a permanent misdemeanor on your criminal record and a reckless driving conviction on your driving record for 11 years. Not only that, but you’ll also get 6 points added to your record. At its worst, reckless driving can carry a fine of up to $2,500, 12 months in jail, and/or a 6-month license suspension.

We’re in court almost every day and have a deep understanding of the Fairfax County Court System. We’ve seen countless individuals try to represent themselves on a first-time reckless driving charge and end up with a conviction and license suspension when it could have been avoided. While we know attorneys can seem expensive, we strive to offer reasonable fees so you’re not going to court on your own. When a judge, police officer, and defendant are in the courtroom, having a defense attorney on your side really evens the playing field. And it’s even better when that attorney knows the judges, prosecutors, and police officers involved.