Individuals charged with reckless driving in Virginia are usually well aware of the mandatory penalties that come with a conviction. These penalties are an immediate motivation to attempt to have charges dismissed or reduced. A qualified traffic defense lawyer is charged with petitioning the court and prosecution for this result. But despite these immediate repercussions, many individuals still decide to not pursue legal assistance.
It is important to look past immediate penalties and consider potential long-term effects of a reckless driving conviction. Although it is impossible to predict the exact outcome, this type of conviction could impede future employment opportunities and even lead to an additional civil lawsuit.
Long-Term Repercussions of a Virginia Reckless Driving Conviction
Reckless driving in Virginia or felony reckless driving in Virginia is a criminal offense. This is true regardless of the circumstances surrounding the charge. If you are convicted of reckless driving, you could be facing jail time, fines, losing your driving privileges or even losing your vehicle. However, predetermined Virginia reckless driving penalties may not be the only way that your life is affected by a reckless driving conviction. In fact, such a conviction can have a major long-term repercussions. Below is a list of some of these repercussions that should be considered
Increased Insurance Rates
A reckless driving conviction can affect your insurance rates. Usually, such a conviction will result in having six demerit points added to your license. If this happens, your insurance rates may increase. Each insurance company has a particular way of dealing with reckless driving convictions. In addition, the facts surrounding your conviction will be looked at by your insurance company. If you were charged because you failed to use turn signals, chances are your insurance company will treat the situation differently than if your reckless driving caused a very serious accident. However, you should prepare for an increase in your insurance rate if you are convicted of reckless driving.
Loss of Employment Opportunities
A reckless driving conviction can affect your employment opportunities as well as your security clearances. If you are convicted, you will have a permanent criminal record as well as demerit points on your license. Since a number of companies ask about criminal convictions on job applications, this could affect your employment opportunities. If you must undergo a background check or a security clearance, your conviction will also show up.
If your conviction is a misdemeanor and you have a clean driving record otherwise, you may not have problems getting certain jobs or getting a good security clearance. However a felony reckless driving conviction can create some serious issues on your ability to get a job and obtain clearances.
Civil Lawsuit
A reckless driving conviction may result in a civil lawsuit. If you injured another individual or damaged property as a result of your reckless driving, you could possibly be facing a lawsuit. If you are convicted criminally, it will make it easier for the parties involved to successfully sue you in civil court. As part of the civil lawsuit, you may be asked to reimburse the injured parties for medical expenses, property damages or repair costs.
We Are Ready to Represent You
This information is not meant to be a scare tactic but the truth is – reckless driving conviction can create a multitude of issues that can seriously affect your life. Because of this, it is a good idea to consult an attorney who is experienced in traffic issues. A good traffic defense lawyer can challenge the facts presented to the court by a prosecutor and ensure you are not taken advantage of in court. If you have been charged with reckless driving in Virginia or felony reckless driving in Virginia – call The Brown Firm PLLC right away.
Our traffic defense attorneys draw from extensive experience defending individuals in Virginia court proceedings. We are prepared to aggressively defend your rights while seeking the a reduced penalty or a full dismissal of charges, if possible.
Set Up a Legal Consultation!
We offer initial consultations via phone or at our office so that you can discuss your case and make the best decision moving forward. Call our firm or send us a message online to set up your legal consultation today.
