Our Experienced Reckless Driving Lawyers Outline Factors That Impact Whether You’re Sentenced to Jail
Reckless driving is a severe offense in Virginia that comes with harsh punishments. If you were arrested for this crime, you may be worried that you’ll be sentenced to jail. At The Wilson Law Firm, our experienced Manassas reckless driving lawyers understand your worries and are here to help.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Virginia
Virginia classifies reckless driving as a Class 1 misdemeanor. There are at least 15 ways you can violate our state's reckless driving laws. Don’t take these charges lightly—if convicted, you may encounter the following penalties:
- Jail time. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you could be sentenced to jail for up to 12 months.
- Fines. You may be required to pay fines of up to $2,500.
- License suspension. You may lose your license for up to six months.
- Probation. The court may impose a probationary period during which you must comply with certain conditions.
When You May Face Jail in a Reckless Driving Case 
Even if this is your first conviction for reckless driving in Virginia, you could be sentenced to the maximum penalties for this crime.
There are several factors that influence the outcome of your case:
- The judge assigned to your case. Different judges have varying approaches to reckless driving offenses. Some are more likely to include jail time in their sentence.
- Speed of travel. If you were driving at an excessive speed of over 85 or 100 mph in violation of Virginia Code § 46.2-862, the judge may impose a stricter sentence.
- Danger posed. If your actions endangered others or resulted in property damage under Virginia Code § 46.2-852, the court may be more inclined to order you to serve jail time.
- Injury or damage caused. If your reckless driving resulted in injury to another person or damage to property, there’s a greater chance you’ll be incarcerated. This is especially true if someone dies in a motor vehicle accident as a result of your actions.
We understand there’s a lot to process with these charges. But at The Wilson Law Firm, we’ll mount an aggressive defense to protect your rights and help you succeed in achieving the best possible outcome for your case.