If you mistakenly believed the police officer only issued you a traffic citation when charging you with reckless driving, you’re not alone. Depending on the circumstances, there’s not always an immediate arrest, and the citation serves as a summons to appear in court, where the charges will be addressed.
But, to be clear, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor in our state—a serious criminal offense that can result in significant penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Our experienced Manassas lawyers at The Wilson Law Firm know the harsh penalties you face if convicted of this crime, and we’re ready to mount an aggressive defense.
How Does Reckless Driving Differ From a Traffic Citation in Virginia? 
A traffic citation is quite different from a reckless driving charge.
A citation is a ticket for violating Virginia’s traffic laws, such as driving with a broken headlight or making an improper lane change.
While considered to be infractions, these aren’t criminal offenses, and the penalty is a fine. You can often pay it online without attending a court hearing. In addition, a traffic ticket doesn’t go on a permanent criminal record.
Because reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, there are more serious penalties. In some cases, this offense can be charged as a felony.
While speeding is the most common reason to be charged with this crime, you could also be arrested for many other reckless driving violations that would be considered traffic tickets in other states. For example, under Virginia Code §18.2-860, you could be guilty of reckless driving for failing to use your turn signals properly. A few other violations typically not considered reckless driving in other states include the following:
- Driving too fast for road and weather conditions
- Driving your vehicle with faulty brakes
- Driving recklessly in a parking lot
- Not yielding the right of way
- Overloading your vehicle
Unlike when you receive a traffic infraction, you must attend a court hearing to resolve your reckless driving charges. You would also have a permanent criminal record if convicted of this misdemeanor.
What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Virginia?
As mentioned above, in most cases, a traffic citation carries a fine. But a reckless driving charge has more serious consequences. For example, for a first-time offense, a judge could sentence you to:
- A maximum jail sentence of one year.
- A fine of up to $2,500.
- Suspension of your driver’s license for 12 months.
- Six points assessed on your driving record.
You shouldn’t try to resolve reckless driving charges on your own. Let our skilled team at The Wilson Law Firm raise your defenses—which you may have even if you’re guilty—to help get your charges dropped or reduced to a less serious traffic infraction. Read our recent case results to see how our legal team has achieved successful outcomes for many of our clients charged with reckless driving like you.