Local Mecklenburg County VA Attorney Helps with Traffic Tickets
Reckless Driving Tickets in Mecklenburg, VA
It is very common to find speed traps alongside Interstate 85 in Mecklenburg, VA set up by either the Virginia State Police or the Mecklenburg County Police Department. The speed limit on this section of I-85 near the North Carolina border is 70 mph. In Virginia, driving 16 mph or more above 70 mph is regarded as reckless driving.
Mecklenburg reckless driving tickets are punished as follows:
- fine up to $2500
- license suspension up to 6 months
- jail up to one year (they don't give jail or consider it until you reach the higher speed zones, usually at 100 mph and up)
- permanent criminal record if you are found guilty
Accidents Cases in Mecklenburg
Accident cases are almost always charged as reckless driving. These cases are inherently more serious and they take more time. Judges will look into the facts of the case more than a typical traffic ticket.
Mecklenburg reckless driving accident cases will be charged under Virginia law 46.2-852 or 46.2-853. These are the "reckless driving generally" and the "failure to maintain proper control." They are both class 1 criminal misdemeanors and the range of punishment is the same for reckless driving by speed.
Factors that make these cases drastically more or less serious include:
- was it a single vehicle accident or a multiple vehicle accident
- was there any personal injury
- what were the extent of the injuries
- was anyone transported to the hospital
- was there any endangerment alleged
- weaving or other dangerous driving
- what was the CAUSE of the accident
- what did you tell the police about WHY you got in an accident
The mere happening of an accident alone is not enough to find someone guilty of reckless driving in Mecklenburg. Based on the facts of your case, we might be able to help get your case completely dismissed.
Speeding Tickets or Reckless Driving in Mecklenburg County, VA
Mecklenburg, VA speeding tickets are not the same thing as a reckless driving ticket. However, if you were driving OVER 85 MPH then you are actually charged with reckless driving and not speeding.
Speeding tickets (driving LESS than 86 mph AND LESS than 20 MPH over the speed limit) are punished as follows:
- traffic infraction, not a criminal misdemeanor
- fine only
- maximum fine of $250
- no license suspension
- not a criminal offense
- does not leave you with a criminal record if you are found guilty
The EASIEST WAY to find out your charge is to look at the LAW SECTION on your ticket.
SPEEDING TICKETS = 46.2-870 through 46.2-878
RECKLESS DRIVING MISDEMEANORS = 46.2-862
Do You Need a Mecklenburg County, VA Traffic Ticket Attorney?
As always, there are pros and cons to your decision. You will need to weigh each, and make the decision that is right for you.
PROS to HIRING A QUALITY ATTORNEY:
- Usually no need to appear in court if you hire a lawyer
- speeds of 100 mph or more still usually require an appearance because JAIL is on the table
- The results are usually better
- Will find a legal defense if there is one.
CONS:
- Cost
- any quality traffic lawyer will bill for their time
- most reckless driving charges take about 1-3 hours of time
- more serious cases take more time
- There are a lot of lawyers who provide less than stellar performance.
- you need to really weed out the good firms from the bad ones
- in general, you get what you pay for
If I got a reckless driving ticket, I would hire a lawyer because the stakes are too high. A permanent criminal record is not something I would choose. In addition, the insurance, employment and other consequences are just too great. But you have to make the choice that's right for you.