Reckless Driving Can Land You in Jail

Robert Griffin Jr., the father of Robert Griffin III (the quarterback for the Washington Redskins) was charged and convicted of reckless driving. He will serve 10 days in jail in Hampton, Virginia for driving 115 mph on Interstate 64. This is almost twice the legal limit, which is 60 mph. Although he pleaded not guilty, a Hampton judge found him guilty and sentenced him to 60 days in jail. Since 50 days were suspended, Griffin will only serve 10 days in jail on the weekend for 5 weeks. The Virginia legislature takes reckless driving very seriously and a person found guilty will be subjected to a Class 1 misdemeanor.

What is Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving is when a person drives in a manner that creates a dangerous situation for other drivers and pedestrians on the road. Under the Virginia code, reckless driving includes driving in a manner that creates a dangerous situation for another’s property, limb, and most importantly life. A person could face Class 6 felony charges for reckless driving under two circumstances.

If the person was driving without a valid driver’s license because it was either revoked or suspended.

If the person who was recklessly driving ended up killing another person.

Since the consequences of reckless driving can be so serious, the Virginia Legislature requires that those who are guilty be punished accordingly.

What are Virginia’s Harsh Penalties for Reckless Driving?

When a person is convicted of driving recklessly, they will be found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A Class 1 misdemeanor is the most severe of the misdemeanor classes. Every person convicted of this crime will be required to pay a mandatory minimum fine of $250. However, a person can be charged a fine up to $2,500 and/or a jail sentence of up to 12 months. The severity of the offense will determine the amount of money that a person will be charged. If a person is charged with a Class 6 felony then he or she may have to go to jail for between one and five years. If a jury is not deciding on a case than a person can be sentenced to up to a year in jail and/or forced to pay $2,5000. A person who is convicted of reckless driving will face either a felony or misdemeanor, which will stay on a person’s record. This is why it is important that a person charged is able to make an argument for why he or she should be found not guilty.

Have You Been charged with Reckless Driving?

If you are facing charges for reckless driving, it is essential to have someone represent you that is aware of the severity with which Virginia treats reckless driving. The Law Offices of Jad Sarsour is here to listen to your side of the story and try to prepare a defense that will protect you from having to serve a jail sentence. Contact our firm at 703-385-6868 to sent up a call with one of our client intake specialists.