RECKLESS DRIVING 

Charged with Reckless Driving in Prince William County or the Surrounding Areas?

Reckless driving is a criminal charge, and time is critical to protect your license and your record. Contact Battlefield Law Group for a free consultation.

It Looks Like a Traffic Ticket. But It’s a Criminal Offense.

Many people think a reckless driving charge is just a traffic ticket. It’s not. In Virginia, reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor, the same class as DUI or assault. That means it carries the possibility of jail time, a criminal record, and license suspension.

You can be charged with reckless driving for things like:

  • Speeding 20 mph over the posted limit or over 85 mph (Virginia Code § 46.2-862)

  • Passing improperly or aggressively (Virginia Code § 46.2-852)

  • Failing to maintain control of your vehicle

In short, ordinary driving behavior can suddenly become a criminal case.

Penalties Under Virginia Law

Reckless driving under Virginia Code § 46.2-868 is a Class 1 misdemeanor with serious consequences:

  • Up to 12 months in jail

  • Fines up to $2,500

  • 6 demerit points on your license

  • Possible license suspension (up to 6 months)

  • Stays on your driving record for 11 years and your criminal record permanently

If your charge involves an accident, high speed, or suspected DUI, penalties can increase, and prosecutors may use it to pressure plea deals.

A Pretext for a Bigger Search

In Northern Virginia, reckless driving charges are often used as a pretext to stop and investigate drivers for more serious issues like DUI or drug possession. You may have been pulled over for speeding, but once the officer approached your window, they started looking for signs of alcohol, marijuana, or even paraphernalia.

We ask the hard questions:

  • Was the stop lawful?

  • Did the officer escalate without cause?

  • Was your vehicle searched or were statements used against you without being advised of your rights?

This is where traffic law crosses into criminal law, and where having a criminal defense attorney—not just a traffic lawyer—makes a difference.

What We Can Do For You

Our goal is to reduce or dismiss your reckless driving charge by using proven legal strategies tailored to the specific facts of your case and the court you're in. We can:

  • Challenge the accuracy of radar, LIDAR, or pacing methods used to estimate your speed

  • Argue lack of intent or necessity, especially in emergency or unfamiliar driving conditions

  • Seek a reduction to improper driving under § 46.2-869 or other non-criminal infractions

  • Work to protect your driving record, avoid license suspension, and minimize DMV points

  • Identify procedural or constitutional issues that could lead to dismissal

We regularly appear in traffic courts throughout Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, and neighboring jurisdictions. We understand how local judges view reckless driving and tailor our arguments to what works in each courtroom.

Charged with Reckless Driving in Manassas, Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, or anywhere in Northern Virginia? Don’t try to do this alone, we can help. CALL NOW

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AREAS OF PRACTICE

Our trial attorneys know Virginia law and understand how tough prosecutors can be. We make sure your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and your future is defended. With aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case, our mission is simple: to fight for the best possible outcome for you.

SERVING ALL COUNTIES IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA

Prince William | Fairfax | Culpeper | Fauquier | Stafford | Loudoun

 Battlefield Law Group – Trusted Criminal & DUI Defense in Northern Virginia

Located in Old Town Manassas, Virginia, Battlefield Law Group is a trusted defense firm proudly serving clients across Northern Virginia. With a commitment to personalized attention and skilled representation, our experienced attorneys practice in a wide range of areas including: criminal defense, DUI/DWI, traffic tickets, reckless driving, protective orders, and much more. We are honored to assist individuals and families in the following counties: Prince William, Fairfax, Loudoun, Fauquier, Culpepr, and Stafford. Whether you’re navigating a complex legal issue or seeking guidance through a challenging time, Battlefield Law Group is here to provide strong advocacy and compassionate support every step of the way.