Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be anxious about consulting a lawyer?
At the Legal Defense Center we really go out of our way to make everyone feel as comfortable with me as possible. You will see that we are very down to earth. You will see that we are easy to talk to. You will not feel like you are bothering us. You will not feel rushed. You will not feel like just another number. We try our very best to make a personal connection with every single client.
What are the possible consequences of a Reckless Driving Conviction?
I will list the three most serious potential consequences of a Reckless Driving conviction down below:
1= A range of anywhere from 0 days in jail to 12 months in jail.
2= A fine that could go as high as $2500.
3= You could lose your license for up to 6 months.
Should I represent myself on a criminal matter?
Generally, I would say that anyone charged with a criminal offense should always get a lawyer. I cannot think of a scenario where it would make sense for someone to represent themselves on a criminal matter, although it is certainly their right to do so. Even if you think your case is a clear winner, unexpected developments can always spring up. You may think of the criminal defense attorney as an insurance policy against any kind of unforeseen complication that may arise in your case. Also, it is worth noting in Virginia that any and all criminal convictions stay on your criminal record for life.
Should I represent myself on a traffic matter?
It depends. Are you charged with a traffic misdemeanor or a traffic infraction? If you are charged with a traffic misdemeanor then you should absolutely get a lawyer because a traffic misdemeanor is a criminal charge. If you are only charged with a traffic infraction, then you may or may not need a lawyer. In those cases, it all depends on what you are concerned about. If you are charged with a traffic misdemeanor I would encourage you to set up a free consultation with me about potential representation. If you are only charged with a traffic infraction, I would also encourage you to set up a free consultation with me and there we can talk about whether or not it makes sense in your particular case to get a lawyer for that particular charge.
How do I know if I am charged with a traffic misdemeanor or a traffic infraction?
Look at your ticket. On the ticket it will note the specific code section which you are charged with and it will also have a description of the charge written under it. Without personally looking at your ticket I cannot tell you for sure, but I can give you a few general tips in this answer to help you navigate. If you are charged with any kind of Reckless Driving charge whatsoever then you are charged with a traffic misdemeanor. The two most common Reckless Driving code sections are 46.2-862 (Reckless Driving by Speed) and 46.2-852 (Reckless Driving General). If you are charged with either of the two code sections above, then you are charged with a traffic misdemeanor, and you should set up a free consultation with me about possible representation. If you are charged with any code sections other than the two listed above then you should set up a free consultation with me and I will let you know whether or not they are traffic misdemeanors or traffic infractions.
What is the difference between a traffic misdemeanor and a traffic infraction?
A traffic misdemeanor is a criminal charge, and a traffic infraction is not a criminal charge. If you are charged with a traffic misdemeanor, then you are not allowed to pre-pay the ticket. If you are charged with a traffic misdemeanor, then you are required to show up for your court date. If you fail to show up for your Court date on a traffic misdemeanor, then you risk receiving a criminal charge for missing Court as well as a warrant out for your arrest for missing Court. Conversely, traffic infractions often allow you the option of avoiding Court by prepaying the ticket ahead of time or if you want to fight the ticket in Court (or ask for leniency) then you may do that option as well either by yourself or through a lawyer. If you are convicted of a traffic misdemeanor it will show up on your criminal record. If you are only convicted of a traffic infraction, then it will not show up on your criminal record. Like regular criminal misdemeanors, traffic misdemeanors also stay on your criminal record for life in the state of Virginia. If you are found guilty of any traffic misdemeanor, then you face the possibility of jail time. If you are found guilty of only a traffic infraction then you do not face the possibility of jail time.