Reckless Driving Attorney In Richmond

Facing A Reckless Driving Charge In Virginia

If you were recently cited for reckless driving in Virginia, you are not dealing with a simple speeding ticket. Reckless driving is a criminal charge that can affect your record, your license, and your future. At Janus & Stone in Richmond, we help drivers understand what this charge really means and what they can do about it.

We know most people charged with reckless driving have jobs, families, and responsibilities that depend on their ability to drive. Many have never been in a courtroom before. Our firm focuses on criminal and traffic cases, so we are used to guiding people through this process step by step. Attorney Taylor B. Stone brings more than 20 years of experience in criminal, family, and traffic law. Our approach is client-centered and communication-focused. When you contact us, we work to explain your options clearly and to build a strategy that fits your specific situation.

Call (804) 265-4441 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Why Reckless Driving Matters In Virginia

One of the first questions many drivers ask is whether this is really a criminal offense. In Virginia, the answer is yes. Reckless driving is generally charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is the same class of offense as some assault and theft charges. That means a conviction can appear on your criminal record, not just your driving history.

Potential penalties can be serious. Depending on the facts and your prior record, a court can impose a fine, court costs, and, in some cases, a period of jail time. The court may also suspend your privilege to drive for a period of time. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles typically assesses demerit points that can stay on your driving record for years.

The consequences often reach beyond the courtroom. A reckless driving conviction can trigger increased insurance premiums, and some employers review driving and criminal records when making hiring or promotion decisions. Drivers who hold professional licenses or security clearances may have to report certain convictions and explain them during reviews or background checks.

In and around Richmond, reckless driving cases are usually heard in the General District Courts, such as the Richmond General District Court, based on where the stop or incident occurred. Each court has its own scheduling practices, and judges may handle these charges differently. Outcomes are influenced by factors such as the speed alleged, whether an accident was involved, your driving history, and any mitigating information you can present. Understanding these potential penalties and collateral effects is the first step to making informed decisions. Once you know what is at stake, you can evaluate whether you want to appear alone and plead guilty or whether you want help from a lawyer who handles these cases regularly.

How We Approach Reckless Driving Cases

When you contact our firm about a reckless driving charge, we start by listening. We review the summons, the code section cited, the speed or conduct alleged, and whether there was a crash or other complicating factor. We also talk with you about your driving record and any prior court experience, because those details can affect how a judge views your case. From there, we discuss your priorities. Some clients are most concerned about avoiding a license suspension because they drive for work. Others are focused on protecting a clean record for a security clearance or professional license. We work to understand what matters most to you before we suggest a path forward, because a good strategy should fit your specific goals.

Our analysis often includes evaluating the evidence that may be presented in court. In a speed-based case, this may involve considering how speed was measured and whether there are practical issues that could affect reliability. In a case arising from an accident, it may involve looking at what the officer actually observed versus what was reported later. We also consider whether proactive steps, such as a driver improvement course or documented community involvement, might help present you in a fuller light.

With more than two decades of criminal and traffic practice, and with experience gained from working alongside mentor Murray J. Janus, we are comfortable in the courtroom. We negotiate when that serves the client’s interests, and we prepare to try cases when a contested hearing is the right option. Throughout the process, we keep communication clear and consistent, so you know what to expect on your court date and afterward.

Steps To Take After A Reckless Driving Charge

Being handed a reckless driving summons can be unsettling, especially if it is your first criminal charge. Taking a few focused steps early can make the situation easier to manage and can help your attorney evaluate your options. Acting sooner rather than later also gives more time to prepare for court here.

Here are practical steps you can take right now:

• Carefully read your summons so you know the exact charge, the court listed, and the date and time you are expected to appear.
• Obtain a copy of your Virginia driving record, and if you have moved from another state, gather any relevant out-of-state records as well.
• Write down your recollection of the stop or accident while it is still fresh, including road and traffic conditions and anything you said or were told.
• Avoid posting about the incident on social media or discussing fault with others, because those conversations can sometimes be misunderstood later.
• Contact a reckless driving lawyer in Richmond soon enough that you can review your situation and, if you choose, begin preparing before your court date.

If your case is set in the Richmond General District Court or another nearby court, the date on your summons is generally your trial date, not just an orientation. That means you should expect the judge to hear evidence and decide your case that day, unless it is continued. Having a plan in place before that date can make the experience more manageable.

When you reach out to Janus & Stone, we can discuss which of these steps are most important in your specific circumstances. We can also explain any additional preparation that might be appropriate, such as completing a driver improvement course in advance or gathering documents related to your work or family obligations.

Why Drivers Choose Janus & Stone

Drivers charged with reckless driving in and around Richmond have many options when it comes to legal representation. People who choose Janus & Stone often do so because they want an attorney who combines deep experience with attentive, clear communication. They want someone who knows how these cases typically unfold in local courts and who will take the time to understand their situation.

Taylor B. Stone has spent more than 20 years practicing criminal, family, and traffic law. This focused set of practice areas allows us to stay engaged with the details and patterns that shape outcomes in reckless driving cases. Our understanding of how criminal and traffic matters move through Virginia courts helps us anticipate procedural issues and prepare clients for what they are likely to encounter.

Our firm’s history is tied to the legacy of Murray J. Janus, a respected Richmond attorney who mentored Taylor Stone. Practicing alongside him for years gave Taylor a grounded perspective on preparation, courtroom advocacy, and professional responsibility. We retain Janus in our firm’s name in recognition of that legacy, and as a reminder of the standard of representation we work to provide.

Above all, we focus on relationships. We strive to return calls and emails promptly, to explain your options in plain language, and to keep you informed as your court date approaches. Whether your case is resolved through negotiation or a contested hearing, our goal is for you to feel prepared, supported, and heard throughout the process with a reckless driving attorney in Richmond who understands what is at stake for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is reckless driving in Virginia a criminal charge?

Yes, reckless driving in Virginia is generally charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor. That means it is treated as a criminal offense, not a simple traffic infraction. A conviction can appear on your criminal record and may carry penalties such as fines, possible jail time, and license implications.

Will I have to come to court for my case?

In many reckless driving cases, the driver is required to appear in the General District Court listed on the summons, such as the Richmond General District Court. There are situations where an attorney may appear on a client’s behalf, but that depends on the specific charge and court practices.

How can your firm help with my reckless driving charge?

We start by reviewing your summons, the facts, and your driving history, then we talk through your goals. Drawing on more than 20 years of criminal and traffic law experience, we work to develop a strategy, whether that involves seeking a negotiated outcome or preparing for a contested hearing.

When should I contact a reckless driving lawyer?

It is usually best to contact a lawyer soon after receiving your summons. Early involvement allows time to review records, advise on proactive steps, and prepare for court. Waiting until just before your court date can limit available options and may increase your stress about the process.

What will communication with your office be like?

Our approach is built on clear, consistent communication. We explain the process in straightforward terms, let you know what to expect at each stage, and work to respond promptly to questions. Clients appreciate knowing they can reach out and receive practical guidance as their case moves forward.

Talk With Janus & Stone About Your Charge

If you are facing a reckless driving charge here, you do not have to sort through the law and the court process by yourself. A conversation with our firm can help you understand your options, what to expect in court, and how our experience with criminal and traffic cases can support you.

When you contact Janus & Stone, you will speak with a team that values clear communication and careful preparation. We take time to understand how this charge affects your work, your license, and your family, then we work to build a plan that reflects your priorities. Reaching out is a simple step that can bring more clarity to a stressful situation.

Call (804) 265-4441 to discuss your reckless driving case with our team.