What is Reckless Driving under Federal Law?
Reckless driving (
32 CFR 263.6) in federal courts in Virginia and D.C. is essentially the same as the
state charge. While the Virginia state law requires that your speed be 20 miles or higher than the posted speed for it to be considered reckless driving, the federal law simply requires going above the posted speed. This means that you can be charged with a misdemeanor in federal courts if you are speeding on the GW Parkway or any other federal property (Pentagon, Quantico, and other military bases included).
How is Reckless Driving punished?
- A misdemeanor conviction;
- Up to 6 months in jail;
- Suspension of your driver’s license;
- Up to 6 points on your driver’s license; and
- Up to a $5,000 fine.
How will this charge impact my life?
In addition to criminal and administrative penalties, a federal reckless driving conviction can result in a whole host of so-called collateral, or secondary, consequences. But many of these may be of primary importance in the lives of some defendants. Depending upon the nature of the conviction, these consequences
could include detrimental impacts to a person’s:
- Immigration status
- Security Clearances
- Professional Licenses
- Firearm Ownership
- Public Housing Eligibility
- Driving Privileges
- Eligibility for Federal Benefits
Do I need an an attorney?
Yes. It is a federal misdemeanor which can carry significant consequences for other facets of your life. If you are convicted of it, the charge will remain on your record and will show up on background checks. You could also be looking at jail time, given your speed. The higher the speed, the more chances you have of some jail time.It is extremely important to have an experienced
federal attorney look at the facts of your case to determine if you qualify for a dismissal or reduction of your charges.
