Virginia Beach Beach Reckless Driving Lawyer Discusses VA Code §46.2-862

Attorney Anthony Montagna, III in blue suit sitting on a leather couch in an office with a lamp and colorful rug.

Many People Do Not Understand LIDAR When Stopped By the Police in Newport News

As one of the leading reckless driving lawyers in Newport News, VA, I frequently am asked what is LIDAR? Many people do not know what LIDAR is and the differences with RADAR.

If you are charged with reckless driving in Newport News, VA, you may see something like L1 or L2 on your summons. You may also see a specific distance in feet on the summons. For example, you may see 867 feet written or typed on the summons by your indicated speed.

If you see something like L1 or L2 and a distance in feet on your summons, there is a really good chance that the police officer, trooper, or deputy determined your speed by LIDAR. If you see something like M/R or S/R, there is a good chance that the police officer, deputy, or state trooper determined your speed by RADAR M/R usually stands for moving radar. S/R usually stands for stationary RADAR.

Police officer using a radar gun for speed monitoring against a white background.

Anthony Montagna, III defends reckless driving cases with LIDAR in Newport News, VA.

What is LIDAR?

LIDAR signal has the three same distinguishable characteristics as other forms of electromagnetic wave energy:

Signal speed at the speed of light
Wavelength is the distance between two corresponding points on consecutive wave cycles
Frequency is the number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time and is usually measured by terms of cycles per second

LASER Technology

LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emissions of Radiation. LADAR’s, Laser Detection and Ranging, and LIDAR’s, Light Detection and Ranging, are different types of laser technology. To measure the target range, the laser device transmits pulsed laser light. Additionally, the laser device must be stationary. A minimum of two pulses from the laser device must occur with at least two range measurements to determine speed. The change in target range equals the speed of the target vehicle.

Calculation of Speed When Stopped for Reckless Driving in Newport News with LIDAR

A police officer will usually begin use of the LIDAR by pulling the trigger. The LIDAR sends off hundreds of LASER light pulses over a second of time. When the LIDAR device is activated, the timer starts and stops when the reflected pulse is received. The Lidar then calculates speed from a number of time and range movements.

Problems with LIDAR

Accuracy
Shooting the Laser through Glass
Target Acceleration or Deceleration
Conditions in the Atmosphere
Variations in Range
Operational Error

How to Challenge LIDAR Results

Hire an experienced lawyer familiar with LASER and RADAR technology
Hire an expert witness
Vigorously cross examine the police officer

If You Are Charged with Reckless Driving in Newport News, VA, It Is Important to Hire a Reckless Driving Defense Expert, Like Anthony Montagna, III

Has Defended an Estimated Number of Over 5,000 Reckless Driving Cases Across Va
Military, Union, Teacher, Student, Retired, and First Responder Discounts for People Charged with Reckless Driving in Newport News
Reckless Driving Defense Specialist
Winning Reckless Driving Cases Since 1993
Here to Guide You Through the Complexities of Your Reckless Driving Case in Northampton County, VA and to Provide You Simple, Straightforward Answers to Your Questions
Payment Plans
Familiar with Judge Haynes and Judge Robbins, the Two Presiding Judges in the Northampton County, VA General District Court
Providing Unmatched Legal Representation as a Northampton County Reckless Driving Lawyer
Many Clients Charged with Reckless Driving with Speeds Over 105 Mph
Three Convenient Office Locations in Norfolk, Newport News, and Virginia Beach, Va
Follow This Link to See Some of My Google Reviews

Montagna’s Newport News, VA Reckless Driving Defense Team

757-625-3500 (to Reach Anthony Montagna, Iii 24 Hours a Day)
Providing Unmatched Legal Representation as Newport News, Va Reckless Driving Lawyers
We Understand That You Have a Lot of Attorneys from Whom to Select, but We Relish the Opportunity to Serve You
Over 100+ Years of Combined Legal Experience with the Lawyers at the Firm
Offices in Norfolk, Newport News, and Virginia Beach, Va
We Treat You Like Family
We Specialize in Reckless Driving Defenses in Eastville and All of Northampton County, Va
A Client First Law Firm

Some of Anthony Montagna, III’s Great Results

Although every case is different, no two cases are the same, and a result in one case does not guarantee the same result in every case or predict the result of a different case, Anthony has obtained great results in Northampton County, VA and around the other cities and counties in Virginia.

Some of Anthony’s case results are the following:

Anthony has handled an estimate of over 4,500 reckless driving cases, but no case was more satisfying than a reckless driving case that was reduced to improper driving and the client described Anthony as, “Great Lawyer. Fine gentleman.”
Reckless driving, 131 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION WITH $150.00 fine
Reckless driving at 125 mph in a 55 mph zone on a motorcycle, reckless driving racing with weaving in and out of traffic at night, no motorcycle endorsement, and obstructed license plate: OBSTRUCTED LICENSE PLATE DISMISSED, NO MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT DISMISSED, GUILTY OF RECKLESS DRIVING WITH A $500 FINE AND 10 DAYS IN JAIL SUSPENDED, AND GUILTY OF RACING WITH $750 FINE, 6 MONTH LICENSE SUSPENSION, AND 10 DAYS IN JAIL SUSPENDED.
Reckless driving, 118 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO SPEEDING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 112 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, $250.00 fine
Reckless driving, 112 mph in a 55 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, Racing: Reduced to Improper Driving, a Traffic Infraction
Reckless driving, 110 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, $500.00 fine
Reckless driving, 110 mph in a 55 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 110 mph in a 55 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 107 mph in a 65 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 107 mph in a 60 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 106 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 105 mph in a 55 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 105 mph in a 55 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 104 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving where police officer testified that client’s vehicle crossed lanes of traffic and had vehicle almost cut in half: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 103 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO SPEEDING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 102 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION WITH $500.00 fine
Reckless driving, 102 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION WITH $500.00 fine
Reckless driving, 104 mph in a 60 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION WITH $300.00 fine
Reckless driving, 104 mph in a 30 mph zone: GUILTY OF RECKLESS DRIVING, BUT NO ACTIVE JAIL TIME
Reckless driving, 102 mph in a 60 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 101 mph in a 55 mph zone in Norfolk: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION WITH $100.00 fine
Reckless driving, 100 mph in a 70 mph zone: REDUCED TO SPEEDING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving where client’s vehicle ran off road, flipped over a number of times, hit trees, ultimately hit a house off the road, and where the police office believed client drove his vehicle over 90 mph: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, client driving a motorcycle at a high rate of speed on the interstate with sudden lane change and driving between vehicles: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 98 mph in a 60 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 97 mph in a 60 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 97 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO SPEEDING
Reckless driving, 96 mph in a 60 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 96 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 95 mph in a 65 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 95 mph in a 55 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 95 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO REDUCED TO SPEEDING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 95 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 94 mph in a 65 mph zone: REDUCED TO SPEEDING
Reckless driving, 94 mph in a 55 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 93 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION WITH $250.00 FINE
Reckless driving 92 mph in a 55 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving 92 mph in a 60 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 92 mph in a 65 mph zone: REDUCED TO DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 92 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 91 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 91 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 91 mph in a 60 mph zone: REDUCED TO SPEEDING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 91 mph in a 60 mph zone: REDUCED TO SPEEDING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 90 mph in a 65 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 90 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 90 mph in a 60 mph zone: REDUCED TO DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Reckless driving 86 mph in a 60 mph zone: REDUCED TO DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Reckless driving, 86 mph in a 55 mph zone, REDUCED TO SPEEDING
Reckless driving 84 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 84 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 82 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 82 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 81 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving 81 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 80 mph in a 45 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 80 mph in a 55 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving 80 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 79 mph in a 55 mph zone, REDUCED TO SPEEDING
Reckless driving, 77 mph in a 55 mph zone, REDUCED TO SPEEDING
Reckless driving, 77 mph in a 55 mph zone, DISMISSED
Reckless driving 76 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 72 mph in a 45 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 74 mph in a 35 mph zone: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 74 mph in a 35 mph zone: REDUCED TO DEFECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Reckless driving, 62 mph in a 35 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, 50 mph in a 25 mph zone: REDUCED TO SPEEDING
Reckless driving, client driving above 80 mph, tailgating, and switching lanes abruptly: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
Reckless driving, client driving above 90 mph on a motorcycle, driving between lanes with vehicles, and driving in a dangerous manner: DISMISSED
Reckless driving, 146 in a 55 mph zone, small fine and ONLY 5 days in jail to serve on weekends
Reckless driving, 141 in a 55 mph zone, small fine and ONLY 5 days in jail to serve on weekends
Reckless driving: DISMISSED
Reckless driving: DISMISSED
Reckless driving: DISMISSED
Reckless driving: Reduced to Speeding, 19 Miles Over the Speed Limit
Reckless Driving: DISMISSED
Reckless Driving: DISMISSED
Reckless Driving: DISMISSED

What Some Clients Say About Anthony Montagna, III

“I am not a current client of Mr. Montagna, however I can say that he is not only a great lawyer, but a great person. He spent a lot of time with me discussing my reckless driving case and was patient in answering my questions, giving his opinion and advice and even giving me additional tips to help with my case. He definitely went above and beyond and I would recommend him to anyone looking for representation.”
“I can’t thank Mr. Montagna enough for what he did for me. I was facing a Class 1 misdemeanor for reckless driving and a separate charge for no insurance—both serious charges that could’ve followed me for years. He got the reckless charge reduced to improper driving and got the no insurance charge completely dismissed. I walked out of that courtroom with a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. From day one, he made it clear that he genuinely cares about his clients. He took the time to understand my situation, walked me through the process step by step, and fought hard for the best possible outcome. With over 30 years of experience, he knew exactly how to handle my case—and it showed. He’s not just an attorney—he’s a real person who treats you with respect and makes you feel heard. One thing I will say to anyone thinking about hiring him: do everything he asks you to do. He knows what he’s doing, and if you follow his guidance, you’ll give yourself the best shot at a great result. Our entire family is beyond grateful. He’s worth every penny, and I wouldn’t trust anyone else to handle something this serious. If you need real representation from someone who truly cares, this is the firm to call.”
“Thanks to Mr. Anthony Montagna and his team for getting my case dismissed today. I really appreciate it”
“If I could give 6 stars I would! Mr. Montagna was the attorney we needed for the traffic violation! Our case was dismissed in under a minute and I thank God and Mr. Montagna for representing us.”
“Mr. Montagna represented me in a traffic violation case. He made me very comfortable in his ability to make sure the truth was heard and have an outcome that represented what actually happened in the accident. Mr. Montagna’s confidence is clearly known from day one. He goes into court with a positive attitude which keeps his clients at ease. I highly recommend Mr. Anthony Montagna if you need representation when dealing with a traffic ticket.”
“I had a reckless driving case today doing 95 in a 60 and added with unsafe lane change. He helped me walk out with a $100 fine before court costs. I highly recommend Mr. Montagna to be your lawyer and I highly recommend you do the stuff he requests you do to. It’ll help you out a lot. I would hire him again in a heart beat. Thank you Mr. Anthony Montagna for helping me with my reckless driving case”
“Anthony Montagna is absolutely one of the best if not THE BEST lawyer for reckless driving, I chose him because he had great reviews and when we sat down and talked he showed me all that I needed to get done and showed that he cared. He is very concise and aggressive and represents you in the best way possible. I had a reckless driving ticket from going 92/65 and he got it dropped to a defective equipment violation. He represented me in the very best way possible and was very quick and informative about the whole process. I wish I could give more stars, if you have a reckless driving charge, this is the guy.”
“Mr. Montagna represented me today and achieved the best possible outcome….dismissal of charges! My case was Reckless Driving (91 in a 65) along I-64. As a military service member and VA non-resident, I was unaware of the seriousness of a RD charge (class I misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 yr in jail and $2500 fine). Following charges I consulted with 4 different lawyers and decided to go with Anthony because of his approach during our consult. He emphasized the seriousness of the charge, made no guarantees regarding an outcome, and described to me in detail what our defense strategy should be on the day in court. He outlined a series of tasks I should complete prior to the court appearance that would give me the best possible chance at a favorable outcome. I quickly related with his candor and demeanor, and felt early in our consult the comfort in a lawyer that I was looking for. I followed his recommendations to the detail and went well above the community service hours he initially recommended (when it comes to community service, clearly more is better)! Mr. Montagna and his staff were extremely responsive whenever I had questions! I think I appreciated that part the most because this entire situation proved rather stressful considering I had absolutely no experience with the judicial system before this experience. His performance in court was just as impressive! He presented my defense with calm and poise. He guided me through a line of questioning before the Judge that displayed that I both took the charges seriously and worked hard to atone. The experience overall was rather humbling, and I appreciate greatly Anthony’s representation throughout!! If you find yourself in a bind, you’d do well to give Mr. Montagna a call!”
“Fantastic experience. Mr. Montagna was transparent throughout the entire process & answered all my questions with confidence and positivity. He was professional start to finish & is a man of his word. Couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome.”
“Anthony Montagna was a huge help, He took his time and spoke personally with me on my case and he got me the best results on my case. I highly recommend!!”

Commitment to Clients as a Newport News, VA Reckless Driving Lawyer

Practicing law since 1993, I know each reckless driving case in Newport News, VA is different, and I provide personalized attention for each reckless driving client in Newport News, VA,” says Anthony. “I am committed to providing my clients in Newport News with zealous and skillful representation. I know that my client’s case is a serious concern, and I treat every client like I would want my family treated. I am here to guide you through the complexities of your case and to provide you simple, straightforward answers to your questions.