What You Should Expect When Pulled Over For Reckless Driving In Virginia Beach

Anthony Montagna III sitting on a couch in a blue suit at his office in Norfolk Virginia

Anthony Montagna, III is the “Go To Reckless Driving Lawyer in Virginia Beach, VA”

What Happens When You’re Pulled Over

Initial Stop:
- The officer may tell you why you’re being stopped (e.g., speeding over 85 mph or 20+ mph over the limit, aggressive maneuvers, etc.).
- You may be issued a summons (not just a regular speeding ticket).
Summons vs Arrest:
- In some cases, especially for very high speeds or dangerous behavior, you may be arrested on the spot.
- In other cases, you’ll be handed a summons to appear in court, which you should sign. This is not an admission of guilt, just a promise to appear.
You Must Appear in Court:
- Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia, not a simple traffic infraction.
- You cannot prepay the fine or skip court. Failing to appear can result in a warrant for your arrest.

⚖️ Legal Consequences of Reckless Driving in VA

Generally, A Class 1 Misdemeanor – similar to DUI or petty larceny.
For a Class 1 Misdemeanor, Penalties Can Include:
- Up to 12 months in jail
- Up to $2,500 fine
- 6 points on your driving record
- Possible license suspension of license or privilege to drive in VA (up to 6 months)
- A criminal record
Can be a Felony under Certain Circumstances

What You Should Do Next

Document Everything:
- Write down details of the stop as soon as possible (location, speed, road conditions, officer’s name, etc.).
Consult an experienced Virginia Beach Traffic or Criminal Defense Attorney, like Anthony Montagna, III:
- Many attorneys offer free consultations.
- A good lawyer may be able to get the charge reduced to improper driving (a less serious offense), speeding or dismissed.
Check Your Driving Record:
- A clean record may help your case.
Prepare for Court:
- Dress professionally.
- Be respectful and on time.
- Bring any relevant documents (e.g., speedometer calibration, driving school certificates, etc.).

✅ Summary

Expect a mandatory court appearance
Don’t ignore it – it’s a criminal charge
Talk to a lawyer ASAP
Penalties are serious, but defenses and reductions are possible

Why You Should Hire Anthony Montagna, III When Charged With Reckless Driving in Virginia Beach, VA.

With over 31 years of experience, Anthony Montagna, III , is an expert in defending reckless driving cases in Virginia Beach VA. Here’s why he is a go-to choice for defending reckless driving cases in Virginia Beach, VA:

1. Specialization in Traffic Law and Criminal Defense:

Reckless driving cases in Virginia Beach often involve complex legal issues that require deep knowledge of traffic laws, regulations, and how they are applied in a court of law. An attorney like Anthony Montagna, III, who specializes in these areas, has a thorough understanding of the legal standards, potential defenses, and how the law is enforced in reckless driving cases in Virginia Beach, VA.
As a lawyer with experience defending individuals against reckless driving charges in Virginia Beach, VA, Anthony Montagna, III has a wealth of experience handling cases where the prosecution needs to prove certain elements, such as driving with willful disregard for the safety of others or driving at excessive speeds. His experience allows him to anticipate and counter the strategies of the prosecution.
Available 24/7 (24 hours a day and 7 days a week)
Flat fee pricing with no hidden fees
Military, union, first responder, teacher and student discounts

2. Knowledge of the Evidence:

Reckless driving cases in Chesapeake, VA are often based on evidence such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimony, police reports, and accident reconstruction reports. Anthony Montagna, III is skilled at examining this evidence in detail to find discrepancies, mistakes, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. For instance, he might challenge the accuracy of radar gun readings, the legality of the officer’s observations, or the validity of witness testimonies.

3. Defending Against Common Misunderstandings:

Reckless driving charges can sometimes stem from misinterpretations or misapplications of traffic laws. Anthony Montagna, III can help clients argue that the driving behavior was misunderstood or that there were mitigating circumstances (e.g., weather conditions, road conditions, or mechanical failure) that contributed to the situation.

4. Fighting for Lesser Charges or Reduced Penalties:

Even if the evidence seems strong, Anthony Montagna, III is able able to negotiate a reduction in charges or alternative sentencing. For example, he may argue for a reduction to a lesser offense like “improper driving,” which often carries less severe penalties. In some cases, he may be able to have the charges dropped altogether if there’s a procedural error or lack of sufficient evidence.

5. Understanding the Impact of Reckless Driving Convictions:

A reckless driving conviction can result in serious consequences, including points on your driving record, a significant increase in insurance premiums, fines, license suspension, and even jail time. An attorney, like Anthony Montagna, III, knows how critical it is to minimize these potential outcomes and would work diligently to protect your future by challenging the charges and negotiating on your behalf.

6. Personalized Legal Strategy:

Every reckless driving case is unique, and Anthony Montagna, III tailors his defense strategies to the specifics of the case, whether that involves challenging the officer’s conduct during the stop, presenting an alibi, or questioning the reliability of the evidence. Anthony Montagna, III works with his client to determine the best possible defense strategy, ensuring a more personalized approach.

7. Courtroom Experience:

Reckless driving cases sometimes go to trial, and Anthony Montagna, III is well-equipped to represent clients in court. He has extensive trial experience and knows how to present a compelling case, cross-examine witnesses, and effectively argue for his client’s innocence or a more lenient sentence.

8. Reputation in the Legal Community:

Anthony Montagna, III has a reputation for successfully defending reckless driving cases, this helps him in negotiations with prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers. Prosecutors are more inclined to offer a favorable plea deal when they recognize his expertise and past successes in similar cases.

9. Client Testimonials and Track Record:

Another key indicator of Anthony Montagna, III’s expertise is positive testimonials from past clients who were successfully defended against reckless driving charges. His track record in obtaining favorable results (e.g., dropped charges, reduced sentences) are a strong testament to his proficiency in this area.

10. Experience with Similar Cases

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 Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and throughout VA. Some of Anthony’s case results are the following:

Reckless driving, 131 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION WITH $150.00 fine
Reckless driving, 146 in a 55 mph zone, small fine and ONLY 5 days to serve on weekends
DUI and Reckless Driving with a B. A. C. of .09 from a blood serum draw at the hospital after a very serious automobile accident with significant personal injuries and property damage: Guilty of only Reckless Driving with NO ACTIVE INCARCERATION
Reckless driving, 141 in a 55 mph zone, small fine and ONLY 5 days to serve on weekends
Client charged with DUI (Drugs): GUILTY OF RECKLESS DRIVING
Client charged with DUI: GUILTY OF RECKLESS DRIVING
Client charged with DUI and Refusal: Client plead to Reckless Driving and refusal charge taken under advisement for one year and to be dismissed if in compliance (REFUSAL CHARGE DISMISSED)
Reckless driving, 131 mph in a 55 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION WITH $150.00 fine
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, 106 mph in a 65 mph zone: DISMISSED
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, 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 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 30 mph zone: REDUCED TO IMPROPER DRIVING, A TRAFFIC INFRACTION
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: Reduced to Speeding, 19 Miles Over the Speed Limit

What Some Clients Say About Anthony Montagna, Iii

“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“Matlock 2.0. I went to his office with 2 Class 1 Misdemeanors and 1 traffic infraction. Today’s Court date ended with a handshake and 3 dismissed charges.”
“Honestly , Mr. Montagna treats like you are his family the way he cares, he takes care of his people , I was doing triple digit speed on a 60 and lord I thought it was over for me in that courtroom , he’s a genius because I literally got away with no time .. he’s that man!”
“Thanks to Mr. Anthony Montagna and his team for getting my case dismissed today. I really appreciate it”
“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!”
“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!!”

Awards and Affiliations

Best of the Best criminal defense attorneys

Anthony Montagna is listed as one of the top 3 DUI lawyers in Norfolk, VA with ThreeBest Rated

Anthony Montagna, III is one of the 10 Best 2022

Anthony Montagna, III is member of the AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF DUI ATTORNEYS

Martindale-Hubbell® Notable Rating Badge Anthony Montagna, III has an A+ rating by the BBB

By Montagna Law | Posted on August 12, 2025

« Why Anthony Montagna, III Is A Great Choice When You Are Searching For Chesapeake Reckless Driving Lawyers

A Day in the Portsmouth General District Court – Traffic Division »

Robert Bolden III

Tony was amazing! I initially found him online while researching lawyers in my area, and what sealed the deal was a close family friend who is an experienced lawyer themselves. They confirmed Tony was the person to go to. You can immediately tell he is experienced and knows his stuff. Every time we met, I felt valued and like I had his full attention. He took the time to make sure I understood everything at each step along the way. His paralegal Jay was equally awesome with top-tier communication throughout the entire process. I strongly recommend Tony to anyone looking for exceptional legal representation.

Marcus R

Mr Montagna goes above and beyond for his clients. I highly recommend his law firm.

Zgillman

I had a great experience with Mr. Montagna, I’ve had no previous court experience and he was able to guide me very clearly. Also ended with positive results.

Gina Briccetti

I couldn't recommend a lawyer as much as I recommend Anthony. He put my best interest to the forefront of his priority, taking all aspects of my case into consideration during the duration of my trial. He had an excellent way of communicating with me, treating me like one of his family members, instead of just a client. He was super transparent with me throughout the entire timeline of my case, and prepared me for what was to be expected so nothing was a surprise. I fully trusted Anthony to fight for me and my reputation, and he displayed himself very highly during my court date. He fully committed to me for my situation, and left out no details of what the court was entailing. He recommended I go above and beyond to mend my case, and so I did. He was successful in court with me, and I would absolutely utilize him as a resource for any further needs.

Josh Burton

Extremely helpful, clear, kind, and on top of every detail. Highly recommend!

Paige Dyer

Mr. Montagna was a great lawyer. Made the process very smooth and easy. Him and his paralegal were very professional and walked me through everything to help me understand my case. He worked hard get my reckless driving bumped down to an infraction which is a win in my book. 10/10 recommend if your looking for a lawyer.

nathan wilcots

Best lawyer I can ask for. He will not make promises but will put u at ease. I definitely recommend Anthony montagna.🔥

Kisha Wray

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I cannot recommend Anthony Montagna highly enough. From the start, he demonstrated an incredible command of the law and a clear strategy for my case. He personally called me multiple times to walk through our defense and made sure I understood every step of the process. In court, Mr. Montagna was calm, confident, and extremely sharp. His knowledge of the law and ability to execute the right strategy ultimately helped lead to the dismissal of my case. When he says he treats his clients like family, he truly means it. He and his team were professional, responsive, and supportive the entire time. A special thank you to Jay, the paralegal on his team, for helping keep everything organized and moving smoothly. If you ever need legal representation, don’t hesitate to call Anthony “The Man” Montagna. Follow his guidance and do what he asks you to do — he knows what he’s doing. Thank you again for turning what started as a stressful situation into a positive experience.

Travis Langley

Unfortunately, I got a reckless driving ticket (68mph in a 45mph zone). Looked online and searched through many lawyers to help me with my case. Montagna law was one of the firms that popped up on a simple Google search. I read all of the previous cases stated on their website and felt comfortable with my decision to hire Mr. Montagna as my lawyer to represent me. I will say it was quite expensive, but what you get in return is fantastic representation at your court hearing and I was able to get my reckless driving charge completely dismissed and didn't have to pay any court costs or anything. Ofcourse this outcome is situational per a case to case basis, but I can honestly say that Mr. Montagna will try his absolute best to get you a good outcome in court! His experience truly speaks for itself!

Tyler Brown

I cannot recommend Anthony Montagna highly enough. He represented me in a case where I was originally charged with reckless driving (96MPH in a 55MPH zone), and thanks to his skill and strategic approach in the courtroom, he was able to get the charge reduced to improper driving. That alone made a huge difference in the long-term impact on my record. What really impressed me was how he handled the judge’s initial decision to suspend my license for 10 days. Anthony didn’t just accept it, he respectfully and professionally pushed back, using his experience and knowledge of the law to advocate even harder on my behalf. Because of his persistence and expertise, the judge reconsidered. In the end, I avoided a license suspension and the maximum fine. He is not the cheapest attorney out there, but in situations like this, you truly get what you pay for. The money was absolutely well spent. He protected my driving record, my ability to work, and gave me peace of mind during a stressful situation. If you’re facing a serious traffic charge and want someone who knows how to navigate the courtroom and fight for you, Anthony Montagna is the lawyer you want in your corner. I’m extremely grateful for his help.