Skip to main content
DUI, Traffic, & Criminal Defense Lawyer
Reckless Driving Defense
Dedicated to defending the rights of individuals charged with reckless driving, traffic violations, DUI, and criminal charges for over 32 years.
Get Help Now

Experienced Virginia Reckless Driving Defense Lawyers

Headshot of Anthony Montagna, III smiling in a suit and red tie!
Anthony Montagna, III is your “Go To Reckless Driving Defense Lawyer”

Attorney Anthony Montagna, III

  • Military, Union, Teacher, Retired, and First Responder Discounts
  • A reckless driving defense specialist
  • Defending reckless driving cases in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, York County, New Kent County, Northampton County, Southampton County, Accomack County and all of Virginia
  • Defended an estimated number of over 5,000 reckless driving cases
  • 31+ years of experience defending reckless driving cases
  • Many clients charged with speeds over 100 MPH and has represented a number of clients with speeds over 130 MPH
  • Winning reckless driving cases in VA since 1993
  • Provides honest and straightforward advice
  • Knowledgeable about reckless driving defenses for cases in Virginia
  • Free consultation
  • Consulted and quoted by reporters with The Virginian-Pilot
  • Your “Go To Reckless Driving Lawyer” for tough cases in Virginia
  • 757-625-3500
  • Follow this link to see some of my Google reviews 

Montagna’s Reckless Driving Defense Team

  • Defending individuals charged with reckless driving in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, York County, New Kent County, Northampton County, Southampton County, Accomack County, and all of Virginia
  • Trusted and valued representation
  • 100+ years of combined legal experience at the firm
  • Call us before you plead guilty
  • We put the client first
  • 757-625-3500

Some of Attorney Montagna’s 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 since 1993 in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Northampton County, and throughout VA.

Some of Anthony’s case results are the following:

  • Reckless driving, 131 mph in a 55 mph zone in Norfolk: 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, 116 mph in a 55 mph zone: reduced to improper driving, a traffic infraction with $250.00 fine
  • Reckless driving, 112 mph in a 55 mph zone in Norfolk: 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 in Norfolk: reduced to improper driving, $350.00 fine
  • Reckless driving, 110 mph in a 55 mph zone in Norfolk: 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 55 mph zone: reduced to speeding, a traffic infraction
  • 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, 102 mph in a 55 mph zone: reduced to improper driving, a traffic infraction with $500.00 fine
  • Reckless driving, 102 mph in a 60 mph zone: dismissed
  • 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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 87 mph in a 55 mph zone: dismissed
  • 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 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 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, 62 mph in a 35 mph zone: reduced to improper driving, a traffic infraction
  • Reckless driving, 60 mph in a 30 mph zone: dismissed
  • Reckless driving, 62 mph in a 30 mph zone: dismissed
  • Reckless driving, 50 mph in a 25 mph zone: reduced to speeding
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • Excellent attorney, best in the area hands down. Very professional, thorough and always accessible. Follow his instructions for the best possible outcome.
  • 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!!

Commitment To Clients As An Experienced Reckless Driving Lawyer Who Defends Reckless Driving Cases Throughout, Virginia

“With over 31 years of legal experience, I know each reckless driving case is different, and I provide personalized attention for each client,” says Anthony. “I am committed to providing my clients with zealous and skillful representation. I know that my client’s reckless driving 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.”

Three Convenient Locations:

Norfolk, VA:

425 Monticello Avenue, Suite A,

Norfolk, VA 23510

757-625-3500

Newport News, VA:

4302 Huntington Avenue, Suite A,

Newport News, VA 23607

757-622-8173 or 757-625-3500

Virginia Beach, VA:

One Columbus Center, Ste. 600, PMB 025

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

757-622-8056  or 757-625-3500

Reckless driving is a very serious charge that can impact your freedom to drive in the future. This charge can also result in many strict penalties and, even worse, cause deadly car accidents if reckless driving habits are not corrected quickly.

Reckless driving traffic offenses often result in a license suspension or revocation, along with leading to charges on your criminal record. Reckless driving can be charged as a class 6 felony if the defendant causes an accident that results in the death of another while driving with an invalid license due to a moving violation.

Contacting a Virginia reckless driving lawyer can help reduce your charges and possibly keep your license. You only have one chance for your case at trial, and an experienced reckless driving attorney can improve your chances. Call Montagna Law defense attorneys at 757-625-3500.

Montagna Law Defense Attorneys Are Skilled at Handling Reckless Driving Charges

As experienced reckless driving attorneys, our traffic attorneys have defended over 4,500 reckless driving, DUI, and traffic cases in Virginia. We carefully examine the specifics of each case, gather evidence, and listen to each client’s side of the story.

Our law firm is highly rated. We are proud of our industry awards, including “Best of the Best Top 10 Attorneys”, Martindale Hubbell’s “Peer Rated for Strong Ethical Standards,” and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Our criminal defense attorney Anthony Montagna, is listed as one of the top three DUI lawyers in Norfolk, VA with ThreeBest Rated.

Why Work With Montagna Law Defense Attorneys

A woman shakes hands with a man at a desk, with a gavel and legal documents nearby, surrounded by a bookshelf and light filtering through blinds in an office setting.

The experienced and skilled lawyers at our law firm have more than 125 years of collective experience and have been providing criminal defense services to Hampton Roads since 1993.

Clients often turn to our team for legal representation because we are a client-first firm, and our lawyers are caring, dedicated, tough, trustworthy, and skilled. Just ask one of our thousands of satisfied prior clients.

Free Consultations For Individuals Charged With Reckless Driving

People often do not turn to professional legal advice for reckless driving offenses because they feel they do not need an attorney, consider traffic tickets as minor, or are worried about legal fees.

Virginia is tough on reckless driving charges, and working with a skilled lawyer may be beneficial. Montagna Law defense attorneys offer free consultations to individuals facing reckless driving charges. Give us a call; it won’t cost you anything to have an initial conversation about your case.

What Constitutes a Reckless Driving Charge in Virginia?

The Commonwealth of Virginia considers several different types of moving violations as reckless driving, including, but not limited to:

  • General reckless driving
  • Speeding
  • Faulty brakes
  • Illegal passing
  • Passing a stopped school bus
  • Overloaded car
  • Fail to move over for stationary emergency vehicle
  • Passing at an intersection or railroad crossing

Certain types of aggressive driving can also fall under the reckless driving umbrella.

Virginia Reckless Driving and Speeding Laws

Police officers in Virginia most frequently enforce Virginia’s reckless driving and speeding laws. According to § 46.2-862 of the Virginia Code, a motorist is guilty of reckless driving if they:

  • Exceed posted speed limits by 20 mph or more
  • Drive in excess of 85 mph regardless of the “applicable maximum speed limit”

Essentially, Virginia criminalizes speeding, which may come as a surprise to some drivers. Not all drivers will be charged with a crime, but if the right circumstances are present, they might be.

What Are the Penalties For Reckless Driving in Virginia?

A graphic outlines penalties for reckless driving in Virginia, displaying consequences such as a $2,500 fine, up to 12 months jail time, and six points on the driving record.

Virginia issues the following maximum penalties for reckless driving, including:

  • $2,500 fine
  • Up to 12 months jail time
  • Up to six months suspension of driving privileges
  • Six points on a driving record

Most drivers will receive a Class 1 misdemeanor charge on their record.

Felony Reckless Driving

If convicted of a felony reckless driving charge, this is a Class 6 Felony. This is typically reserved for individuals driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license when they were recklessly driving or drag racing. In the event a reckless driving act causes an injury or death, the following penalties apply:

  • Up to 20 years in prison
  • Fine up to $2,500
  • Suspension or revocation of a driver’s license
  • Demerit points on the driver’s record

Can You Lose Your License From Reckless Driving in Virginia?

Yes, you can lose your license if convicted of reckless driving traffic violations in Virginia.

Examples of violations you can lose your license for include driving your motor vehicle with excessive speed, failure to maintain control, faulty brakes, two vehicles in one lane, passing at an intersection or railroad grade crossing, passing a stopped school bus, failure to yield the right of way, and racing, to name several.

Should I Get a Lawyer for Reckless Driving in Virginia?

You can try to fight reckless driving charges yourself, but the reality is you have a better chance of keeping your license when working with an experienced traffic defense attorney. Benefits of working with a lawyer for your case include:

  • Defending you against charges of criminal offenses
  • Lowering chances of jail time or other punishments
  • Better chance of keeping your license
  • Reduced punishments if found guilty
  • Having an advocate by your side on your court date

Additionally, reckless driving attorneys can help out-of-state drivers who may need special arrangements for their trial.

Reducing Your Virginia Reckless Driving Charge

Under certain circumstances, the Commonwealth of Virginia allows reckless driving charges to be reduced to improper driving. Working toward dismissal of a charge is the first goal, but in some cases, this will not be possible. In that case, your traffic defense attorney can work to reduce the charge.

Under VA Code § 46.2-869, a judge or prosecutor is permitted to reduce reckless driving offenses to improper driving for minor infractions. Working with a knowledgeable attorney will be able to provide a persuasive argument to the court in cases where culpability is slight.

Improper driving comes with far less severe penalties than reckless driving does. Reckless driving is a Class 1 misdemeanor with additional penalties, but improper driving is a traffic infraction with no loss of license or jail time, along with fewer Virginia DMV demerit points.

Out-of-State Drivers Accused of Reckless Driving in VA

A man inside a car looks concerned while handing his identification to a police officer, who leans in from outside the vehicle. The background shows blurred greenery, indicating an outdoor setting.

Virginia often sees visitors from out-of-state for various reasons, including tourism, military service, and highway travel along the East Coast.

It is important to know that out-of-state drivers will not only face Virginia penalties for reckless driving, but it will also be reported to the motorist’s home state, which may have even stricter penalties.

Montagna Law defense attorneys can often successfully help individuals who were simply driving through Virginia and picked up a reckless driving charge; many times, our clients do not even need to be present in court.

Our Experienced Virginia Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys Can Help Secure Your Future

Montagna Law defense attorneys are well-versed in Virginia laws and have several decades of experience providing legal services. Losing your license can have a substantial impact on your life, your current job, relationships, and employment opportunities.

Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge necessary to challenge charges and know how to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest. Working with a defense attorney may be your best chance to secure your future and protect yourself.

Reckless Driving is a Serious Charge, Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation

Montagna Law defense attorneys proudly represent all of Hampton Roads, including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Hampton, and Newport News.

A reckless driving charge can significantly affect your life. Not just the fines but potential jail time and loss of your license. Many of our clients are locals, vacationers, students, and military men and women. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 757-625-3500 or fill out our online contact form.

Anthony Montagna, III

Written By Anthony Montagna, III

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Anthony graduated from Norfolk Academy in 1986. After graduation, Anthony attended and graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Practicing since 1993, Anthony has successfully defended individuals charged with serious crimes and traffic offenses like reckless driving and DUI charges.