Mecklenburg reckless driving by a vehicle not under control charges mean that a law enforcement officer determined that a vehicle was not under proper control for the conditions of the road. This kind of reckless driving is often charged in the context of a single-car motor vehicle accident where an officer responds to the scene and only one car is involved.
In some circumstances, there may be a valid reason for a vehicle not being under control. It is important for a defendant to consult with an attorney so that they can prepare a defense based on a valid legal excuse. Failing to consult with an attorney could lead to serious criminal penalties, far more consequential than a normal traffic violation.
The evidence presented against someone in Mecklenburg reckless driving by vehicle not under control cases often includes observations from law enforcement officers. A law enforcement officer makes notes of the accident scene and may offer opinions as to what exactly occurred. They might also provide statements from witnesses, others involved in the accident, and the drivers of the vehicles.
A lawyer could refute evidence by cross-examining the officer and suggesting that the officer likely did not reconstruct the accident accurately. They may be able to keep statements made by their client from being used against them in certain circumstances.
The state expects that drivers properly maintain their vehicle in a safe condition to drive on the roads. When someone is driving and they experience a change in how their vehicle operates, it is important to take the vehicle into a mechanic for a tune-up, including proper inspection of the brakes. When a driver cannot stop in time and conditions suggest that they should have been able to, they may be charged for failure to maintain control of their vehicle due to faulty brakes.
A driver whose vehicle failed to perform correctly due to a mechanic’s error should consult with an attorney. Otherwise, the judge is likely to presume that the accident was the driver’s fault and not the fault of the mechanic.
Many states, including Virginia, require a safety inspection of a person’s vehicle. If someone fails to have a proper inspection done, it could lead to serious consequences if their vehicle has faulty equipment or they are charged with failure to maintain control of their vehicle.
Because failure to keep a vehicle under control is a reckless driving charge, it can lead to more severe consequences than a simple moving violation. In particular, if an individual drives for a living, a conviction could lead to the loss of their commercial driver’s license. A Mecklenburg reckless driving by vehicle not under control charge is a criminal misdemeanor that carries up to a year in jail and up to a $2,500 fine.
If you are facing charges, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to help. A lawyer could collect additional evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and work to mitigate the consequences of your charge. Call today to retain legal representation.