Facing a reckless driving charge in Virginia can be intimidating – especially when the speed alleged is over 100 MPH. Reckless driving by speed is not a simple traffic ticket; it’s a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail, a $2,500 fine, and a license suspension of up to six months.

Recently, Ben Thurman represented a client who was charged with driving 101 MPH in a 70 MPH zone. On paper, it looked like a guaranteed jail sentence. But with preparation, advocacy, and strategic mitigation, we achieved an extraordinary result: the case was taken under advisement with no jail time and even a path to dismissal.

Understanding What’s at Stake in a 100+ MPH Case

When a driver is clocked at 100 mph or more, most Virginia judges presume at least some jail time is appropriate. The offense appears severe – triple-digit speeds suggest a deliberate disregard for safety. However, every case has its own context. The court can consider the driver’s background, behavior, and genuine remorse before deciding the outcome.

Building a Defense Through Mitigation

From the beginning, we focused on showing the court who our client really was – a human being with a bright future beyond a single inattentive moment on the highway. Before the court date, our client followed Mr. Thurman’s instructions for providing the court with documentation to show that this was an isolated lapse in judgment and that he would never repeat this mistake again. These proactive steps demonstrated responsibility and respect for the court’s process.

A Second Chance Earned

Our client was an extraordinary human, and in many ways had lived an exemplary life of public service. Ben was able to highlight his accomplishments and virtues, broadening his story from a brief error that made him appear reckless and expanding it to include a more complete picture of the individual. With those accomplishments and a bright future ahead, Ben asked the judge for leniency.

 The judge agreed. The reckless driving charge was placed under advisement for a defined period. If the client remains violation-free and completes a driving improvement course, the judge will consider dismissing the charge in its entirety.

That means:

• No jail,
• No conviction,
• No criminal record.

What This Case Shows

Every reckless driving case is different. Judges have broad discretion, and with the right preparation and advocacy, even a 100+ mph charge can result in a second chance. Mitigation, character evidence, and early action often make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal. Such a result is very rare, but it does happen with the right attorney by your side.

If you’ve been charged with reckless driving anywhere in Virginia—especially for speeds above 90 mph—don’t assume the outcome is predetermined. The right defense strategy can protect your record, your license, and your future.

Contact Our Office

If you’re facing a reckless driving or speeding charge in Virginia, contact our office to schedule a free consultation. We can help you understand your options, prepare your case, and work toward the best possible outcome.

Our goal is to show the Court that our clients are something more than just numbers on paper – each client is a real, live human being with value and each client deserves complete consideration of his or her entire life before making a decision that could detrimentally affect the future.