Legal Question in Traffic Law in Virginia

Re: summons for traffic violation

There are around 15 or so different kinds of reckless driving recognized in the Commonwealth's criminal code and passing a stopped school bus happens to be one of them. Whether or not the particular prosecutor assigned to your case would be willing to reduce this particular kind of reckless driving charge to a speeding infraction might depend on the policy which the Commonwealth Attorney in that locality has adopted on this particular issue(if any). For that as well as other reasons, I would suggest that you engage the services of an attorney who is experienced with the traffic court where your case will adjudicated to represent you, if at all possible, and make sure that you get a copy of your most current driving record from the DMV to bring along to court(whether you have an attorney or not).

Re: summons for traffic violation

You should first go to the DMV and get a copy of your driving record. If it is good (such as a positive number) there is a good chance the prosecutor will lower the charges to "improper driving."

Otherwise, reckless driving is a crime (a misdemeanor) and potentially has very serious consequences.

it would certainly be worth getting the help of an attorney.

If you go in to General District Court and get a bad result, you should immediately appeal it and then get a lawyer for sure.