The Facts
Jamin Davis is a linebacker for the Washington Commanders. The 24-year-old was drafted in the first round by the Commanders in the 2021 NFL draft. After a slower 2021 season, he began to develop in the 2022 season. The team and fans have high hopes for him heading into 2023. But on March 28, 2022, Jamin Davis was cited for allegedly recklessly driving his McLaren 114 mph in a 45-mph zone on Loudon County Parkway in Virginia at 1 p.m. Mr. Davis pleaded not guilty in Loudon County District Court to a charge of reckless driving.
Unfortunately, this is not Jamin Davis’ first incident involving reckless driving. Just four months earlier, in 2021, Davis was charged with reckless driving for going 89 mph in a 65-mph zone. For that incident, Davis paid only a $150 fine. Given that the more recent alleged incident by Mr. Davis is not a first offense, the judge will likely consider that as a factor when handling sentencing.
The Law
The law in Virginia is clear. Under §46.2-862. Exceeding speed limit of the Code of Virginia, “a person is guilty of reckless driving who drives a motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth (i) at a speed of 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit or (ii) in excess of 85 miles per hour regardless of the applicable maximum speed limit.” This is a Class 1 misdemeanor. This is punishable with up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Under §48.2-852. Reckless driving, the Code of Virginia states, “[i]rrespective of the maximum speeds permitted by law, any person who drives a vehicle on any highway recklessly or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person shall be guilty of reckless driving.”
Jamin Davis’ Reckless Driving: Our Analysis
As personal injury lawyers with offices in Washington, DC and Maryland, we have a depth of experience dealing with car accidents and catastrophic injuries related to reckless driving. Unfortunately, Mr. Davis’ alleged conduct, while reprehensible, is not uncommon in the greater Washington area. Clearly, Jamin Davis’ alleged reckless driving, if true, is a violation of the rules outlined in the Code of Virginia. Under §24.6-862, Mr. Davis drove his McLaren at a speed of over 20 miles per hour in excess of the 45-mph speed limit. Furthermore, Mr. Davis drove his motor vehicle in a manner that endangered life, limb, or property when he drove on a busy highway at 1 p.m.
Once in court, Mr. Davis was found guilty of the alleged crimes. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined, and his license was suspended. He initially requested a jury trial for his appeal. However, he withdrew that request and agreed to a plea deal for a maximum of eight days of incarceration. But Judge Sincavage of Loudon County rejected the proposed deal due to the egregiousness of Mr. Davis’ conduct. The Judge noted the high density of the area when rejecting the plea. The Judge also accounted for the time of day, as our analysis noted earlier.
