Reckless Driving Charges

In the majority of states, reckless driving is charged as a criminal offense and not as a traffic offense. Penalties for reckless driving convictions include heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, and even jail time. When a driver willfully operates a vehicle that puts other people on the road in danger and/or property at risk of destruction, they can be charged with reckless driving.

In order to be convicted of reckless driving, there must be evidence that the driver shows an intentional disregard for the safety of other people. It does not have to be proven that the driver intended to act recklessly, just that the driver was aware of the risks that his or her actions caused but disregarded those risks.

Some of the common reckless driving charges that the reckless driving attorneys from the name of the firm have defended their clients against include:

• Driving an excessive speed over the posted speed limit
• Racing with another vehicle
• Driving after dark without having headlights on
• Not paying attention to the road because of texting or other cell phone use
• Passing another vehicle on a two-lane road where passing is not allowed or – if it is allowed – there is limited visibility of oncoming traffic
• Driving to elude law enforcement

In the majority of cases, reckless driving offenses are charged as misdemeanors. This means that anyone charged with reckless driving is entitled to the same rights as a person charged with other criminal offenses. Police must read the driver the Miranda warning, advising the driver their right to remain silent and the right to an attorney and the prosecutor must prove to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt that the driver committed reckless driving.

If a driver is convicted of reckless driving, they face the following penalties:

• Hefty fines
• Suspension of license
• Revocation of license if the driver has multiple reckless driving convictions
• Jail time

If the driver was already on probation or parole or is serving a suspended sentence for another offense, a reckless driving conviction means they have committed a violation and their probation or parole could be revoked.

If there were victims who were injured or killed because of the driver’s reckless driving, then the reckless driving charges could be escalated to felony charges and a conviction could mean a prison sentence

Contact a Reckless Driving Attorney for Help

If you are facing reckless driving charges, the first step to take is to contact criminal defense lawyers in Rockville, MD, such as from the Law Office of Daniel Wright. Your attorney will know exactly what type of penalties you may be facing should you be convicted and will work have to experience in building a defense to fight against these charges. A reckless driving conviction could impact your driving record, ability to get vehicle insurance, and more. Call a law office today to set up a free and confidential case evaluation.