Reckless Driving

Defined as a traffic violation that is committed with no regard for the safety of others, reckless driving is one of the most serious offenses a driver can face. Unlike other driving offenses—such as speeding or running a red light, reckless driving is a type of criminal charge. As a result, if you are charged with this crime, you face much stiffer penalties if you are convicted.

Also known as “careless driving” or “dangerous driving,” reckless driving is a major moving violation in all fifty states, regardless of what it is called. Although each state has different considerations regarding what types of violations are reckless, any act that could have resulted in an accident, or injured another driver or pedestrian, can be classified as reckless driving. Some common examples of such acts include speeding more than 25mph above the posted speed limit, attempting to elude a police officer, and racing.

In states that use the point system to track violations, a reckless driving conviction can rack up four or more points. In addition, you may face a mandatory license suspension and jail time if you are found guilty of driving recklessly. You can also expect to pay hundreds of dollars in fines, at the very least.

Fortunately, there are many defenses you can use to fight your reckless driving charge. Due to the law’s vagueness, most state laws do not clearly define the types of acts that are considered reckless. As a result, you may be able to argue that the act you committed was not technically reckless.

You can also challenge your reckless driving charge if you committed the offense during an emergency situation. Indeed, if you can prove that a serious threat was presented to yourself or a third-party, your reckless driving charges may be reduced or dismissed completely.

Additional defense options include: mistaken identity (you were not driving the vehicle when the offense was committed), constitutional violations (you were not informed of your Miranda Rights) , and hazardous road conditions (if similar accidents have occurred in the same area, you can argue that dangerous road conditions led you to commit the offense in question).

As you can see, there are many possible defenses for a reckless driving charge. However, due to the complexities of traffic law, proving your case can be quite difficult. If you were recently charged with reckless driving, you should discuss your case with an experienced attorney. Remember, the prosecution must prove you are guilty of reckless driving, and a strong defense can make all the difference in the world. To ensure you have the best defense possible, make sure you discuss your options with an attorney in your area today.

States and Cities:
AK	Alaska, Anchorage	LA	Louisiana, New Orleans	OH	Ohio, Cincinnati
AL	Alabama, Montgomery	MA	Massachusetts, Boston	OK	Oklahoma, Tulsa
AR	Arkansas, Little Rock	MD	Maryland, Baltimore	OR	Oregon, Portland
AZ	Arizona, Phoenix	ME	Maine, Portland	PA	Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
CA	California, Los Angeles	MI	Michigan, Detroit	RI	Rhode Island, Providence
CO	Colorado, Denver	MN	Minnesota, Duluth	SC	South Carolina, Charleston
CT	Connecticut, Hartford	MO	Missouri, Branson	SD	South Dakota, Sioux Falls
DE	Delaware, Wilmington	MS	Mississippi, Jackson	TN	Tennessee, Nashville
FL	Florida, Orlando	MT	Montana, Bozeman	TX	Texas, Houston
GA	Georgia, Atlanta	NC	North Carolina, Charoltte	UT	Utah, Salt Lake City
HI	Hawaii, Honolulu	ND	North Dakota, Fargo	VT	Vermont, Burlington
IA	Iowa, Des Moines	NE	Nebraska, Omaha	VA	Virginia, Richmond
ID	Idaho, Boise	NH	New Hampshire, Portsmouth	WA	Washington, Seattle
IL	Illinois, Chicago	NJ	New Jersey, Newark	WI	Wisconsin, Milwaukee
IN	Indiana, Indianapolis	NM	New Mexico, Albuquerque	WV	West Virginia, Charleston
KS	Kansas, Kansas City	NV	Nevada, Las Vegas	WY	Wyoming, Cheyenne
KY	Kentucky, Lexington	NY	New York, New York	DC	Washington DC