Reckless driving? get a lawyer

Reckless driving is a general term that can mean different things in different states. Generally speaking, it means driving in a careless or dangerous manner that could put others in danger. Many people have received speeding tickets in their years of driving, but a reckless driving charge is less common and usually requires a court appearance.

In some states, simply exceeding the speed limit is cause for a reckless driving charge. These charges usually result from going over a predetermined rate of speed, or more than 20 mph over the speed limit. Unsafe passing can also result in a charge. Passing a school bus, passing two vehicles side by side, or passing at the top of a hill are all prohibited. Driving too fast for current road conditions or even failing to signal everything can result in a reckless driving charge.

Consult an Attorney

What should you do if you have been charged with reckless driving? Get a lawyer. These charges are serious and can result in the loss of your license, large fines, points on your insurance, and even jail time, depending on the severity of the incident and whether anyone was injured or there was property damage. A famous result was recently published when the right fielder for the Washington Nationals served five days in jail for driving 105 mph in a 55 mph zone in Virginia. These laws vary from state to state, so make sure you know the rules and penalties of the state in which you were charged.

A good attorney can reduce your charge to a simple speeding violation or impaired driving charge. This is likely to result in lighter penalties, and if you lose your license, it will likely be for a shorter period of time. The fines would also be lower for these less serious charges, and your insurance company would assess fewer points.

repeat offenders

If you are a first-time offender, you can get away with a lighter sentence, but repeat offenders can draw the ire of judges, sometimes leading to harsher sentences. Jail time away from your job or long-term loss of your license can mean serious hardship and possibly financial ruin, so having an attorney on your side who is knowledgeable about moving violations is critical in your area.

Although reckless driving is usually treated as a misdemeanor, it can still go on your permanent record and follow you for the rest of your life. A conviction may prevent you from keeping your security clearance, which could affect your income. For these reasons, many people try to have their reckless driving conviction expunged or expunged from their record, but it is a difficult task and most attempts are unsuccessful.

Having an experienced attorney on your side can mean the difference between an inconvenience and a major and lasting disruption to your life. If you have been charged with reckless driving, contact an attorney experienced in this area right away.