Did you know that approximately 31,720 fatal crashes occurred in the U.S. from January to September 2021? That’s a staggering 12% jump from the death toll of the previous year’s first three quarters!
Reckless driving, in turn, continues to be a factor in all those fatalities. The NHTSA even blames this behavior for that surge in deadly motor vehicle crashes.
But exactly how bad is a reckless driving charge, though? And what should you do if you ever get cited with one?
Keep reading, as we’ll serve you the answers to those questions below.
What Is a Reckless Driving Charge?
Depending on your state, reckless driving may also go by “reckless operation.” Others may refer to it as “driving to endanger.”
Either way, reckless driving is driving with a heedless disregard for others’ safety. So when drivers behave as such, they don’t care about endangering other people’s lives.
One example is excessive speeding, such as driving more than 100 miles per hour. Street racing is another. Operating a motor vehicle on a sidewalk can also constitute reckless driving.
How Bad Is a Reckless Driving Charge?
How bad a reckless driving charge is can depend on the state you got caught in and the circumstances. It can be an infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony.
Some states consider reckless driving an infraction, meaning it’s not a crime. In this case, jail time isn’t usually a consequence. Instead, it can lead only to a hefty fine and traffic violation demerits in states that use point systems.
However, states where reckless driving is an infraction have laws on repeat offenses. For instance, it can lead to a license suspension or a misdemeanor charge.
A misdemeanor conviction for reckless driving, in turn, can lead to fines and jail time. For instance, reckless driving in Virginia can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and imprisonment of one year. You can check out this page for more info on VA’s possible penalties for driving recklessly.
A reckless driving charge can also be a felony if it results in injuries, property damage, or death. Moreover, a prior conviction can lead to a case getting elevated to a felony. For example, if you live in Rhode Island and get convicted a second time, that’s already a felony.
What Should You Do if You Get Charged?
Your best bet is to hire a local criminal defense attorney. Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may be able to dismiss your case. An example is if you have a clean driving record and proof you didn’t drive recklessly.
If your case isn’t dismissible, your legal aid may at least be able to reduce your penalties. For example, your attorney may negotiate a lower fine, reduced jail time, or a plea bargain.
Never Underestimate a Reckless Driving Charge
And there you have it, the guide answering the question, how bad is a reckless driving charge? You’ve learned that it can be an infraction or a misdemeanor, but it can also be a felony. Thus, always drive prudently and never put others’ safety at risk.
If you get charged, though, don’t ever underestimate it. Instead, hire an attorney to help it get dismissed or reduced.
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