The majority of states in America count reckless driving as a criminal offense. The crime even requires that many pay a very hefty fine, as well as jail time in some circumstances. If a driver is driving their vehicle in a reckless manner with clear disregard for the safety of innocent individuals’ surrounding them, they will be penalized. Because the definition of reckless driving is extremely broad, we will generalize it by stating that reckless driving is any driving that puts another individual’s life at risk. In the event that reckless driving charges go to court, the prosecution must provide proof that the reckless driver was behaving in an unsafe manner; this can include many things like speeding tickets, past DUIs, a confession from the driver that they were driving while extremely tired or a breathalyzer test. Examples of reckless driving include but are not limited to:
- Distracted driving, like putting makeup on, texting, or eating.
- Drunk while intoxicated or buzzed driving
- Driving with no hands on the steering wheel
- Tailgating
- Failing to stop fully at a stop sign or right turn lane at a stop light
- Failure to yield to another driver’s right of way
- Running a stop sign
- Stopping your car over a crosswalk so that others cannot pass safely
- Attempting to race another driver
- Running a stop light
- Fleeing from a police officer
- Failure to use your turn signal
- Operating a vehicle after dark without headlights on
- Holding your phone while talking
- Crossing over a solid line to pass a car
- Cutting another driver off too close for them to stop in time
- Speeding
- Driving while tired
The consequences for a reckless driving conviction tend to be very severe as they endanger innocent individuals’ lives. Specific grounds or circumstances surrounding each case determine the severity of the penalty and will heavily affect the final charge that is imposed. The penalties for reckless driving are as follows:
- A criminal record
- A misdemeanor
- Deportation of the individual
- Revocation of parole
- Revocation of driver’s license
- Suspension of driver’s license
- Jail sentence
- Fine of over $1,000
- Vehicular manslaughter charges if an individual is killed.
Contact a Reckless Driving Attorney Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a reckless driving case or have been deemed a reckless driver by the court and are awaiting sentencing, please do not hesitate to reach out to a reckless driving attorney. An experienced speeding ticket lawyer Abingdon VA trusts can use their immense knowledge of the circumstances and experience in your specific state’s laws to aid you in establishing a strong case.
Thank you to the Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for providing insight on the penalties of criminal offenses and driving.