While some might think that reckless driving is a relatively minor moving violation, this is actually a criminal offense that can lead to misdemeanor or felony penalties. A reckless driving conviction could affect not only your driving privileges but leave you facing steep penalties and a permanent criminal record.
A Winter Park reckless driving lawyer understands how much is at stake in your case. If you have been charged with reckless driving, your first action should be to get in touch with a local criminal defense attorney who can execute the best defense strategy for your situation. Our lawyers can step in even before formal charges have been filed, and leverage effective legal arguments that could mitigate or eliminate the possible penalties you face.
A person can face reckless driving charges for operating a motor vehicle with a wanton or willful disregard for the safety of other persons or property. In other words, a person who displays indifference for the safety of others, and intentionally drives their vehicle in a reckless manner knowing that damage is likely, could be charged with this offense.
Numerous factors could impact the severity of the outcome of a reckless driving charge and the penalties attached to it. The speed of the driver at the time of the incident, whether or not they were intoxicated, and any injuries caused to others, could elevate a reckless driving charge and bring harsher penalties.
If the driver was engaged in street racing, if they were fleeing the scene of a crime, or were otherwise engaged in trying to evade law enforcement, the accused may face additional charges and penalties on top of a reckless driving charge. A Winter Park attorney is essential to establish a case against a reckless driving charge and execute the sharpest possible defense strategy.
For example, it may be possible to argue that the accused was distracted rather than reckless, or that their behavior did not rise to the level of willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others. Such defenses could see a reckless driving charge reduced to a lesser violation such as speeding.
Lack of intent, disputing the identity of the driver, or even the presence of extenuated circumstances are defenses that could be incorporated into a viable strategy to fight the prosecutor’s case. An attorney can also determine whether issues like witness credibility, insufficient evidence, inaccuracy of law enforcement’s observations, or police violations (e.g. an unlawful vehicle search) could weaken the prosecution’s case.
A Winter Park attorney can carefully explain the details and potential legal consequences of your case if you have been charged with reckless driving. Penalties can range from points on your license, fines, and loss of your license, to lengthy jail time and probation periods. Reckless driving can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony offense.
If a person is convicted of reckless driving but does not inflict property damage or bodily harm on anyone, they can still face harsh misdemeanor consequences including up to 90 days in jail plus fines up to $500. A second or subsequent offense may also be charged as a misdemeanor, but would carry up to six months in jail plus fines of up to $1,000.
If a person engages in reckless driving and causes property damage or injury to someone else, that is a first-degree misdemeanor with legal punishments including up to $1,000 in fines, plus jail time of up to one year. If the accused causes serious bodily injury to someone else, they would be charged with a third-degree felony, punishable by up to $5,000 in financial penalties as well as five years of incarceration.
Being charged with any criminal offense can have a profound impact on your life, and reckless driving is no exception. Our Winter Park reckless driving lawyers can advise you of your rights and help you understand what to expect during legal proceedings.
From building a strong defense to fight your case in court to negotiating a deal, our criminal attorneys can advise you on the best path forward to secure the most favorable resolution to a reckless driving charge. If you have been accused of reckless driving, reach out to our office immediately about fighting your criminal charge. We can provide a free, confidential consultation about your case.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
