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Reckless Driving Attorney in Raleigh

Caring and personalized reckless driving help.

Do You Have A Reckless Driving Ticket? We Can Help!


reckless driving charge

What is Reckless Driving?

Under Section 20-149 of the North Carolina General Statutes, reckless driving is defined as operating any motor vehicle on any road or highway “carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others.” The charge is usually based on the opinion of law enforcement, rather than objective evidence such as radar gun data used in a speeding ticket case.

Reckless driving encompasses various behaviors, including failing to yield the right of way, running a red light or stop sign, or engaging in aggressive driving that endangers others. If a police officer believes you were operating your vehicle in a manner likely to harm others, you may face a reckless driving charge. These offenses are treated seriously under North Carolina law, with significant penalties, including impacts on your driver’s license.

Legal and Financial Consequences of Reckless Driving in North Carolina

Reckless driving charges in Raleigh, NC, carry more severe penalties than a typical traffic ticket. If convicted, you face a Class 2 misdemeanor charge. A reckless driving conviction can result in a permanent misdemeanor record with long-term repercussions, including heightened costs and potential jail time. This is punishable by:

Jail Time

You could be sentenced to anywhere from 1 to 60 days in jail, depending on the severity of the reckless driving offense.

Fines

A reckless driving conviction comes with a fine of up to $1,000, which can create significant financial strain.

Points on Your Driving Record

A reckless driving conviction will add 4 license points to your driving record under North Carolina's point system, impacting your insurance points and premiums. Accumulating points can lead to further issues:

Insurance Surcharge

The North Carolina 4-point penalty can result in a 90% surcharge on your auto insurance premiums. Your insurance costs could nearly double, placing a substantial and ongoing financial burden on you.

License Suspension

Most reckless driving convictions come with a mandatory 12-month driver's license suspension, often leading to additional driving license points. Losing your driving privileges for a year can severely disrupt work, school, and family life.

Long-Term Financial Impact

The financial impact of a reckless driving conviction in Raleigh, North Carolina can be long-lasting and significant:

Increased Insurance Rates

The nearly doubled insurance premiums due to the 90% surcharge will not only affect you immediately but can also continue for several years, depending on your insurance company's policies.

Job Consequences

If your job requires you to drive, a reckless driving conviction and subsequent license suspension could jeopardize your employment. Even if driving is not a primary duty, employers may view the conviction unfavorably.

Criminal Record

A conviction for reckless driving means having a misdemeanor, which can have several adverse effects. It is crucial to hire a reckless driving defense attorney to navigate the legal process and tailor strategies to reduce driving offenses and their consequences.

Your legal history can impact employment opportunities, insurance rates, and even your ability to obtain certain professional licenses. Additionally, a reckless driving conviction can severely affect your driving in North Carolina, as it is considered a serious criminal offense rather than just a traffic infraction, which is why hiring a criminal defense attorney is vital.

Employment Opportunities

Many employers conduct background checks, and a misdemeanor can hinder your chances of securing a job.

Educational Prospects

Colleges and universities may consider a criminal record in their admission process, potentially affecting your educational opportunities.

Housing Applications

Landlords often conduct background checks, and a misdemeanor can impact your ability to rent housing.

Personal and Professional Life Disruptions

A reckless driving conviction can disrupt both your personal and professional life in various ways. North Carolina traffic laws impact court appearances and legal processes significantly, making it crucial to understand these regulations.

Court Appearances

Various traffic violations, including reckless driving, will require a court appearance in North Carolina and can result in a jail sentence, which adds stress and time commitments.

Legal Fees

In addition to fines, you may incur substantial legal fees if you hire an attorney to defend you.

Stigma

Facing legal consequences can lead to social stigma, affecting your relationships and standing in the community.

the consequences of reckless driving

Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys: How We Help

Given the severe consequences of a reckless driving conviction, consulting a criminal defense attorney is crucial to protect your rights and avoid a guilty verdict. Exceeding the posted speed limit or demonstrating aggressive driving behaviors can lead to these charges in North Carolina. Our experienced attorneys can help you fight the traffic ticket and work towards a favorable outcome, including defending against charges related to exceeding the speed limit.

Here’s how we can assist:

We will thoroughly review the details of your case to identify any weaknesses or errors that can be used in your defense.

Our attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce the charges or penalties.

We will represent you in court, presenting a strong defense to protect your rights and interests.

Our goal is to keep you out of jail, protect your driving privileges, and reduce or eliminate the financial and personal costs of a reckless driving charge.

Contact Our Traffic Offenses Attorneys

Contact us by filling out the form below if you have been charged with reckless driving in North Carolina. Our skilled reckless driving defense attorneys are here to help. Our law firm has been serving residents of Raleigh, North Carolina and The Triangle since 1992 and we have successfully represented clients on all types of traffic tickets.

We strive to offer effective legal services at affordable prices, and we provide payment plans if you are in need.  It's best to start on this type of case immediately, so call  919-439-5104 for an appointment when you are ready to take action.