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Reckless Driving Attorney in Raleigh

Caring and personalized reckless driving defense in North Carolina.

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


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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.” This 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 traffic tickets encompass various behaviors, including failing to yield the right of way in a public vehicular area, running a red light or stop sign, or engaging in aggressive driving that endangers others.

If a police officer believes you were driving in a way that posed a risk to others, you could be charged with reckless driving. These offenses carry serious legal consequences under North Carolina law, potentially leading to a driving conviction, impacting your driver’s license and resulting in a permanent criminal record and possible jail time.

Legal and Financial Consequences of Reckless Driving in North Carolina

A charge for reckless driving in Raleigh, NC comes with penalties that are more severe than a standard traffic ticket. If convicted of a reckless driving charge, you face a Class 2 misdemeanor charge. Being found guilty of reckless driving can result in a permanent misdemeanor record with long-term repercussions, including community punishment, 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 conviction for reckless driving in North Carolina comes with a fine of up to $1,000, which can create significant financial strain.

However, the legal and financial repercussions extend far beyond these immediate penalties, making it important to seek guidance from a criminal defense lawyer. Here’s a closer look at the full range of consequences you may face if charged with reckless driving and convicted in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Points on Your Driving Record

A reckless driving offense will add 4 license points to your driving record under North Carolina's point system, impacting your insurance points and premiums. Even seemingly minor offenses like running a red light or stop sign can contribute to point accumulation. 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 means you won’t be able to legally operate a motor vehicle, which can severely impact daily responsibilities like commuting to work or school. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as weaving through traffic or tailgating, can contribute to these penalties.

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, especially for drivers with a history of aggressive driving violations.

Job Consequences

If your job requires you to drive, a reckless driving charges and subsequent license suspension could jeopardize your employment. Even driving slightly over the posted speed limit—for example, exceeding 55 miles per hour in a restricted zone—can result in reckless driving charges.. Employers may also take issue with aggressive driving citations, viewing the conviction as a safety concern.

Criminal Record

A conviction for reckless driving in North Carolina 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, in North Carolina a reckless driving conviction can severely affect your driving as it is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor, 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 reckless driving charge can hinder your chances of securing a job.

Educational Prospects

Colleges and universities may review past legal issues during the admission process, which could impact 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 charges, will require a court appearance in North Carolina and can result in a jail sentence, which adds stress and time commitments. Having a criminal defense attorney on your side can help navigate the legal process and work toward a favorable outcome.

Legal Fees

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

Stigma

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

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

We will represent you in court if you are charged with reckless driving, 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, whether it stems from exceeding the posted speed limit or other traffic violations.

Contact Our North Carolina Traffic Offenses Attorneys

Contact us by filling out the form below if you have been charged with traffic offenses like 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 offenses and reckless driving charges.

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.