Reckless Driving Attorney in Raleigh
Caring and personalized reckless driving help.
Do You Have A Reckless Driving Ticket? We Can Help!
What is Reckless Driving?
Under Section 20-149 of the North Carolina General Statutes, reckless driving is defined as operating any 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 made based on the opinion of the police officer or highway patrol trooper who observed the behavior in question, rather than on objective evidence as in a speeding ticket case. Specific criteria that constitute reckless driving include actions that endanger others or show a blatant disregard for safety. Aggressive driving, characterized by unsafe behavior intended to harass or instill fear in others, is distinct from reckless driving, which pertains to general unsafe driving practices without the intent to intimidate.
Careless driving can also lead to a reckless driving charge, illustrating the overlap between these offenses. If the officer determined that you were operating your vehicle in a way that would likely endanger other people or without taking proper precaution to avoid an accident, you will be charged with reckless driving. It is crucial to drive with due caution to avoid such charges. North Carolina law categorizes reckless driving as a serious offense with significant penalties, including impacts on your driver’s license and insurance rates.
Consequences of Reckless Driving Conviction
Reckless driving charges are a serious offense in Raleigh, NC, carrying far more severe penalties than a typical traffic ticket. If convicted, you will face a Class 2 misdemeanor charge. A conviction can lead to a permanent criminal record with long-term consequences such as heightened insurance rates 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 offense and your criminal record.
Fines
A reckless driving conviction 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. Here’s a closer look at the full range of consequences you may face if convicted of reckless driving in Raleigh.
Points on Your Driving Record
A reckless driving conviction will add 4 points to your driving record under North Carolina's point system. Accumulating points can lead to further issues:
Insurance Surcharge
The 4-point penalty can result in a 90% surcharge on your auto insurance premiums. This means 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. Losing your driving privileges for a year can severely impact your daily life, making it challenging to commute to work, attend school, or fulfill family responsibilities.
Long-Term Financial Impact
The financial impact of a reckless driving conviction 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 on your criminal record, which can have several adverse effects. It is crucial to hire a criminal defense attorney to navigate the legal process and tailor defense strategies based on your case.
A criminal record can impact your employment opportunities, insurance rates, and even your ability to obtain certain professional licenses. Additionally, a criminal record can severely affect your driving in North Carolina, as it is considered a serious criminal offense rather than just a traffic infraction.
Employment Opportunities
Many employers conduct background checks, and a criminal record can hinder your chances of securing a job.
Educational Prospects
Colleges and universities may consider a criminal record in their admissions process, potentially affecting your educational opportunities.
Housing Applications
Landlords and property management companies 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 you to attend court hearings, which can be time-consuming and stressful.
Legal Fees
In addition to fines, you may incur substantial legal fees if you hire an attorney to defend you.
Stigma
Having a criminal record can lead to social stigma, affecting your relationships and standing in the community.
How Traffic Attorneys Can Help
Given the severe consequences of a reckless driving conviction, it is crucial to avoid being found guilty. Exceeding the posted speed limit can lead to reckless driving charges. Our experienced attorneys can help you fight the ticket and work towards a favorable outcome, including defending against charges related to exceeding the speed limit.
Here’s how we can assist:
Case Evaluation
We will thoroughly review the details of your case to identify any weaknesses or errors that can be used in your defense.
Negotiation
Our attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce the charges or penalties.
Court Representation
We will represent you in court, presenting a strong defense to protect your rights and interests.
Minimize Penalties
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. Our law firm has been serving residents of Raleigh 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.
"*" indicates required fields