Learning to drive is a memorable experience for many people. However, the privilege of driving comes with important responsibilities. Not only must individuals remain focused and vigilant while driving to ensure their own safety, but also to ensure the safety of others.
If a law enforcement officer believes you failed to maintain the proper amount of care while driving, they can issue reckless driving charges. However, a Plantation reckless driving defense lawyer can help you fight those charges and protect your driving privileges.
Not all reckless driving occurs intentionally. There are many distractions and circumstances that may cause otherwise safe drivers to face these serious charges. An important first step in defending against these charges is speaking with one of our experienced reckless driving defense attorneys who can fight for you.
What Counts as Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is a broad term that involves many different actions someone may take while driving. Florida Revised Statutes Chapter 316.192 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
One of the most well-known examples of reckless driving is drag racing, which is when individuals race each other at unsafe speeds on public roads. However, not all reckless driving charges are the result of intentionally unsafe activities. Reckless driving can also include any of the following actions while driving:
- Suddenly slamming on the brakes
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Tailgating
- Excessive speed
- Screeching tires when accelerating
An important distinction to keep in mind when it comes to reckless driving is that establishing mere negligence is not enough to establish the grounds for conviction. Instead, the State may have to be able to prove that the individual defending against these charges committed the action in question knowingly and purposefully without regard for the possible consequences.
Law enforcement officers have a great deal of discretion when it comes to issuing reckless driving charges, and a well-versed Plantation reckless driving lawyer who knows how to apply nuances in the law to the specific circumstances can help advocate for the driver’s rights.
Potential Consequences Individuals May Face
The consequences for reckless driving depend heavily on the circumstances surrounding the charge. Reckless driving can be prosecuted as either a Misdemeanor or a Felony. Typically, a first-time reckless driving offense for an incident that did not involve property damage or bodily injury may be considered a Second-Degree Misdemeanor. As such, it may result in penalties ranging from 90 days in jail to probation and/or fines of up to $500.
However, when reckless driving involves property damage or bodily injury, the consequences may be more severe. Non-serious injuries or damage may result in up to a year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. The more serious the damage or injury, the more serious the consequences may be. A Plantation reckless driving lawyer could attempt to mitigate the consequences of a reckless driving offense.
Fight Charges with a Plantation Reckless Driving Defense Attorney
A reckless driving conviction can have a serious impact on your life and livelihood well into the future. However, you have rights that you must work to protect. Working with a knowledgeable Plantation reckless driving defense attorney can be an important step in protecting those rights.
If you are facing reckless driving charges, you do not have to navigate the legal system alone. Contact our firm to find out more about how our Plantation reckless driving lawyers can work with you to establish a defense that addresses your needs. Call today for a free consultation.