Eric Skager Law helps drivers in High Point when they face reckless driving charges. If you’ve received a ticket, you might be wondering what to do next. These violations can bring fines, license suspensions, and unnecessary stress. With an experienced attorney to guide you, handling these challenges becomes much simpler. Contact my firm today for a free consultation to talk about your options.
Do I Need a Lawyer After Being Charged with Reckless Driving?
You don’t have to have a lawyer when facing a reckless driving charge. However, the high stakes involved make it very likely that you will benefit from having a strong legal representative.
Suspects need to understand that in North Carolina, reckless driving is not a simple traffic offense. It’s a misdemeanor. It’s considered a serious crime. This means suspects will have to go to court over the offense. Those found guilty can face jail time, large fines, and risk losing their right to drive.
Even if you feel you are guilty, a lawyer can still work on your behalf for a much better outcome than you might obtain alone.
A lawyer would provide these protections and others:
- Help you get the charges dismissed
- Help you earn reduced charges
- Help you earn a reduced sentence
- Help you keep your license
- Help you avoid jail time
- Represent you in court
A skilled lawyer also fully investigates your case and makes sure the police report and the case against you are completely accurate. All evidence in your favor will be uncovered and used to help build a strong case for you.
What Is Reckless Driving in North Carolina?
As already mentioned above, reckless driving is more than just a minor infraction in North Carolina. It’s considered a Class 2 Misdemeanor.
The definition of reckless driving is generally left up to the officer on the scene, but the careless actions of a driver that put others at risk is one way to sum it up. It’s usually thought of as the reckless lack of care for the other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
It can applied to a driver who is going way over the speed limit, running a red light, drag racing, and other poor choices are all grounds for reckless driving charges.
This is the way North Carolina statutes explain the concept:
N.C.G.S. § 20-140. Reckless driving.
“a) Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway or any public vehicular area carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others shall be guilty of reckless driving.
(b) Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway or any public vehicular area without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property shall be guilty of reckless driving.”
Speed often plays a role in reckless driving. In North Carolina, an officer would consider reckless driving charges if a driver was going 15 mph over a 55 mph speed limit. Drivers who go over 80mph could also face charge.
North Carolina drivers should also know that hauling a load in an unsafe manner that could cause an accident would also constitute reckless driving.
Punishments for Reckless Driving in North Carolina
It’s usually a good idea for drivers facing reckless driving charges to fight a conviction as much as possible. The punishments that are possible are severe and can upend a person’s life for years to come.
- Drivers can face a fine of $1,000 on top of court fees
- Drivers may be sentenced to up to two months in jail
- Drivers could have their driver’s license suspended
- Drivers would get points applied to their driver’s license
- Drivers may end up with a criminal record
- Drivers may face an enormous jump in car insurance premiums
If you were driving drunk when spotted traveling recklessly, the punishments would likely increase. If your reckless driving caused an accident and injuries, other penalties will be possible.
How Can I Get Out of a Reckless Driving Charge?
Your lawyer would be gathering all evidence available to clear your name. But even if a dismissal of charges wasn’t possible, your lawyer still works to greatly improve the outcome of your court hearing.
Your lawyer would be seeking reduced charges on your behalf. If you were convicted, your lawyer would negotiate for reduced jail time and fines. Your lawyer is also your best bet to help you keep your driver’s license so you can continue to go to work and continue to support your family.
In some cases, you might have a chance to avoid all punishment in your case. Your lawyer would examine the evidence and explore all options.
These are some of the defenses that might get reckless driving charges dismissed:
- Showing problems with a radar gun or Lidar (laser) detector the officer used
- Contending that a reckless driving stop was made outside the officer’s jurisdiction
- Asserting your constitutional rights were violated by the officer
- Proving you had a reason to be speeding such as in the case of an emergency
- Proving the officer charged the wrong driver
Contact Eric Skager Law After Being Charged With Reckless Driving in High Point
When you get hit with Reckless Driving in High Point, it can mean fines or even a suspension of your driver’s license. This could put you in a tough spot financially and mentally, but you don’t have to face the situation alone. My firm, Eric Skager Law, has the experience and resources you need to get through the situation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
