Reckless Driving Sanctions

Not only are we Seattle DUI Attorneys, but we are familiar with and defend those accused of Reckless Driving as well. Reckless Driving (RCW 46.61.500) is a serious criminal offense (gross misdemeanor) and can have extremely negative consequences if convicted. A conviction will result in a license suspension for a minimum of 30 days (first offense), SR-22 (high risk) insurance and possibly deportation if you are not a United States citizen. The maximum penalty for Reckless Driving in WA is 365 days in jail and a $5000.00 fine. The only minimum penalty is the 30 day license suspension.

Reckless driving is often charged when an officer/trooper/deputy alleges that the operator of a motor vehicle drove with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This infers that the individual did something on purpose, but was not negligent. Therefore, presumably if you operated a motor vehicle and made a mistake (or were allegedly negligent) the City/County/State would not be able to prove the "willful or wanton disregard" portion of the statute, but the officer/trooper/deputy could instead charge the individual with Negligent Driving in the 2nd degree, a civil traffic infraction (with no other conditions imposed by the court except the imposition of a fine).

Caveat: For those of us with a "lead foot," be aware that exceeding the speed limit along with another vehicle can also result in a charge of Reckless Driving. (RCW 46.61.530) Law enforcement agencies frequently charge individuals who like to exhibit speed while riding motorcycles under this particular Reckless Driving statute.

If you have been charged with Reckless Driving, you need an experienced Bellvue attorney to assist with the daunting criminal process.

Don't face these charges alone, contact our Bellevue Law Firm today for a free consultation.