Many people charged with reckless driving plead guilty and pay the fines and court costs without understanding the severe consequences of a reckless driving conviction. Unfortunately, a conviction for reckless driving in Pennsylvania can result in costly fines, increased car insurance premiums, suspension of your driving privileges, and cost you your job. If you find yourself in this situation, hiring an experienced reckless driving defense lawyer is critical.

Lawyer for Reckless Driving

You can choose from many local reckless driving lawyers. In fact, I have over a decade of experience providing skilled and aggressive representation to individuals charged with reckless driving in Bucks County, Montgomery County, and the surrounding Pennsylvania areas.

Contact me at (215) 752-5282 for a free initial consultation, or fill out the confidential initial contact form for an immediate response. Appointments are available after business hours and on weekends.

Reckless Driving PA

The PA vehicle code reckless driving is defined as:

Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property

Is Reckless Driving a Criminal Offense?

No. Reckless driving is a traffic offense found in the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. However, you may still face a jail sentence if you are convicted of reckless driving, especially if it involves damage to property or the injury or death of a person.

Can you be Arrested for Reckless Driving?

No. In most cases, the police will issue you a citation in person, or they will file the ticket with the local district court. Also, you have 10 days to request a trial if you contest the reckless driving ticket.

However, the police will place you under arrest if you are charged with reckless driving and driving under the influence or another severe misdemeanor or felony traffic offense.

Can you go to Jail for Reckless Driving?

Yes. A judge can sentence you to jail for up to 90 days if you are convicted of reckless driving. In addition, the traffic court judge will sentence you to a year in prison if your reckless driving results in the death of another person.

Finally, the police are likely to file more serious criminal charges, such as vehicular homicide, if your reckless driving causes the death of another pedestrian or driver.

How do the Police Prove Reckless Driving in Court?

The police must establish the following:

You intentionally or unintentionally drove your vehicle with an unjustifiable disregard for the safety of other people or property; and
There was a high probability that a motor vehicle accident would occur due to your driving behavior

The police cannot meet their burden of proof in many reckless driving situations. Contact me to discuss all of your options to avoid losing your license.

Types of Reckless Driving

Examples of PA reckless driving include the following:

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How Bad is a Reckless Driving Charge?

The penalties for reckless driving are severe and include the following:

Summary Offense
Up to 90 days in jail
$200 mandatory fine
Mandatory 90 days in jail if another person is injured
Mandatory 1 year in prison if another person is killed
$400 fine if in a construction or work zone
$1,000 minimum fine if an injury is caused
Mandatory $25,000 penalty if you cause the death of another person

A Reckless Driving Conviction may Trigger a 5-Year License Suspension

A reckless driving conviction is considered a “serious traffic offense” under the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code. Under the Pennsylvania Habitual Offender law, convictions for 3 serious traffic offenses within 5 years will result in the revocation of your driver’s license for 5-years.

A revocation, unlike a suspension, refers to the permanent loss of your driving privileges. Therefore, contacting a lawyer experienced in reckless driving defense is essential once you receive a citation for the offense.

What Speed is Considered Reckless Driving?

Most police will cite you for reckless driving if you drive more than 25 miles per hour over the speed limit and exhibit other dangerous driving behavior.

Should I get a Lawyer for a Reckless Driving Ticket?

Yes. You will lose your driver’s license for 6 months if the court convicts you of reckless driving. In addition, the traffic court will impose steep mandatory fines and court costs.

Pennsylvania Reckless Driving Defense

I will thoroughly evaluate the facts and circumstances of your case to identify and develop the most effective defenses against the reckless driving offense. In some cases, I have successfully argued that the alleged driving behavior did not establish that the driver was acting with intentional disregard for the safety of others.

It is often possible to negotiate with the police to reduce the reckless driving citation to a lesser offense, such as careless driving.

As a result, you will pay lower fines and court costs and avoid suspension of your driving privileges. Finally, I will comprehensively analyze your case to develop the most effective strategy to protect your right to drive and ability to earn a living.

Impact of a Reckless Driving Conviction on Your Employment

A conviction for reckless driving can have a devastating impact on your ability to keep your current job. Furthermore, many companies will terminate your employment if a court convicts you of reckless driving.

In addition, individuals convicted of reckless driving often see their car insurance premiums rise dramatically or have their policies canceled.

Consequences of a Reckless Driving Conviction for a CDL Holder

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder is subject to even stricter penalties for a reckless driving conviction, including the “disqualification” or temporary or permanent withdrawal of that individual’s privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Therefore, you must contact me if you are a CDL holder charged with reckless driving.