Many people charged with reckless driving simply plead guilty and pay the fines and court costs without understanding the serious consequences of a reckless driving conviction. A conviction for reckless driving in Pennsylvania can result in costly fines, increased car insurance premiums, suspension of your driving privileges and potential loss of employment. I can defend you if you are facing a reckless driving citation.
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 counties. Contact me at (215) 752-5282 for a free initial consultation or fill out the confidential initial consultation form for an immediate response. Appointments are available after business hours and on weekends.
Reckless Driving Defined
Reckless driving is defined under 75 Pa.C.S.A. §3736 as follows:
- Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving
In order to prove that you committed a reckless driving offense, the prosecutor must establish at trial that there was a high probability that a motor vehicle accident would occur as a result of your driving behavior.
Examples of Reckless Driving:
- Falling asleep while driving
- Causing an accident with property damage
- Causing an accident resulting in personal injury or death
- Excessive speeding that endangers the safety of other motorists or pedestrians
- Excessive speeding during inclement weather (e.g., rain or snow)
- Driving the wrong way on a highway, street or off-ramp
- Drag racing
- Persistent and deliberate tailgating
- Swerving in and out of traffic
- Driving while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance
Reckless Driving as a Serious Traffic Offense
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 a 5-year period 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, it is important to contact a lawyer experienced in reckless driving defense once you receive a citation for the offense.
Pennsylvania Reckless Driving Defense
I will conduct a thorough evaluation of the facts and circumstances of your case to identify and develop the strongest available defenses against the reckless driving offense. In some cases, I have been successful in defeating a reckless driving charge in court by proving that the driving behavior observed by the police did not establish that the driver was acting with the intentional disregard for the safety of others, as required under the law.
It is often possible to negotiate with the police to reduce the reckless driving citation to a lesser offense, such as careless driving, resulting in lower fines and court costs and the avoidance of a driver’s license suspension. I will analyze your case to develop the most effective strategy to protect your driving privileges 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. Many employers have a termination policy if an employee is convicted of reckless driving. Individuals convicted of reckless driving often see their car insurance premiums rise dramatically or have their policies cancelled.
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. I can help you if you are a CDL holder charged with reckless driving.
Start with a Strong Defense
If you have been charged with reckless driving in Bucks County, Montgomery County or the surrounding counties, it is critical to act quickly to protect your rights and build the strongest possible defense against the charges. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day at (215) 752-5282. Contact me for a free initial consultation or fill out the confidential contact form for an immediate response.
