Frederick Reckless Driving Lawyer
In Frederick, reckless driving is any action taken behind the wheel of a moving vehicle that is too dangerous for the circumstances or otherwise in “reckless” or wanton disregard for the safety of others. The statute is intentionally broad so police officers are given wide discretion on when to pursue a reckless driving charge. However, this broad definition could also provide you and your attorney a basis for a strong defense.
If law enforcement issued you a citation for reckless driving in Frederick, it is important to act quickly. With a court date looming, you must develop your defense strategy right away. A skilled Frederick reckless driving lawyer could help guide you on the appropriate strategy moving forward. Reach out to an accomplished defense attorney.
Reckless Driving Defined in Frederick County
State law defines a reckless driver as someone operating a motor vehicle in wanton disregard for the safety of other people or property.
There is no set list of actions that qualify as reckless. For example, traveling at high speed on a highway is unlikely to be reckless. However, in the middle of an ice storm, that same action may be reckless and dangerous to others. Any time a driver puts others at serious risk of injury, a police officer may consider a charge of reckless driving. A skilled reckless driving lawyer in Frederick may be able to contextualize a driver’s actions, making it clear that they were harmless or acting out of necessity.
Speeding vs. Reckless Driving
While traveling at high speeds is not an element of reckless driving, speed frequently plays a role in these charges. In some cases, defendants could face charges of both speeding and reckless driving.
Ultimately, reckless driving is about putting other people at risk. Driving the wrong way down a one-way street is dangerous at any speed. Police also commonly use this charge when they believe drivers were acting overly aggressive, driving in an unsafe manner, or trying to avoid police detection.
The Severity of a Reckless Driving Charge
Reckless driving is a moving violation that an officer could attach with a speeding ticket or other citation. However, the potential penalties for a reckless driving charge are severe. The penalties for a reckless driving charge in Frederick include:
- Fines
- Six Points added to a driving record
The addition of six points to any motorist’s driving record is significant. Accumulating five points requires a mandatory driver improvement course, meaning a conviction for reckless driving always requires that course. If a driver had points on their license before a reckless driving conviction, they may lose their right to drive.
While these consequences are serious, there is no guarantee that a citation must result in a conviction. With the help of a Frederick reckless driving attorney, a defendant may be able to prevail at trial and avoid a conviction altogether. Therefore, it is imperative for a defendant to reach out to a well-versed defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Reach out to a Frederick Reckless Driving Attorney Today
If you are facing a charge of reckless driving in Frederick, having a skilled attorney familiar with the local court and its judges can be a major benefit. This knowledge could better prepare you for what to expect if your case goes to trial.
If you are ready to build a strong defense in your reckless driving case, contact a Frederick reckless driving lawyer. At your initial consultation, your lawyer can explain the process and answer your legal questions.