Silver Spring Reckless Driving Defense Attorney

Lawyer for Reckless Driving Charges in Silver Spring, MD

In many cases, people who receive traffic tickets may decide to pay the associated fine and accept any other penalties, such as points on their driving record and increased insurance rates. However, reckless driving charges are different than many other traffic violations. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense, and a conviction could lead to possible jail time, a permanent criminal record, and other penalties. People who are charged with reckless driving will need to understand what options for defense are available to them.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorney works closely with people in Silver Spring who are facing reckless driving charges or accusations of other traffic crimes. He takes a personal approach to every case, answering any questions that clients have and developing defense strategies to help them avoid convictions and resolve their cases successfully.

Why Reckless Driving Is More Serious Than a Traffic Ticket

A standard traffic infraction, such as running a red light or speeding, will usually result in a fine and points on a person's driver's license. However, unlike most moving violations, reckless driving in Maryland is a misdemeanor. A case will be handled in criminal court, and if a person is found guilty, they will have a criminal conviction on their record. A misdemeanor conviction can appear in background checks conducted by employers, landlords, licensing boards, and other parties.

Driver's License Points

A reckless driving conviction will add six points to a person's driving record. The total number of points that build up within a two-year period can have an effect on a person's driver's license. For three to four points, a person will receive a warning letter from the Motor Vehicle Administration. Five to seven points will require a person to participate in a Driver Improvement Program. Eight to 11 points will result in an automatic driver's license suspension, and 12 or more points will result in a license revocation.

At minimum, a reckless driving conviction will require a person to take an educational course meant to ensure that they will be able to drive safely in the future. However, if a person had points on their record due to previous traffic violations, a reckless driving conviction may add enough points to trigger a license suspension.

Fines and Possible Incarceration

A reckless driving conviction may lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence lasting for up to 60 days. If reckless driving allegedly led to the injury or death of a "vulnerable individual," such as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist, a person may face a maximum fine of $2,000, and they may also be required to perform up to 150 hours of community service.

Situations That Can Lead to a Reckless Driving Charge

Charges of reckless driving may apply in any situation where a person has allegedly acted unsafely and put others at risk of harm. These situations may involve:

• Excessive Speeding: Maryland law states that a person may be charged with reckless driving if they drive at least 30 miles per hour above the speed limit. However, charges of reckless driving may also apply if a person is accused of driving at dangerous speeds in residential areas, school zones, or other areas where people may be at risk of harm due to these actions.
• Aggressive Driving: A person may be accused of tailgating behind other vehicles, weaving from lane to lane, cutting off other drivers, or running red lights, and they could be charged with reckless driving if these actions put other people in danger of being injured.
• Street Racing: Participating in races on public roads is considered to be an especially dangerous offense. Issues such as the presence of bystanders, the speeds involved in a race, and accidents that took place may influence the severity of these charges.
• Distracted Driving: While texting or other forms of distracted driving can lead to traffic violations in Maryland, distractions that allegedly involved dangerous behavior like drifting into oncoming traffic, running through stop signs, or causing an accident could result in reckless driving charges.

Defending Against Reckless Driving Charges

Our attorney will take the time to investigate charges of reckless driving, challenge the evidence against a client, and work to achieve a favorable outcome to a criminal case. The specific defense strategies that may be used include:

Challenging a Police Officer's Observations

Unlike speeding, which can be measured with radar or laser equipment, charges of reckless driving may be based on a judgment call about whether a person showed a willful disregard for the safety of others. Our lawyer will carefully examine a police officer's account of what happened to determine whether their claims may be challenged.

Disputing Speed Measurement

When a reckless driving charge is based on claims that a person was driving at an excessive speed, our attorney can review the evidence used to establish that speed. Radar and laser devices must be properly calibrated, and they may malfunction, or they may give inaccurate readings if they are not operated correctly. Reviewing calibration records, documentation related to the officer's training, and information about how a device was used may uncover errors.

Examining Road and Traffic Conditions

Behavior that might be dangerous in some circumstances may be explained by conditions on the road. Our lawyer can look at issues like visibility, weather, traffic density, and other factors that may play a role in a case and allow claims about reckless driving to be challenged.

Questioning Whether a Person's Conduct Was Truly Reckless

Reckless driving involves a willful disregard for safety. To be charged with reckless driving, a person must have made a conscious choice to ignore risks. Simple mistakes or a brief lapse in judgment may not meet this standard. Our attorney will look at whether the facts of a case actually support a reckless driving charge.

Contact Our Silver Spring, Maryland Reckless Driving Defense Lawyer

When responding to charges of reckless driving, the lawyer at the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can investigate the facts of a case, identify weaknesses in the evidence, and develop a strategy to prevent a criminal conviction. He can provide you with personal attention and an honest assessment of your case to help you understand what outcome you can expect. He will fight for a result that will protect your record, your license, and your future. Contact our Silver Spring reckless driving attorney at 301-762-7500 to arrange a free consultation.