Wheaton Reckless Driving Defense Lawyers

Attorneys for Criminal Charges Related to Dangerous Driving in Wheaton, MD

When a person receives a citation for a traffic offense, they may be able to resolve the case by paying a fine. Doing so may add a few points to a person's driving record, and their insurance rates may increase, but they may be able to avoid serious penalties. However, resolving charges of reckless driving may not be so easy. Reckless driving is a criminal offense that is more serious than a simple traffic violation. A person will typically be required to appear in court, and if they are convicted, they may face penalties that could affect their life and their future.

People who have been arrested for reckless driving will need to understand how to address these charges and defend against criminal convictions. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorneys can provide effective representation in these situations, helping our clients understand their best options for defense. We will make sure our clients understand the specific accusations they are facing, the penalties that could affect them, and the steps they can take to avoid penalties like jail time.

How Speeding Can Lead to a Reckless Driving Charge

Reckless driving generally involves operating a vehicle in a dangerous manner that put other people at risk of harm. A person who is accused of willfully engaging in risky behavior that was likely to result in an accident that could cause injuries or property damage may be charged with reckless driving. However, there are some situations where speeding violations can lead to reckless driving charges.

In cases where a person is accused of violating the speed limit by at least 30 miles per hour, reckless driving charges may apply. An officer may not need to show that a person engaged in any other unsafe behavior, and charges may be based on the readings from speed detection devices. In these cases, our lawyers may be able to challenge the accuracy of radar or laser devices used by police officers, or we may advocate to have charges reduced to a less-serious speeding violation.

Other Conduct That Can Lead to Reckless Driving Charges

Other actions taken by drivers that are considered to be unsafe could lead to criminal charges for reckless driving, including:

• Illegal Passing: When a driver passes another vehicle on a two-lane road, they will need to enter oncoming lanes. If they fail to act safely when doing so, they could put others at risk of serious injuries in a head-on collision. A driver who passes another vehicle on a hill, at a railroad crossing, or when using a shoulder or turn lane may be charged with reckless driving.
• Tailgating: When a person follows behind another vehicle so closely that they would not be able to stop safely, they could face charges of reckless driving. Tailgating can lead to rear-end collisions when traffic slows down without warning or when a vehicle slows down to make a turn. Accusations of dangerous behaviors that put others at risk of injuries in a rear-end accident could lead to criminal charges.
• Aggressive Driving: Drivers may engage in behavior such as sudden lane changes, cutting off other vehicles, forcing their way into other lanes, turning in front of other drivers, or other actions meant to intimidate others. These actions can be dangerous, and they will increase the risks of collisions. Because of the potential dangers, aggressive drivers may be charged with reckless driving.
• Street Racing: When competing against other vehicles on public roads, drivers can put other drivers and pedestrians at risk of injuries in accidents. Because of the dangers involved in racing on roads or highways, police officers may arrest people who are involved in races and charge them with reckless driving.

Reckless Driving Charges Following Car Accidents

When police officers come to the scene of a collision, they will take steps to determine who was at fault and how the collision occurred. If an accident was caused by behavior that went beyond a simple mistake, an officer may arrest the driver who caused the accident. Reckless driving charges may apply if an accident was caused by behavior such as running a red light at high speed, losing control while attempting to pass another vehicle, or driving too fast in harsh weather conditions.

Penalties for a Reckless Driving Conviction

A person who is convicted of reckless driving may face a maximum fine of 1,000 dollars and/or a sentence of up to 60 days in jail. A conviction will also add six points to a person's driving record, which may be enough to trigger enrollment in a Driver Improvement Program or a driver's license suspension. Insurance rates will often increase significantly following a reckless driving conviction, and a person will have a permanent criminal record.

Defense Options in Reckless Driving Cases

Our attorneys can review the circumstances surrounding an arrest for reckless driving to help a client understand the defense strategies that may be available. We can review how a vehicle's speed was measured and challenge readings that may have been inaccurate. We may also review dash camera and body camera footage, witness statements, and other evidence to determine whether a person's alleged conduct was truly reckless.

We may advocate for charges to be reduced to negligent driving and help a client avoid a reckless driving conviction. Negligent driving charges may result in lower fines, and no jail time will be required after a conviction. These charges may also reduce the number of points that will be added to a person's driving record, which may help to avoid a license suspension or other penalties.

Contact Our Wheaton, Maryland Reckless Driving Defense Lawyers

If you have been arrested for reckless driving, you may face serious consequences, and you will need an advocate on your side who can help you avoid a conviction. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyers will stand by your side throughout your case, making sure you understand what will happen during legal proceedings, how you should dress when you go to court, and how to answer questions that you may be asked. We will address any concerns you may have, answer your questions, and provide the guidance you need to resolve your case successfully. Contact our Wheaton reckless driving charges attorneys at 301-762-7500 to schedule your free consultation.