Elkridge Reckless Driving Attorneys

Lawyers Helping Clients Defend Against Charges Related to Reckless Driving in Elkridge, MD

A reckless driving violation is not the same as a minor traffic ticket. Because reckless driving is considered to be more serious than a simple violation of traffic laws, a person could be arrested, they may be at risk of losing their license, and they could face the possibility of a jail sentence. Drivers who are stopped on busy roads in Elkridge such as Highway 100 or U.S. Highway 1 may be accused of engaging in dangerous behavior, and they could be arrested for reckless driving. When a case involves a crash, a police pursuit, a street race, or other factors that allegedly affected public safety, the consequences may be even more serious.

Following an arrest for reckless driving, a person will need to make sure they have legal representation from a lawyer who can provide a defense in court. At Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our attorneys have represented many drivers in cases involving serious traffic charges, and we know how judges and prosecutors approach these cases. We can review every detail of a traffic stop and arrest, and we can take steps to defend against a conviction and resolve a case in a way that will minimize the effect on a person's driver's license and life.

We understand how important the ability to drive is for most people, and we work to ensure that our clients will be able to avoid penalties that could have an impact on their careers, family relationships, and other parts of their lives. We strive to take the stress and uncertainty out of these cases by answering our clients' questions, addressing their concerns, and working closely with them to make sure they will always be ready to appear in court hearings and address the charges they are facing.

Common Reasons for Reckless Driving Charges

In general, reckless driving charges may apply in cases where a person has allegedly operated a vehicle in a way that showed that they had no regard for how their actions could affect other people's safety. To secure a conviction, a prosecutor will need to show that a person was aware of the risks of their behavior but disregarded concerns about safety and acted in ways that could have led to serious injuries or extensive property damage. Some of the most common reasons drivers are charged with reckless driving include:

• Excessive Speed: Driving well above the speed limit, especially in heavy traffic, residential neighborhoods, work zones, or other conditions where other people could be at risk, could lead to an arrest. Regardless of whether other factors were present, Maryland law states that reckless driving charges may apply if a person allegedly exceeded the speed limit by more than 30 miles per hour.
• Weaving Through Traffic: A person may put others at risk by changing lanes repeatedly without signaling or failing to leave enough safe space between their vehicle and other vehicles.
• Racing or Exhibition Driving: Taking part in drag races or other types of races is considered to be dangerous. Other related activities may include spinning tires or performing stunts on public roads or in parking lots.
• Passing Dangerously: A person who passes another vehicle by entering oncoming traffic could cause a head-on collision. Illegal passing near curves or hills or on the shoulder of a road could put others at risk of serious harm.
• Illegally Passing School Buses: A person who does not stop when a school bus has its lights flashing and stop arm extended could face charges related to the endangerment of children.
• Fleeing Police: A person who refuses to stop when signaled to do so by a police officer or who attempts to speed away and avoid police may face criminal charges due to the potential dangers of these actions.
• Distracted Driving: While texting while driving or other distractions may sometimes be considered minor traffic violations, a person could face more serious charges if they caused a collision or put others at risk of harm because they were distracted.
• Road Rage: Aggressive actions like tailgating, purposely cutting off another vehicle, or using a vehicle to threaten someone else can lead to serious traffic charges.

Penalties for a Reckless Driving Conviction

The fines that may apply if a person is convicted of a reckless driving offense may be as high as $1,000. Six points will be added to a person's driving record. Drivers who have accumulated at least five points are required to complete a driver improvement course, and a person's license will be suspended once they have accrued eight points. If a person has a previous traffic violation on their record, a reckless driving conviction may lead to at least eight points, resulting in the loss of their driving privileges.

A reckless driving conviction may also result in a sentence of up to 60 days in jail. While a jail sentence may not always be imposed in these cases, a judge may be more likely to require jail time if a person's actions were considered to be especially dangerous or if someone else was injured. In some cases, more serious charges of vehicular assault or manslaughter by vehicle may apply, and the potential jail sentence may increase.

Reduction of Reckless Driving Charges to Negligent Driving

In some cases, a person who has been charged with reckless driving may take steps to have the charges reduced to negligent driving. This offense involves driving in a careless manner that did not meet the standards to be considered reckless. The penalties for negligent driving are less severe, and they generally include a maximum fine of $750 and one point on a person's driving record.

Prosecutors may agree to reduce charges from reckless driving to negligent driving for several reasons. A person may have a clean record with few or no previous violations, so a prosecutor may be more willing to be lenient. In other cases, there may not be evidence showing that a person engaged in intentional or willful behavior that could be considered reckless. Our lawyers can help clients demonstrate that they qualify for negligent driving charges, and we will work to minimize the penalties a person may face.

Contact Our Elkridge, Maryland Reckless Driving Lawyers

While the penalties for reckless driving can be serious, taking the right approach during a case may help a person reduce the charges they may face and avoid the loss of their driver's license or jail time. The team at Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can provide the representation needed in these cases. Contact our Elkridge, MD reckless driving charges attorneys at 301-762-7500 to arrange a free consultation.