Reckless driving in Florida is considered a criminal offense and will marked as such on an individual’s record. Reckless driving is often confused with careless driving, but the two charges are extremely different as reckless driving is a much more serious charge.
According to Florida law reckless driving is defined as,
“Driving a motor vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other people and property.”
It is important to know that reckless driving relates specifically to the person’s mindset, which makes the charge easy for an officer to write but difficult to prove.
The penalties for reckless driving in Florida are as follows:
First Offense Reckless Driving
Reckless Driving with a Previous Conviction
Reckless Driving Causing Property Damage
Reckless Driving Causing Bodily Injury
Numerous reckless driving charges can be dropped down to a smaller charge based on the fact the prosecution has to prove that the accused individual had willful disregard for other persons or property. Many people charged with reckless driving do not understand that their charge was unfair and should have been deemed as careless driving, which is a non-criminal offense.
In Florida careless driving is defined as,
“Failing to drive a motor vehicle in a careful and prudent manner.”
A person charged with reckless driving should contact a lawyer immediately before admitting guilt to the charge. Depending on the case, a good lawyer should be able to have the charges reduced or dismissed. The majority of reckless driving cases are won in court due to the prosecution’s inability to prove their charge.
Do not stand by and let a criminal offense be marked on your record, or serve any jail time for a reckless driving charge. Call us today and let us help you. We have over 30 years of experience fighting reckless driving charges and we know how to get you the best deal possible in regards to your case. We are fast, friendly and experienced and we WILL provide you the best defense in Florida. Call us today at 1-800-344-4848.
Attorney David A. Haenel, renowned in Florida for his excellent record in criminal defense, DUI, and traffic ticket cases, and has been delivering favorable outcomes for his clients since 2000. With a law degree and a Master of Law in criminal law, his background includes a notable tenure as the State of Florida DUI Prosecutor of the Year
