Practice areas / Reckless & negligent driving
Reckless driving is a crime, not a ticket.
Under RCW 46.61.500, reckless driving means driving "with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." It is a gross misdemeanor, and a conviction leaves you with a criminal record.
Penalties if convicted
- Up to 364 days in jail and up to $5,000 in fines
- Mandatory $145.50 criminal traffic fee
- Mandatory 30-day license suspension
- Possible ignition interlock requirement if the original charge was DUI or physical control with a prior within 7 years, or vehicular homicide or assault involving alcohol or drugs
- Higher insurance rates and employment or professional licensing consequences
Defending the charge
- Challenging whether the driving was actually reckless, rather than careless or merely fast
- Challenging the officer's observations and conclusions
- Negotiating to negligent driving or a traffic infraction
Every case turns on its facts. The right defense depends on what the officer saw, what was recorded, and what the state can prove.
Reckless driving as a DUI outcome
Reckless driving is also one of the charges a DUI is commonly reduced to. If that is your situation, the 30-day suspension and interlock rules above may apply. The full reduction ladder.
Why hire me
- Years of experience defending DUI and reckless driving charges in Chelan County
- Local knowledge of the court, the judges and the prosecutors
- A record of reducing charges, avoiding jail and protecting licenses
- A client-centered approach, because I know how stressful this is
Call (509) 630-3492 for a free consultation.
General information, not legal advice. Every case is different; talk to a lawyer about yours.