Highly Skilled and Knowledgeable Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys in West Palm Beach, FL Represent and Advocate for Clients Facing Charges in Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Throughout South Florida
Reckless driving is one of the most serious driving charges you can face in Florida. If convicted, you can face substantial fines and even time behind bars. However, the dedicated Florida reckless driving lawyers at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. can help you fight the charges you face by bringing into question the validity of the prosecution’s case. To learn more about how we can help you and how to avoid significant issues and hassles down the road, contact our reckless driving defense attorneys in West Palm Beach, FL today.
Defining Reckless Driving Under Florida State Law
FL Stat § 316.192 (2014) defines reckless driving as when someone drives a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. By definition, fleeing a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle is considered reckless driving.
The penalties for reckless driving are:
- Imprisonment for up to 90 days, fines of between $25 and $500, or both for a first conviction
- Imprisonment of up to 6 months, fines of between $50 and $1,000, or both for a second conviction
- Reckless driving that causes serious bodily injury to another is a felony crime of the third degree
- If alcohol or controlled substances were involved, the accused will also have to complete a DUI substance abuse program and evaluation
According to FL Statute § 322.26 (2017), you can also have your license revoked if you:
- Are convicted of DUI manslaughter
- Used a vehicle to commit a felony
- Failed to stop and render aid as required by law in the event of a motor vehicle crash that resulted in the death of or personal injury to another
- Commit perjury or make false claims under oath regarding the ownership or operation of a motor vehicles
- Are convicted or forfeit bail not vacated for three charges of reckless driving that were committed within a 12-month period
- Are convicted of violations of state laws against lewdness or prostitution in which a motor vehicle was somehow used
These charges, while different from reckless driving, often accompany reckless driving. They can aggravate an existing reckless driving charge and can substantially increase the jail time, fines, and other penalties you face. To learn more about how we can protect you, contact our Florida reckless driving lawyers today.
Beating Reckless Driving Charges with Our Talented Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys in West Palm Beach, FL
There are many ways we can help you beat reckless driving charges. For example, we can gather evidence to show that:
- You were not driving recklessly
- You were careless but not reckless
- You were driving recklessly out of necessity
- You were not driving
- You were lawfully and safely operating your vehicle
- You were distracted, not driving recklessly
You have the right to be presumed innocent and can only be convicted if the prosecution can prove your guilt beyond any reasonable doubt. Our defensive strategy for your reckless driving charge will be to disprove the prosecution’s claims. To do this, we will gather evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, dash cam footage, vehicle operating logs, CCTV footage, and other forms of evidence to show that you were not driving recklessly. We can also bring into question the legality of your stop since constitutional violations during your stop or arrest can be used to dismiss your charges.
That being said, in some cases, it might even work in your favor to plead guilty to a reckless driving charge, such as if you were driving under the influence since DUIs carry harsher penalties than reckless driving charges. Our Florida reckless driving lawyers will review the case facts to determine the best path forward so call our reckless driving defense attorneys in West Palm Beach, FL today for assistance with your case.
Contact Us Today for Consistent and Dependable Guidance and Representation in Your Reckless Driving Case
Our Florida reckless driving lawyers have years of experience handling motor vehicle violations, personal injury cases, and criminal charges of all kinds. You may have unintentionally driven recklessly or drove while unaware of circumstances that eventually led to a reckless driving charge. Whatever the specifics of your case, we are here to help. Our team of experienced and dedicated reckless driving defense attorneys in West Palm Beach, FL will gather evidence, help you understand your rights and responsibilities, and craft a sound legal defense that can help you beat the charges you face. Do not hesitate to reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reckless Driving in West Palm Beach, FL
Yes. A reckless driving charge can lead to a jump in your insurance payments. This can have a compounding effect where you pay thousands more every year because of a one-time error. Also, if you accumulate too many points or are convicted of reckless driving with injury, you can have your license suspended. These punishments are in addition to the fines and potential jail time associated with first, second, and subsequent convictions, so speak with our highly proficient reckless driving defense attorneys in West Palm Beach, FL to learn more about how we can defend your freedom and rights.
As per Florida state law, reckless driving is a second-degree misdemeanor. However, these charges can be increased if you cause an accident or there are extenuating or aggravating circumstances surrounding your case, such as driving recklessly in a school zone, driving under the influence, breaking multiple laws, or causing injuries or causing property damage as a result of reckless driving. Don’t let a one-time mistake lead to a lifetime with a criminal record, so call our Florida reckless driving lawyers today for compassionate and reliable representation and advocacy in your reckless driving case.