Reckless Driving
If you or someone you know has been charged with Reckless Driving in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale or Glendale, you may be surprised that this violation is treated as a criminal offense. Reckless driving is broadly defined under Arizona law.
Police officers can charge someone with reckless driving any time they believe a motor vehicle is being operated with reckless disregard for the safety of other persons or property. Reckless driving offenses can vary from high-speed driving and weaving in and out of traffic to a variety of other types of driving.
Depending on whether or not it is a first offense, reckless driving is treated as either a class one misdemeanor or a class two misdemeanor. First offenses are typically charged as class to misdemeanors which carry a maximum jail term of four months. Additionally, the judge may order a fine of up to $750 plus surcharges as well as the suspension of one’s drivers license as a result of a reckless driving conviction.
If a person is convicted of a second or subsequent reckless driving within two years, the offense becomes a more serious class one misdemeanor. The maximum jail term available for a class one misdemeanor is six months and the maximum fine is increased to $2500. Persons convicted of a second reckless driving conviction also face a potential revocation of their drivers license. Additionally, motorists convicted of reckless driving should expect a significant increase in the cost of their auto insurance premiums.
Arizona MVD operates on a point system. A conviction for reckless driving carries an eight point assessment. The accumulation of eight points will, at a minimum, result in MVD imposing a 90 day drivers license suspension unless the individual completes an eight hour traffic survival school. If a person has previously attended traffic survival school in the past 24 months, they will be unable to participate in the program a second time and will have no way of avoiding this onerous suspension.
Most Arizona residents drive to get to and from work, while others drive for a living. Whatever your reason for driving, your privileges as a licensed driver are most likely very important to your livelihood. As a Phoenix Criminal Defense Attorney, the firm’s goal is to protect your driving privileges if you have been charged with Reckless Driving. Having dealt with a wide variety of criminal traffic violations, Joshua S. Davidson can provide the experienced representation you need to protect your rights as a licensed driver.
We offer free consultations. No office visit required, we will get back to you within 24 hours.