Being accused of reckless driving is far more serious than being issued a traffic ticket and going on your way. Rather, in the state of Georgia, it is a criminal offense carrying weighty legal and financial implications. It is an understatement to say that you must thoroughly understand your rights at this time. So without further ado, please continue reading to learn more about the possible consequences of a reckless driving charge and how an experienced Cobb County traffic violation lawyer at Miller Law Practice, LLC can help prevent this from being recorded in your driving history.

What behaviors and actions constitute reckless driving in Georgia?

By its general definition, reckless driving is operating a motor vehicle with reckless disregard for the safety of others or others’ property. Specifically, reckless disregard means behavior and actions that exhibit a conscious indifference to the posed risks. Simply put, a traffic violation may be a negligent mistake, while reckless driving may be a willful act. 

For example, it may only be considered a traffic violation if you drive through a stop sign without bringing your vehicle to a complete stop. Contrastingly, your offense may be upgraded to reckless driving if it involved blatantly passing a stopped school bus with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. 

In another example, driving five miles above the enforced speed limit may result in a minor violation, but an excessive speed of 25 miles per hour over the limit may be taken more seriously. This may be further escalated if you were found to be racing another vehicle on a public road, aggressively weaving through lanes of traffic, etc.

What are the consequences of a reckless driving charge in Georgia?

Instead of a standard traffic ticket, you may receive a criminal summons for your reckless driving charge, which may require defending yourself before the Georgia criminal court. If you are ultimately found guilty of this misdemeanor, you may face any combination of the following consequences, both criminal and non-criminal in nature: 

  • A fine of up to $1,000.
  • Jail time of up to 12 months.
  • Increases in your insurance premium or a cancellation of your policy.
  • Four points on your driving record or license suspension if you are 21 or younger.

Your lawyer may be able to negotiate probation instead of serving jail time. However, you must understand that this may entail mandatory completion of driver improvement courses, community service hours, etc. Lastly, having this on your permanent criminal record can create complications for your future employment opportunities and other aspects of your personal life.

When preparing for your upcoming legal case, you may find the missing puzzle piece to be your legal representation. Please do not work further until you have retained the services of a skilled Cobb County traffic violation lawyer. Schedule your initial consultation with Miller Law Practice, LLC today.