how to get reckless driving lowered no lawyer washingoton state

by Dayna Bednar 9 min read

What is reckless driving in Washington State?

Jun 27, 2018 · Embracing another person: embracing or holding another person while driving can be considered reckless driving as it can affect your ability to steer, shift, affect your vision or slow your reaction times. Racing: racing another vehicle will typically be cited as reckless driving and is illegal on Washington state roads and highways. Penalties. The penalties for reckless driving …

Do I need a lawyer for a reckless driving charge?

Perhaps the biggest consequence of reckless driving Washington State imposes a licenses suspension. A reckless driving conviction will result in the suspension of your drivers license for 30 days. This is imposed by the Department of Licensing and is a mandatory penalty. You are eligible to drive during the 30 day license suspension with an occupational license, but there …

Is reckless driving a willful misdemeanor?

Dealing with the Charge of Reckless Driving in Washington On the administrative end, you can employ options such as contesting the impending suspension, attending DOL-approved awareness programs or obtaining an Occupational Restricted License (ORL).

What is a Wet Reckless in a Washington DUI case?

Jun 25, 2018 · What is Reckless Driving? Reckless driving is when a driver operates a motor vehicle in a way that shows an complete disregard for safety of property or other people. This mean the defendant knew that operating a motor vehicle can be extremely dangerous, but chose to do so despite the risks.

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Can reckless driving be expunged in Washington State?

What Can Be Vacated From Your Record? While DUI and physical control charges can not be vacated, reductions from the following charges can be: Reckless Driving. Reckless Endangerment.

How long does reckless driving stay on record in WA?

Also, assuming certain factors are met, you can have a reckless driving conviction vacated from your record. A DUI conviction in Washington will stay on your record for life. The maximum probationary term for reckless driving is 24 months, less than the term of 60 months for a DUI conviction.Nov 2, 2018

How much is a reckless driving ticket in Washington State?

a $5,000.00
Reckless driving is considered a serious criminal traffic offense in the State of Washington. As a gross misdemeanor, it carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine. If convicted of Reckless Driving in Washington the Department of Licensing will suspend the driver's license for 30 days.

Can you go to jail for reckless driving in Washington State?

Violation of Washington State's reckless driving statute is a gross misdemeanor and carries significant penalties: Jail time of up to 364 days. Up to a $5000 fine. Mandatory license suspension of no less than 30 days.

How many mph over is reckless driving in Washington State?

So in Washington, if a driver is traveling 26 mph in a 25 mph zone, that person can be arrested (though it is unlikely and unusual). But if you're allegedly traveling 164 mph on a motorcycle, you are at high risk of getting arrested and charged with reckless driving.Apr 18, 2022

What is considered reckless driving in WA?

Reckless Driving is defined in Washington as driving a motor vehicle with a willful and wanton disregard for safety of persons or property. “Willful and wanton” is the key phrase.Nov 21, 2020

Is reckless driving a criminal offense?

Damages and Injuries as a Result of Reckless Driving

According to DOJ, "depending on the extent of damages caused, a person may be charged with crimes such as physical injuries, damage to property or even homicide and murder."
Sep 30, 2018

Can you go to jail for speeding in Washington state?

Imprisonment. Exceeding the Washington state reckless driving speed and getting convicted of this crime could land you in jail. For a gross misdemeanor, you could be sentenced to up to 364 days behind bars.Aug 31, 2021

What is a misdemeanor in Washington state?

(2) Misdemeanors and Gross Misdemeanors. (a) Any crime punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than ninety days, or by both such fine and imprisonment is a misdemeanor.

Are burnouts illegal in Washington state?

The Washington Administrative Code has a section titled “Motor Vehicle Noise Performance Standards.” In there, you'll find a law that states, “No person shall operate a motor vehicle in such a manner as to cause or allow to be emitted squealing, screeching or other such noise from the tires ...”Jan 25, 2021

How do you get a speeding ticket dismissed in Washington state?

If you request a deferred finding, the ticket may be placed “on hold” for six to twelve months. If all conditions are met, including getting no additional tickets during that time, then the ticket will be dismissed without going on your record.

Is a speeding ticket a misdemeanor in Washington state?

In general, speeding tickets and traffic violations are considered infractions and not criminal offenses. You can receive a speeding misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor depending on the factors surrounding the incident.Jun 3, 2021

What happens if you get arrested for reckless driving in Washington?

The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Washington can be serious. If you've been arrested for or charged with reckless driving, get in contact with an experienced criminal defense attorney.

How long is reckless driving in Washington?

Reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor in Washington. Anyone convicted of reckless driving is looking at up 364 days in jail and a maximum of $5,250 in fines and penalty assessments. The motorist also faces a license suspension of at least 30 days.

What is second degree negligent driving?

Generally, second-degree negligent driving is a traffic infraction. A violation carries up to $500 in fines and penalty assessments. Offenses involving death or injury to a "vulnerable victim.". Enhanced penalties apply to second-degree negligent driving offenses where a "vulnerable victim" is killed or seriously injured.

What to provide to attorneys for DUI?

To help the attorneys better evaluate your case , please provide details about your arrest (including the reported blood alcohol level), any history of DUI arrests and convictions, and upcoming court dates. Step 5 of 5

What does "negligent" mean in Washington?

As used in the statute, "negligent" means an act that a reasonably careful person wouldn't do or a failure to do something that a reasonably careful person would do. Washington also has a law that makes embracing another in a manner that " prevents ...

Can you plead guilty to a DUI?

In some states, it's possible for a driver who's charged with driving under the influence (DUI) to plea bargain for a lesser charge. When a DUI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it's sometimes called a " wet reckless ."

Can you plea bargain for a DUI?

When a DUI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it's sometimes called a " wet reckless .". Washington doesn't restrict plea bargaining in DUI case.

What is the penalty for reckless driving in Washington?

For those that find themselves with multiple reckless driving convictions, or some combination of DUI, reckless driving and/or other driving offenses, a reckless driving conviction carries with it the possibility of being deemed a Washington State habitual traffic offender (HTO) and a 7 year license suspension.

How long does a reckless driving conviction last in Washington?

A reckless driving conviction will result in the suspension of your drivers license for 30 days. This is imposed by the Department of Licensing and is a mandatory penalty.

Is reckless driving a misdemeanor in Washington State?

When it comes to reckless driving Washington State law is very strict. While it is only a misdemeanor, it can have significant consequences for you and your ability to drive, in the short term and far into the future.

Washington's Definition of Reckless Driving

In Washington reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle on a public roadway with disregard for the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, passengers or property.

Impact on Your Driver's License

The Department of Licensing in Washington does not employ a point-based system; however, certain offenses, such as reckless driving, carry mandatory suspension periods upon conviction. Likewise, 4 moving violations within a 1-year period, or 5 within a 2-year period, result in a 30-day suspension.

Dealing with the Charge of Reckless Driving in Washington

On the administrative end, you can employ options such as contesting the impending suspension, attending DOL-approved awareness programs or obtaining an Occupational Restricted License (ORL).

When to Get a Lawyer for Reckless Driving in Washington

Involving a lawyer from the outset is wise because the potential penalties in a reckless driving case are severe. Although reckless driving convictions often return sentences that are fairly lenient, legal counsel can negotiate such outcomes.

What is reckless driving in Washington?

Under Washington law, reckless driving is defined as driving a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Courts have interpreted this statute to include circumstances when a person puts themselves at risk. It is punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of $5,000. Reckless driving is an arrestable offense, and many people stopped by the police for this crime are handcuffed and taken to jail. When the police allege that racing or "road rage" occurred, they will issue a ticket for reckless driving. A person convicted of reckless driving will need to obtain SR-22 or "high risk" insurance.

What happens if you are charged with reckless driving?

Sometimes a charge of reckless driving is the result of a plea bargain in a DUI case. Under new state statute, if a person is convicted of reckless driving (that is plead down from DUI), he or she must install an ignition interlock device on his or her car. When a defendant is charged with a more serious crime such as vehicular assault or felony eluding, the defense attorney might request that the jury be able to consider the lesser charge of reckless driving. However, under new court precedents, this is harder and harder to do. When a person is charged with reckless driving, the defense lawyer will often attempt to get the charge reduced down to negligent driving 2 nd degree.

Can you be reckless if you drive at high speed?

In the past, prosecuting attorneys were able to have juries instructed that they can infer recklessness based on excessive speed alone. However, such instructions have been ruled unconstitutional. When determining if traveling at high speed amounts to reckless driving, jurors often look at the weather conditions, lighting conditions, the type of car, and how many other vehicles were on the road. What might be reckless on state route 2 might not amount to recklessness on I-90. Speaking on a cell phone can be a contributing factor.

What are some examples of reckless driving?

Although state laws vary in defining reckless driving, some common examples of reckless driving include: 1 Speeding excessively of over 25 miles over the posted speed limit 2 Tailgating 3 Illegal passing (for example, passing on a curve or using the opposing traffic lane to pass) 4 Weaving through traffic 5 Ignoring traffic signs and signals 6 Driving a vehicle known to have faulty brakes or other dangerous flaws 7 Racing other cars 8 Escaping from a police officer after a traffic stop

What factors determine if a driver is reckless?

This includes: The time of day and whether the drivers driving was safe. Weather conditions. The presence of other people. The driver’s act was beyond mere negligence.

How much jail time do you get for driving a car?

Your driving privileges may be suspended. You may have to pay fines of up to $2,500 depending on your state’s laws. You may face jail time of up to one year. The severity of your penalties will depend primarily on your state’s laws and your prior driving history.

Can a lawyer represent you in court?

Even if your state classifies reckless driving as a driving offense, you can still benefit from the aid of a lawyer. A criminal defense attorney can represent you in court, negotiate a plea bargain, or seek to lower your fines or jail time. Post Your Case - Get Answers from Multiple Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Is reckless driving a crime?

Depending on what state you live in, reckless driving is either a mis demeanor criminal offense or a misdemeanor traffic offense. Some states call the violation of reckless driving as “careless driving.”.

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