In Washington, a person can be convicted of "reckless driving" for driving a vehicle "in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." The term "willful" refers to conduct that is intentional or purposeful.
The term "willful" refers to conduct that is intentional or purposeful. And "wanton" generally means the person understood but disregarded the consequences of the conduct. Reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor in Washington.
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. So it's possible for a motorist who's accused of driving under the influence to plea bargain for a reckless or negligent driving charge.
And "wanton" generally means the person understood but disregarded the consequences of the conduct. 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.
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.
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.
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.
(1) Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
If you want to remove convictions from your driving record, you may be able to take an online defensive driving course. In the state of Washington, you need to receive special permission from the court you got the ticket in.
Request for Expungement If you are, you must mail a completed copy of the WSP Request for Expungement / Deletion of Non-Criminal Records to Washington State Patrol, Criminal History Records Section, P.O. Box 42633, Olympia, WA 98504-02633. You do not have to pay for this request.
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.
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."
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 ...”
Here are some tips to help you stop reckless driving:Plan ahead. You won't be as tempted to drive at reckless speeds if you leave early enough. ... Work on your road rage. ... Obey traffic rules. ... Remove distractions. ... Keep your distance.
Contesting the hearing is the only way to get a speeding ticket completely dismissed. Check this option, photocopy both sides of your ticket, and make sure it is mailed in within 14 days of the citation.
As can be seen from the list above, the courts cannot send you to prison for a speeding offence alone. The maximum penalty for speeding is a fine and penalty points or a driving disqualification. The maximum fine depends on the type of road you were driving on and the level of your speed.
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.
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.
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.
These include a mark on your record, jail time, fines, and a suspension of your driver’s license.
For a gross misdemeanor, you could be sentenced to up to 364 days behind bars.
The keywords to pay attention to in this statute are “ willful and wanton .” In other words, reckless driving occurs when a motorist intentionally (willfully) drives in a manner that clearly could cause harm (with wanton disregard) to a person or piece of property.
This all sounds like bad news, and it is. But it’s important to remember that a reckless driving charge is not the same thing as a conviction. You can fight your charge and try to avoid a conviction and these penalties. Read on to learn how.
Although it’s unlikely, you could theoretically be charged with reckless driving for exceeding a posted speed limit . It is more likely that you would be charged with reckless driving if you are in gross excess of the posted speed limit, if you are swerving in and out of traffic, etc.
Notice that this law does not define a specific speed for reckless driving. However, another statute, Revised Code of Washington, Section 46.61.470, says that the “operation of a vehicle in excess of the maximum lawful speeds” is evidence of reckless driving.
And this record could affect your reputation and job prospects. While they are not felonies, gross misdemeanors are considered more serious than simple misdemeanors. The maximum punishment for a gross misdemeanor conviction in Washington state is nearly one year in custody/$5000 fine.
If you have been charged with Reckless Driving here in WA State, it is important that you understand that this is a serious criminal driving offense that carries a mandatory 30-day license suspension if you are convicted. You will also be required to obtain an SR-22 insurance policy in order to have your driving privileges reinstated.
If you have been arrested or charged with Reckless Driving here in Washington State, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer whose practice emphasizes driving crimes. Reckless Driving is a unique charge because it requires that the state prove that the driver's conduct was in "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property".
Under Washington State's Habitual Offender Law, certain driving crimes can have a dramatic impact on driving privileges if you get three or more of them within any five-year period. If you do end up with three or more major convictions in any five-year period, your license will be revoked for seven years.
While not quite as harsh as a regular Washington drunk driving crime, a Washington reckless driving violation is still punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.
The unlawful operation of a vehicle in excess of the maximum lawful speeds provided in this chapter at the point of operation and under the circumstances described shall be prima facie evidence of the operation of a motor vehicle in a reckless manner by the operator thereof.
If you are convicted of Reckless Driving in Washington State, your license will automatically be suspended for a minimum of 30 days. The license suspension is required to be imposed by statute. The judge, therefore, has no absolutely discretion with regard to this issue. If you are convicted of Reckless Driving, your license WILL BE suspended. This suspension will typically take place 45-60 days AFTER you are sentenced.
Speeding can be "prima facie" evidence of Reckless Driving in Washington State.
We have handled handled dozens of reckless driving and racing cases in Washington state. Together we have over 30 years of experience. We appear in courts all over Washington state defending people accused of reckless driving and racing cases - most often in King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties.
We welcome contact 24/7 and will get back to you quickly. Please note: There can be no attorney and client relationship between our firm and any individual, nor any duty to act on their behalf, until there is a signed fee agreement.
Email: Your Question: Enter the code above*. FREE consultation: (855) 872-3342. There is a common misconception that dealing with a Washington reckless driving offense is somehow less difficult than a regular WA DUI. While it’s true that a reckless driving conviction carries a shorter license suspension term, it is still punishable by up ...
While every reckless driving case is different, and there are never any guarantees, being adequately prepared is vital when attempting to attack the case against you. This is true even if you are innocent of the charges, because the court is only interested in a defense based on legal principle. When you retain one of our Washington State reckless driving attorneys, you will have your own personal representative working to protect your legal rights.
Losing your license, and being forced to spend time behind bars, is more than just an inconvenience – it is embarrassing and can cause undue hardship on you and your entire family. Every Washington drunk driving case, including reckless driving, has its own set of laws and penalties that govern the offense.
Your free consultation with our reckless driving lawyers in Washington State is one of the best ways you can ascertain your most logical course of action, with absolutely no risk or obligation. The adverse implications of your WA reckless driving charges can be mitigated, but only with a sound legal defense strategy.