Reckless Driving
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A reckless driving charge can leave you overwhelmed and struggling to understand what your next steps should be. At Hiltzheimer Law Office, our reckless driving attorneys in North Carolina can provide aggressive and compassionate representation to protect your license and your record.
Hiltzheimer North Carolina Reckless Driving Attorney
We know how serious the consequences of a reckless driving conviction are — and how they can turn your life upside down. When you hire us, you benefit from having an experienced team of lawyers who care about your future and will work tirelessly to build a robust defense against your reckless driving charges.
Contact us to speak with an experienced reckless driving lawyer in North Carolina today.
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What Is Reckless Driving NCGS § 20-140?
North Carolina law defines reckless driving as the act of driving a motor vehicle without due caution or with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. Conduct that can be considered reckless driving include:
- Excessive speeding
- Running a stop sign or red light
- Tailgating
- Racing other vehicles
- Making rapid lane changes
Any conduct that can be interpreted as driving carelessly can cause a driver to be charged with reckless driving in North Carolina. In some cases if you commit two or more moving violations that are perceived as disregard for others on the road, you can be charged with reckless driving.
Consequences of a Reckless Driving Conviction
A reckless driving conviction in North Carolina is not only a traffic violation — it’s also a criminal offense. Reckless driving is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor, and in some cases it can carry the potential of a jail sentence as well as serious fines.
North Carolina reckless driving laws can trigger a fine of up to $1,000 if you’re convicted. You’ll also have four points on your license and may face a driver’s license suspension.
Additionally, the court can sentence you to up to 60 days in jail, and whether they do so depends on factors like your driving record and the type of traffic violations you are found to have committed. If you are perceived to have put the lives of others at risk, the court may sentence you more harshly.
If you’ve been charged with this criminal offense, you need to hire our seasoned attorneys for reckless driving. We have extensive knowledge of reckless driving laws and can prepare a strong defense.
Defenses to a Reckless Driving Charge
Reckless driving defenses can vary depending on your unique case. For example, an experienced reckless driving lawyer in North Carolina can present a defense based on necessity, meaning that you were driving in an erratic manner because you believed an emergency existed.
Our lawyers can also investigate to see whether your constitutional rights were respected. If you were unlawfully targeted by police and that led to you being charged with reckless driving, we can fight to get those charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
The state will also have to prove that the charging officer’s equipment was calibrated according to the required protocols and correctly locked in your speed. With a reckless driving defense attorney by your side, you will have the experience and skill of an attorney who has the ability to challenge the state’s evidence.
Understanding the Reckless Driving Charge Process
One of the first things to bear in mind is that when it comes to reckless driving, North Carolina typically requires that you personally appear in court. Unlike with other traffic offenses, which are called waivable offenses, you may be required to attend your court date on a reckless driving charge. For non-residents, we may be able to negotiate an option that allows you to avoid returning for court.
It’s best not to go to court without an experienced attorney to advocate for you, so make sure to contact our team promptly for representation.
What Are the Related Charges to Reckless Driving?
Aggressive driving is a related charge and, along with reckless driving, is a Class 2 misdemeanor. They can both impact your criminal record.
Contact a Reckless Driving Lawyer in North Carolina
Don’t face the charges of reckless driving on your own. At Hiltzheimer Law Office, we offer the experienced representation you deserve. We can investigate the exact circumstances in which you were stopped and gather evidence to fight on your behalf.
Call us to schedule a consultation with a North Carolina reckless driving attorney today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reckless driving is operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for safety, under NC law § 20-140.
It involves driving that endangers persons or property through careless, dangerous, or aggressive behavior.
Yes, it is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor and can carry fines, points, and possible jail time.
Speeding excessively, racing, tailgating, weaving through traffic, or ignoring traffic signals.
Penalties include fines up to $1,000, up to 60 days in jail, license points, and potential insurance hikes.
Hiring an attorney can help reduce charges, avoid jail, and protect your driving record and insurance rates.
Reckless driving adds 4 points to your driving record, which may affect your license status and insurance.
Yes, an attorney may negotiate to reduce the charge to careless or improper driving, lowering penalties.
It can significantly increase premiums and remain on your driving record for up to 3 years.
Yes, the DMV may suspend your license, especially if combined with other traffic violations.
Defenses may include lack of intent, inaccurate speed measurement, emergency situations, or mistaken identity.
Aggressive driving may involve multiple violations, while reckless driving focuses on endangerment through a single act.
You may receive a citation, appear in court, and face fines, points, or jail depending on severity.
An attorney can negotiate reduced charges, present defenses, and guide you through court to minimize consequences.
Don’t ignore the ticket, plead guilty without consulting a lawyer, or fail to document evidence that could support your defense.
