All drivers make minor mistakes at some point. Forgetting to signal before making a turn, failing to notice that the traffic light has turned green, or not braking completely at a stop sign are all examples of common driving errors that, while not ideal, do not usually escalate into safety issues or traffic accidents. However, there is a point where simple and understandable driving mistakes transform into intentional acts of reckless or negligent driving practices. For example, a driver operating their car while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may face criminal charges for knowingly disregarding the safety of others on the road. Prosecutors may argue that all drivers know that impaired driving is dangerous, and it is foreseeable that consuming alcohol may injure or even kill another driver, passenger, or pedestrian. Moreover, even sober drivers can face a criminal charge known as reckless driving for engaging in blatantly unsafe driving behavior, such as traveling at excessive speed or running red lights while racing another vehicle. Although many reckless driving charges are considered misdemeanor offenses, there are times when these charges may escalate to felony-level charges. Regardless of whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges in Palmdale or Lancaster, you need a trusted and effective criminal defense lawyer by your side to protect your rights and seek the most fair and favorable outcome on your behalf. As a certified criminal law specialist with over 35 years of experience, FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin is prepared to defend your rights at every turn. This post will explore how reckless driving charges typically unfold and what steps you can take to keep your future as bright as possible.
How California Defines Reckless Driving
Before we can understand how California’s criminal courts handle reckless driving charges, it’s important to define the term “reckless driving.” California Vehicle Code 23103 VC states, “A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.” The statute also recognizes that someone who drives a vehicle in an “off-street parking facility” in willful or wanton disregard for other people’s safety can also be charged with reckless driving. In other words, any driver who acts with egregious or intentional disregard for the safety of others does so when they consciously know (and intentionally ignore) that their actions put others at significant and unjustifiable risk of harm. For example, drivers who meet up on city streets to race each other may face reckless driving charges, as intentionally traveling well above the posted speed limit increases the risk of injury or death to others on the road.
Potential Penalties for Reckless Driving Convictions
Most reckless driving charges (where no injuries or property damage occur) are considered misdemeanor offenses. If convicted of a misdemeanor reckless driving charge in Palmdale or Lancaster, you could face imprisonment in a county jail for at least five days and no more than 90 days and up to $1,000 in fines. However, if the reckless driving incident caused an injury to someone other than the driver, the penalties become more severe. If someone suffers a loss of consciousness, concussion, bone fracture, paralysis, serious disfigurement, or another severe injury because of your wanton disregard for their safety, the reckless driving charge may carry felony-level penalties, such as a prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to $10,000. Incidents of reckless driving that cause serious injury to another person are considered “wobbler” offenses, meaning that the court may prosecute the case as either a misdemeanor or felony crime. If you are facing a reckless driving charge in Palmdale or Lancaster, it’s essential to hire an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who will advocate for your best interests at every opportunity. You need FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin to identify and implement the best defense strategy to keep your freedom and future as bright as possible.
When Reckless Driving Takes Someone’s Life
In some cases, engaging in reckless driving proves to be fatal. Driving recklessly can put others at substantial risk of harm, and if this behavior takes the life of another driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist, prosecutors may decide to bring a murder charge against you. Murder charges are among the most serious criminal offenses in the state, and the penalties for a murder conviction can be life-altering. If convicted of a reckless driving-related murder offense, you could face several years behind bars, costly fines, probation, and many other lasting consequences. The most strategic step you can take in this situation is to schedule a free consultation with certified criminal law specialist, FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin. Together, you can get to work exploring your legal options and defending your freedom.
Helping You Take Control of Your Future
Facing criminal charges of any kind can be daunting and stressful, especially if you are a first-time offender. However, it’s essential to recognize that you do not have to go through this challenging process alone. Working with FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin is the best way to maximize your chances of obtaining a fair and favorable outcome. Depending on the specific details of your case, you may be able to use reckless driving as a plea bargain to avoid conviction under California’s DUI laws. No matter what your case looks like, you can trust in the Law Offices of David M. Wallin to advocate tirelessly on your behalf to obtain the best possible outcome, given the specific circumstances of your case. We offer payment plans and free consultations, so contact our office to get started.
If you are facing criminal charges of any kind in Palmdale or Lancaster, you need reliable and effective legal representation as soon as possible to keep your future bright. FORMER DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY and FORMER JUDGE PRO TEM David Wallin is prepared to defend your rights at every turn. Call the Law Offices of David M. Wallin today at (661) 267-1313 to schedule a free consultation with a certified criminal law specialist who has over 35 years of experience. Payment plans are available, so get in touch with us to learn more.