Reckless Driving

In North Carolina, getting cited for reckless driving involves more than paying a fine and moving on with your life. While reckless driving is considered a traffic ticket, which means you’ll almost certainly face increased insurance premiums and points being added to your license, it’s also a criminal offense. If convicted, you’ll face the very real possibility of costly fines, burdensome probation, and even incarceration.

At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our dedicated team of reckless driving defense lawyers has decades of experience defending the rights, freedoms, and driving privileges of clients charged with all types of serious traffic offenses. Regardless of what your driving history looks like or the evidence against you, we can help come up with a compelling defense to the allegations you’re facing.

Facing reckless driving charges in North Carolina is a serious matter that demands your immediate attention. In North Carolina, reckless driving is defined as driving "carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others" or driving without due caution at a speed or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property.

If you are charged with reckless driving, you should be aware of the potential consequences. For example, a conviction can result in penalties, including fines, points on your driving record, increased insurance rates, and even jail time, especially if the reckless driving led to an accident or injuries.

Here’s what you need to know about reckless driving offenses in North Carolina:

Understanding the Charges Against You

Reckless driving in North Carolina is a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, reckless driving can become more serious based on the circumstances of the incident, especially if it involved excessive speed, alcohol or resulted in an accident. Under NC law, a Class 2 misdemeanor carries a maximum punishment of up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Gather All Evidence

Once you understand the seriousness of your situation, you’ll want to collect any evidence, such as photographs, witness statements, and police reports. This information can be crucial for your defense. If you have questions about how to locate evidence or whether it’s helpful, reach out to the experienced Charlotte reckless driving lawyers at the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, for assistance.

Hire a Knowledgeable Attorney with Specific Experience Handling Reckless Driving Cases

Given that reckless driving is a crime in North Carolina, it’s crucial to seek legal counsel from an attorney who has experience successfully handling serious traffic violations. An attorney at the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, can help you navigate the legal system, negotiate with prosecutors, and potentially reduce the charges or penalties.

Attend and Be Prepared for all Court Dates

Ensure you attend all court dates and legal proceedings. Missing a court date can result in additional charges or a warrant for your arrest. You may want to check with your attorney if your presence is necessary. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, we’re often able to waive your presence at early court dates to minimize the burdens placed on you.

Consider Defensive Driving Courses

Sometimes, attending a defensive driving course can help mitigate the charges or penalties because this may demonstrate to the court or prosecutors that you are committed to learning how to be a responsible driver. Taking a defensive driving course cannot be used against you.

Remember, each reckless driving case is unique, and the legal strategy should be tailored to the specifics of your situation. Acting promptly and responsibly is key to effectively addressing reckless driving charges in North Carolina.

By itself, a reckless driving violation will land you with 4 points against your license. However, reckless driving charges often come coupled with a speeding ticket, which will add another 4 points to your record. And, when combined with a speeding ticket over 55 mph, you are looking at possibly 7 points.

When hiring a lawyer to represent your interests, it is very important to look for a firm with a focus on traffic offenses and, specifically, reckless driving charges. The Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, focuses on traffic offenses such as reckless driving. Due to the extreme financial consequences associated with a reckless driving conviction, we vigorously fight on your behalf to have the charges dropped or reduced. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte reckless driving lawyer, reach out to the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, by calling 705-405-2580 to schedule a free consultation. You can also connect with one of our attorneys by completing our secure online contact form.