Are You Facing Reckless Driving Charges In Atlanta?
Reckless driving charges may seem like any other traffic violation, but they can have serious consequences for you. Many people think that a reckless driving charge is no different than a speeding ticket or moving violation, and may blow it off, however, reckless driving is actually a criminal offense in Georgia, and can carry serious penalties. If you are convicted of reckless driving, you will have 4 points added to your license, can face up to 12 months in jail, be charged up to $1,000 in fines, or face other penalties, such as community service, alcohol or substance abuse treatment programs, or whatever else the judge sees fit. One of the biggest consequences of a reckless driving conviction (other than possible jail time) is that it results in the creation of a criminal record if you did not already have one. This means that you will now have to disclose the conviction to employers, landlords, and universities, for example, and it may impact their decisions. For this reason, it is important to do what you can to fight the charges with the help of a Georgia criminal lawyer.
What is Reckless Driving?
Under Georgia law, reckless driving occurs when a driver operates a vehicle with reckless disregard for other people and property. This can occur due to erratic driving, excessive speed, running a stoplight or stop sign, illegally passing other drivers, failing to stay in your lane, or engaging in any other driving behavior that could reasonably put others in danger. Sometimes reckless driving charges are made if you are involved in an accident, however, you do not have to be involved in an accident in order to be charged and convicted of reckless driving.
Fighting Reckless Driving Charges
When it comes to reckless driving charges, the best defense depends on why specifically you were charged. Understanding the basis for your charges will allow you to defend effectively against them. The biggest vulnerability when it comes to the state’s ability to succeed in bringing reckless driving charges against you is that what constitutes reckless driving is fairly subjective. This means that what one officer charged as reckless driving may not have met the threshold for reckless driving according to another officer. If there is doubt about whether your driving actually constituted reckless driving, this can result in a dismissal of your charges or a finding of not guilty. Your lawyer may also be able to negotiate a reduction in your charges with the prosecutor, which could minimize the impact of points on your driving history and potentially reduce the fines.
Contact Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers
If you are facing reckless driving charges in Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, or Sandy Springs, the experienced Georgia criminal defense attorneys at Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers will fight to get your charges kicked out of court. Contact Hawkins Spizman Trial Lawyers today to schedule your free consultation and find out how we can help.
