Largo, Maryland Reckless Driving Defense Lawyers

Skilled Attorneys Defending Against Reckless Driving Charges in Largo, MD

Have you been accused of reckless driving? If so, you could face strict criminal penalties as well as consequences for your driving privileges. To protect your rights in court, you need a strong legal advocate who can provide you with advice and advocacy. With the help of a Largo, Maryland reckless driving defense lawyer, you can develop a legal strategy to fight the charge.

A reckless driving charge can have lasting consequences. At Salvado Law Offices, our attorneys are equipped to help you protect your future. Our criminal defense lawyers have years of experience, and we are available 24/7 to respond to client inquiries.

Understanding Reckless Driving Charges in Maryland

You can be charged with reckless driving in Maryland if you operate a motor vehicle with a clear disregard for other people or property. As a misdemeanor offense, this crime is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. Even if your conduct is not serious enough to warrant a reckless driving charge, you could still be charged with the crime of negligent driving, which carries a fine of up to $500.

Reckless driving can include any number of dangerous acts, like:

• Tailgating
• Swerving between lanes
• Excessive speeding
• Failure to yield

Additionally, if you are convicted of reckless driving, you will receive six points on your driver's license. The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) can require you to enroll in a driver improvement program, and if you accumulate eight points in a two-year period, your license will be suspended. Our attorneys can help you take action to protect your license.

Is Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Charged as Reckless Driving?

In Maryland, driving under the influence and reckless driving are usually treated as separate charges. The penalties for DUI are much more severe than reckless driving, punishable by up to a year in jail and $1,200 in fines for just a first offense. The penalties for DUI can increase dramatically with subsequent convictions.

There are some cases where people accused of DUI can negotiate their charges down to reckless driving in what is referred to as a "wet reckless" charge. The penalties for a wet reckless are the same as a regular reckless driving charge, though the court will still make a note of your conviction, and you may be required to participate in alcohol treatment programs. If you are facing DUI charges, getting the offense reduced to reckless driving may be your best option.

How Can I Fight a Reckless Driving Charge in Maryland?

Challenging a reckless driving charge in Maryland requires a careful examination of the specific details in your case. A defense attorney may be able to assert that your conduct did not reach the level of reckless disregard required for a conviction, which can be supported by witness testimony or video footage. This could result in the charge being reduced to negligent driving or dismissed from court outright.

Our firm can also review the testimony of the officer who issued the citation against you. If the officer cannot clearly explain how your conduct amounted to reckless driving, we may argue to have your case dismissed. Similarly, if the prosecution cannot establish your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, we will argue for an optimal outcome.

At Salvado Law Offices, we provide strong defense against reckless driving charges, working to safeguard your driving privileges and protect your future.