Upper Marlboro Reckless Driving Defense Lawyers

Skilled Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys Representing Clients in Upper Marlboro, MD

Whether you are pulled over during your commute or during your leisure time, a ticket for reckless driving can come as an unexpected surprise. As tempting as it can be to simply pay the ticket and forget about it, this can have long-term consequences. An Upper Marlboro, Maryland reckless driving defense attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights.

The penalties for reckless driving in Maryland can follow you for a long time. With that in mind, it is important that you entrust your case to a skilled, experienced criminal defense firm. At Salvado Law Offices, we have represented numerous clients accused of traffic crimes, and many of the people we have helped have thanked us in testimonials.

What Is Reckless Driving?

The crime of reckless driving in Maryland is defined as exhibiting "wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property" while driving a motor vehicle, according to the state's Transportation Code. Under this definition, many acts could be interpreted as reckless driving, such as:

• Excessive speeding
• Failing to signal before a turn
• Ignoring traffic signs
• Tailgating
• Swerving between lanes of traffic
• Street racing

If convicted of reckless driving, you can be fined up to $1,000. Additionally, the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act allows judges to impose a jail sentence of up to 60 days for anyone convicted of reckless driving.

A conviction of reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense, meaning that it will show up on your criminal record. This can impact your employment opportunities, so avoiding a conviction is critical.

Will I Lose My License for a Reckless Driving Conviction?

A reckless driving conviction, by itself, will not result in the suspension or revocation of your driver's license. However, if you have other traffic violations on your record, your driving privileges could be placed at risk.

If you are convicted of reckless driving, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will penalize you by adding six points to your driving record. The penalties for your license will escalate with the amount of points you have on your record. Assuming you do not have any other points on your license, you will be required to participate in a driver improvement program by the MVA after a reckless driving conviction.

A reckless driving conviction can also put you dangerously close to a license suspension, since the MVA will suspend your license at 8 points. At 12 points, the MVA can revoke your license.

Defense Strategies for Reckless Driving Charges in Maryland

Getting a ticket for reckless driving does not mean that you are guilty. In fact, our lawyers may be able to challenge the underlying offense, seeking a reduction or dismissal of the charge.

Witness testimony may play an important role in your case. If there were other passengers in the vehicle or people at the scene of the traffic stop who can attest that you were not driving recklessly, it could hurt the prosecution's case against you.

Our attorneys will look at all of the available evidence in your case to look for mitigating circumstances or valid defenses. For example, if you were pulled over for speeding, we may question the accuracy of the police officer's equipment.

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