- Our Attorneys
- Car Accidents
- Personal Injury
- Workers’ Compensation
- Medical Malpractice
- Criminal Defense
- Locations
- Contact
★★★★★ 5/5
4.9 Rating / 400+ Reviews
Baltimore Reckless Driving Lawyers
hurt in an accident?
CONTACT HYATT & GOLDBLOOM
Reckless Driving Charges In Baltimore, MD
Maryland has a number of high-speed interstate highways designed to funnel traffic away from downtown Baltimore. However, many of these highways remain congested and drivers can quickly become frustrated and aggressive. Generally, any driver who is pulled over for traveling 20 mph over the speed limit, runs the risk of facing reckless driving charges. A reckless driving conviction can result in several penalties, including fines, points added to your driver’s license, and a misdemeanor crime added to your record. Luckily, a Baltimore reckless driving lawyer has comprehensive experience defending against these charges to have the charge reduced or even completely dismissed.
Speeding vs Reckless Driving
Speeding can be an element of reckless driving behavior; however, reckless driving does not need to be speed-related. A motorist who is not speeding, but still engaging in driving that is not safe to other motorists can be charged with reckless driving. For example, a motorist who is swiftly changing lanes in a dangerous way without using a signal consistently is likely driving recklessly and runs the risk of causing a car accident. Although speed is often part of the equation for reckless driving charges, there are plenty of examples of dangerous driving that could be categorized as reckless.
If you’ve been pulled over and given a ticket, it’s imperative that you distinguish whether your ticket is a simple speeding ticket or a reckless driving charge. As mentioned above, a reckless driving conviction can taint your driving record and have an impact on things like background checks or security clearance. A Baltimore traffic lawyer will be able to help you understand the consequences of your traffic violation and the best way to defend against it.
Types Reckless Driving In Baltimore
Reckless driving can be charged for many different reasons. A Maryland police officer can cite a motorist for reckless driving if he or she is doing one or a combination of the following:
- Speeding 20 mph or more over the limit
- Disregarding traffic signs and signals
- Street racing
- Tailgating
- Driving on the shoulder
- Dangerously changing lanes
- Passing in restricted areas
Although Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) groups both reckless and negligent driving as one, negligent driving refers more to a motorist who is driving in a “careless or imprudent manner.” Police officers will cite the traffic infraction that they believe best fits the crime, however, it is your Baltimore reckless driving lawyer’s job to question the relevance of the charges brought against you and to help lessen penalties.
Penalties For Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a criminal offense in Maryland. If convicted, the motorist will have a misdemeanor on their criminal record. Along with a misdemeanor charge, you will also face:
- 6-point addition to your driving record
- Up to $500 in fines
Not only will there be addition of six points to your driving record, but it will also require you to enroll in a driver improvement course. When a motorist’s reckless driving results in property damage, serious injury, or a fatality, jail time and license suspension may also be in play. Repeat reckless driving offenders will face increased fines, jail time, and license revocation. If you are facing serious traffic infraction charges, it’s advised that you speak with a skilled Baltimore reckless driving lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
Appearing in court is not a requirement for a reckless driving charge unless you wish to contest the charge. In such an instance, it is highly beneficial to have a local defense attorney on your side.
Driving While Impaired (DWI) or Under the Influence (DUI)
Maryland law enforces strict penalties on motorists who are convicted of driving under the influence or driving while impaired. These charges often fall under the reckless driving umbrella and those charged with a DUI or DWI will often have other negligent driving charges tacked on. Drunk driving related charges are generally classified as misdemeanor offenses, but also include legal punishments such as prison terms and expensive fines. Fines can range from $500 to upwards of $5,000, while jail time can be ordered for up to five years. Someone who is charged with a DUI or DWI should consider hiring an experienced Baltimore reckless driving attorney to mitigate charges for negligent driving.
Contact A Baltimore Reckless Driving Lawyer Today
Reckless driving charges can be serious and negatively affect your life long after the incident. Although these charges are significant, many people are unaware of the possibility of mitigating traffic infractions such as these. That’s why it’s so important that you speak with a skilled Baltimore reckless driving lawyer at Hyatt & Goldbloom as soon as possible. Together we can build the defense for your case with the goal of lessening or even dropping the charges altogether.