Rockville, MD Reckless Driving Attorney

Experienced Lawyer Fighting to Reduce Traffic Charges in Rockville, MD

Reckless driving is more serious than a normal traffic ticket. Minor traffic offenses like speeding or running a stop sign are considered violations, which carry only very minor consequences like a small fine. Reckless driving and aggressive driving carry more serious penalties. If you are facing reckless driving charges, you need an experienced traffic crimes attorney who can present a strong criminal defense on your behalf.

Diamant Gerstein, LLC is skilled in fighting for people facing traffic-related criminal charges, including DUI and driving without a license. Our Rockville, MD criminal defense attorneys will take your case very seriously and strive to have your charges reduced or dismissed. All phone calls are answered by an attorney, never a receptionist, so you will always be able to speak directly to your attorney.

What is Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving means operating a vehicle in any way that shows willful and wanton disregard for the safety of those around you. Essentially, it means driving in a manner that puts you at high risk of causing an accident. Example of reckless driving can include:

• Speeding excessively.
• Driving while engaged in another activity that substantially affects your ability to drive safely.
• Weaving in and out of multiple lanes rapidly while in traffic.
• Taking turns at a very high speed.

Can Reckless Driving Charges Be Reduced?

Prosecutors often follow the police's lead in charging people with reckless driving in borderline cases where issuing an ordinary traffic ticket would have been perfectly reasonable. For example, if you were driving a too fast and changing lanes rapidly, the officer likely had a choice between issuing a speeding ticket or arresting you for reckless driving. A skilled attorney may be able to convince the court that reckless driving charges are uncalled for and an ordinary ticket is more appropriate.

How do DUI Charges Compare to Reckless Driving?

DUI is more serious than reckless driving. Drunk driving can lead to a sentence that includes jail time, while reckless driving does not. In some cases, people who are initially charged with DUI have their charges reduced to reckless driving.

Some people are charged with DUI and reckless driving at the same time. If you were intoxicated and driving in a deliberately unsafe manner, you might be facing both charges. The reckless driving charge is generally dismissed if the defendant is convicted of a DUI.

What Are the Potential Penalties for Reckless Driving?

Fortunately, reckless driving does not carry jail time. However, you could be fined up to $1,000 and will receive points on your license. You may have your driver's license suspended if you already have points on your license or are convicted more than once.

What is Aggressive Driving?

Aggressive driving and reckless driving are two separate offenses. Aggressive driving is a slightly more serious crime that can carry up to two months in jail. Driving in a way that reflects road rage and puts others at risk can lead to an aggressive driving charge. Conduct directed at others on the road, such as following too closely, speeding up to pass someone and then braking hard, or trying to run someone off the road can lead to aggressive driving charges.

What is Negligent Driving?

Negligent driving is a slightly less serious charge than reckless driving. It means driving in a careless manner that could endanger others, and is often applied to drivers who are distracted or who fail to notice important traffic signs. For example, a driver who inadvertently swerves out of her lane several times while on a video call might be charged with negligent driving.

Contact a Rockville, MD Reckless Driving Lawyer

Diamant Gerstein, LLC is dedicated to providing the best criminal defense services possible to people facing traffic crime charges. Our experienced Rockville, MD reckless driving lawyers can help with a variety of traffic-related misdemeanors and felonies. Contact us at 301-560-2685 for a confidential consultation.