Indiana Reckless Driving Violation Attorney
If you have been accused of reckless driving, take the charge seriously. This is a criminal matter carrying steep fines, incarceration and/or driver’s license suspension. Additionally, being convicted of reckless driving will leave a mark on your criminal record, which could present various challenges later. Because the stakes are so high in these cases, it is crucial that you retain a skilled Indianapolis criminal defense attorney to fight for you.
At the Law Office of B.D. Williams, our Indianapolis reckless driving lawyer has over 20 years of experience handling even the most complex cases. Attorney Brian D. Williams never stops fighting and never quits. He will put in the hard work and dedication necessary to seek a favorable result in your case.
Having defended against a wide range of criminal charges, our lawyer has extensive knowledge about the justice system and uses this insight to prepare and build aggressive defenses for our clients. And, while we know that the processes involved in resolving a criminal case are similar, we also recognize that each matter is unique. That is why we will customize our strategy to fit your specific situation.
For the tenacious defense you need to fight your Indianapolis reckless driving charge, contact us by calling Law Office of B.D. Williams today. Your initial consultation is free.
What Is Considered Reckless Driving In Indiana?
Before discussing the elements of a reckless driving offense, let us first talk about what it means to do something recklessly. Recklessness refers to the state of mind a person was in at the time of the alleged offense. Indiana law (I.C. § 35-41-2-2(c)) defines it as consciously and unjustifiably disregarding the risks involved in an act and the harm that could result. Essentially, “reckless” means that a person behaved substantially below the “acceptable standards of conduct.”
Under I.C. § 9-21-8-52, a person commits a reckless driving offense if they operate a vehicle recklessly. Here are some examples of reckless driving:
- Drive too fast or too slow, given the road conditions, and put the safety of others or property at risk or block traffic
- Pass another vehicle from behind while on a slope or curve, and they can’t see more than 500 feet in front of them
- Weave in and out of traffic
- Do not give proper distance to a passing vehicle
- Pass a stopped school bus with its arm signal device extended
Depending on the type of conduct you have been accused of committing, defenses may be raised to challenge the allegations against you. Allow our reckless driving attorney in Indianapolis to evaluate your case and plan a course of action.
Is Reckless Driving A Felony In Indiana?
As noted earlier, reckless driving is a criminal offense. As such, it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense.
The level of charge depends on the act involved. For the most part, a reckless driving violator will be charged with a misdemeanor. However, they can face felony charges if they recklessly pass a school bus and cause injury or death to another person.
Whether you have been charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, our Indianapolis reckless driving lawyer can fight for you. We have handled numerous cases of varying degrees and know what it takes to seek an optimal outcome.
What Are The Penalties For Reckless Driving In Indiana?
Reckless driving violators can face imprisonment, fines and/or driver’s license suspension. The specific sentence terms depend on the nature of the alleged offense – the type of conduct involved and the result.
Below are examples of reckless driving conviction penalties:
- Generally: Class C misdemeanor with up to 60 days of imprisonment and/or up to $500 in fines
- Causing damage to another’s property: Class B misdemeanor with up to 180 days of imprisonment, up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to one year of driver’s license suspension
- Causing bodily injury to another or recklessly passing a school bus: Class A misdemeanor with up to one year of imprisonment, up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to one year of driver’s license suspension
- Recklessly passing a school bus and causing injury to another: Level 6 felony with between six months and 2 ½ years of imprisonment and/or up to $10,000 in fines
- Recklessly passing a school bus and causing death to another: Level 5 felony with between one and six years of imprisonment and/or up to $10,000 in fines
When charged with reckless driving, your future is on the line. At the Law Office of B.D. Williams, our lawyer will work hard to protect your rights and freedoms.
Call For Reckless Driving Defense
Our attorney, Brian D. Williams, truly cares about the people he serves. He has seen how individuals can be unjustly treated by the judicial system and wants to make a difference in the lives of those facing difficult times. He is here to listen to your side of the story and provide compassionate counsel while also aggressively fighting your charge.
Schedule a free consultation by contacting us at (317) 500-4857 today.