Reckless Driving
An individual who operates their vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of another person or property, or drives recklessly in Dayton can face serious penalties and repercussions, such as possible jail sentences, driving record points, increased car insurance rates and fines.
This serious traffic offense can also potentially result in a driver’s license suspension if the driver acquires too many points on their driving record. If the reckless driving offense results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person, the alleged offender could face even greater penalties and possibly a criminal record.
Reckless driving offenses in Dayton often arise when an individual drives too fast, greatly exceeds the speed limit, operates their vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, drives while distracted, and/or weaves in and out of traffic. If you have been charged with a reckless driving offense, it is important to contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Dayton to help you create the best legal defense to your particular situation.
Dayton Reckless Driving Lawyer
Contact the Joslyn Law Firm for a consultation today about your alleged reckless driving offense throughout the areas of Dayton, Kettering, Huber Heights, Troy, Piqua, Springfield, Beavercreek and Fairborn. Brian Joslyn is knowledgeable in all areas of Ohio’s traffic laws and will make every effort to fight the allegations against you. Contact the Joslyn Law Firm for a free consultation at (937) 356-3969 if you have been charged with a reckless driving offense throughout Dayton, Ohio.
Reckless Driving in Dayton
According to section 4511.20 of the Ohio Revised Code, an individual can be charged with reckless driving, or operation of a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property, if they intentionally or deliberately operate a vehicle on any street or highway in Ohio without regard for the safety of others or property of others.
Charges for reckless driving can result in an assignment of four points to an individual’s driving record under Ohio’s driving point system. Anyone who receives 12 or more points on their record within a two year period could face a class D driver’s license suspension. A class D license suspension can result a loss of driving privileges for a period up to six months.
Reckless Driving Penalties in Dayton
According to the Ohio Revised Code, the penalties an individual could face for a reckless driving offense are listed below. The basic statutory penalty can vary depending on whether the alleged offender has any prior traffic offense charges or convictions.
- An individual that has been charged with a first reckless driving offense can face a conviction for a minor misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine up to $150.
- An individual that has been charged with a reckless driving offense within one year of a previous conviction or of pleading guilty to another traffic offense can face a conviction for a misdemeanor of the fourth degree, which is punishable by a jail sentence up to 30 days and/or a fine up to $250.
- An individual that has been charged with a reckless driving offense within one year of two or more prior convictions, or of pleading guilty to two or more traffic offenses within one year, can face a conviction for a misdemeanor of the third degree, which is punishable by a jail sentence up to 60 days and/or a fine up to $500.
Dayton Offenses Similar to Reckless Driving
In addition to operation of a vehicle without regard for other persons or property, an individual may be charged with any of the following similar offenses:
- Operation Off a Street or Highway in Willful or Wanton Disregard of the Safety of Persons or Property – According to section 4511.201 of the Ohio Revised Code, an individual can be charged with this offense if they operate a vehicle on any other public or private property in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of another person or of the property of another person. This offense is basically reckless without driving on public roads or highways and is punishable as a minor misdemeanor, misdemeanor of the third degree or a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.
- Operation Without Being in Reasonable Control of a Vehicle, Trolley or Streetcar – According to section 4511.202 of the Ohio Revised Code, an individual can be charged with this offense if they operate a vehicle on any street, highway or property that open to the public without having reasonable control of the vehicle. This offense is generally punishable as a minor misdemeanor.
Dayton Reckless Driving Defenses
If you have been charged with a reckless driving offense in Dayton, your criminal defense attorney may be able to help you identify whether any defenses or mitigating factors may exist in your case.
Defenses are not available to every allegation of reckless driving, so it is very important to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer about the allegations against you. However, if a defense does exist in your case, the charges against you may be reduced or even dismissed.
For example, law enforcement officials in Ohio may charge a driver with a reckless driving offense in order to charge the driver with a more serious criminal offense as opposed to a minor traffic violation that is only punishable by a fine, such as speeding or operating a vehicle without having reasonable control. However, many courts have found that speeding is not enough to charge a driver with a reckless driving offense.
Joslyn Law Firm | Dayton Reckless Driving Attorney
If you have been accused of a reckless driving offense throughout the areas of Montgomery County, Miami County, Clark County and Greene County, contact the Joslyn Law Firm today. Brian Joslyn is an experienced Dayton traffic crimes lawyer who will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious penalties and punishments to your alleged offense. Contact the Joslyn Law Firm at (937) 356-3969 today for a free consultation about your reckless driving charges in Dayton.
