Reckless Driving

In Florida, reckless driving is defined as driving "any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." Additionally, fleeing from a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle is considered driving recklessly per se, whether the driver was actually reckless or careless driving or not. 

The punishments for a reckless driving conviction are as follows:

• First Offense: Imprisonment up to 90 days, a fine between $25 and $500, or both
• Second or Subsequent Offense: Imprisonment up to six months, a fine between $50 and $1,000, or both
• For all convictions, four points are added to the driver's driving record.

In addition, your auto insurance premium will likely increase significantly.  If you are convicted of three or more reckless driving offenses within one year, you also face a lengthy suspension of your license.

Increased Penalties if Reckless Driving Causes Damage or Injury

If the reckless driving causes property damage, the driver has also committed a misdemeanor of the first degree, which is punishable by imprisonment up to one year and a fine up to $1,000. 

If the reckless driving causes serious bodily injury, the driver has committed a felony of the third degree, which is punishable by imprisonment up to five years and a fine up to $5,000.

Additionally, if the court believes the reckless driving was a result of driving under the influence of alcohol or other chemical substances, the court can order the driver to enter a substance abuse program.

Seek Experienced Legal Representation

Reckless driving charges are serious, and if you are convicted, you face serious consequences.  If you have been charged with reckless driving, it is important to hire experienced counsel to represent you and ensure that you avoid points on your license and increases to your car insurance.  The standards for what constitutes "reckless" driving are vague and open to interpretation.  An experienced attorney can advocate on your behalf and create reasonable doubt as to whether you were driving recklessly.  Contact the Law Office of Eduardo Meire, P.A. today so that we can initiate your defense.