Lexington Reckless Driving Lawyer

From the time someone first obtains their driver’s license, driving plays an important role in their lives. Driving gets people to school and work and allows them to meet up with friends. They can also drive to a weekend getaway or take a cross-country road trip.

While driving makes many aspects of people’s lives much easier, it also comes with important responsibilities. When someone makes a mistake while driving, they may face penalties. If you are facing allegations of reckless driving, seek the services of a Lexington reckless driving lawyer to help mitigate those penalties as much as possible. Call an experienced attorney today to schedule a consultation.

Defining Reckless Driving

One of the biggest problems with reckless driving is that it can apply to any number of situations. In many ways, it is a subjective charge. That means law enforcement officers have a great deal of discretion when it comes to issuing reckless driving tickets in Lexington.

According to the South Carolina Code of Laws Section 56-5-2920, reckless driving occurs when an individual operates any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This statute is quite vague. Essentially, reckless driving is any behavior while driving that could potentially injure another individual or property.

Common Examples

While no one action may automatically result in a reckless driving charge, many reckless driving charges do arise from common mistakes. These include:

• Failing to yield the right-of-way at an intersection
• Exceeding the speed limit by 25 miles per hour or more
• Accelerating from a stop too quickly
• Swerving in and out of a traffic lane
• Drag racing

While drag racing may seem like the quintessential example of reckless driving because of its inherently dangerous nature, many of these other actions can be simple mistakes and completely unintentional.

In some cases, more serious offenses such as driving under the influence of alcohol may be reduced to a reckless driving charge depending on the circumstances of the incident. A Lexington reckless driving attorney can help someone understand how reckless driving and other charges are treated in the legal system, including the administrative consequences to a driver’s license that occur through the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

Consequences of Reckless Driving in Lexington

Reckless driving is a criminal offense. That means that the potential consequences could be significant. Anyone facing a first-time reckless driving charge could face up to 30 days in jail, depending on the circumstances of the charge. A reckless driving charge can also result in six points being added to the person’s driving record.

For repeat offenders, the stakes are even higher. A second reckless driving charge within a five-year period may result in a 90-day suspension of the individual’s driving privileges. Any subsequent offenses after the second could result in outright revocation of their driving privileges. Repeat reckless driving offenders may also have to carry high-risk insurance, which could raise insurance premiums.

How a Lexington Reckless Driving Attorney Can Help

Reckless driving may not seem like a serious offense, but it can have significant consequences that can affect your livelihood. There is a great deal on the line when it comes to facing reckless driving charges, but that does not mean you have to let these charges intimidate you.

By working with a dedicated lawyer who understands the state’s driving laws and how courts approach driving-related offenses like reckless driving, you can navigate the legal process with an advocate by your side.

An attorney can help you understand the charges you are facing and advocate for your rights. If you are facing reckless driving charges, contact a Lexington reckless driving lawyer who can work with you.