King County Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving in Washington not only endangers the safety of the reckless driver, but also the safety of all other motorists on the road. According to Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.61.500:
- Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Violation of the provisions of this section is a gross misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than one year and by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars.
- The license or permit to drive or any nonresident privilege of any person convicted of reckless driving shall be suspended by the department for not less than thirty days.
Furthermore, in regard to negligent driving, RCW 46.61.5249 states:
- A person is guilty of negligent driving in the first degree if he or she operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property, and exhibits the effects of having consumed liquor or an illegal drug.
- It is an affirmative defense to negligent driving in the first degree by means of exhibiting the effects of having consumed an illegal drug that must be proved by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the driver has a valid prescription for the drug consumed, and has been consuming it according to the prescription directions and warnings.
- Negligent driving in the first degree is a misdemeanor.
And RCW 46.61.525 says:
- A person is guilty of negligent driving in the second degree if, under circumstances not constituting negligent driving in the first degree, he or she operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property.
- It is an affirmative defense to negligent driving in the second degree that must be proved by the defendant by a preponderance of the evidence, that the driver was operating the motor vehicle on private property with the consent of the owner in a manner consistent with the owner's consent.
- Negligent driving in the second degree is a traffic infraction and is subject to a penalty of two hundred fifty dollars.
Reckless driving does not need to be an offense in which substantial punishment need be endured. In the event that you or a loved one has been charged with reckless driving, don’t hesitate to contact the Kirkland reckless driving defense attorneys at McNeese & Trotsky.
Our knowledgeable Washington DUI defense lawyers will examine the details of your case to help mount an effective defense on your behalf. Please call us today for a free consultation, and we will help clear your good name.