Reckless driving in California can have serious long-term consequences if convicted. A conviction can stay on your motor vehicle driving record (MVR) for seven to ten years and your criminal record for life. If a person is accused of a violation of this law they should contact a traffic ticket lawyer for a consultation right away.
Reckless Driving: 5 Consequences You Don’t Need
CA Vehicle Code (CVC) 23103, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor and if convicted a driver could face these five consequences:
#1 – Jail Time, from five to ninety days in County jail.
#2 – 2 NOTS Points, in CA the DMV is authorized to run a system known as the Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS), where you are allowed four points per year before your license is suspended and probation is ordered.
#3 – High Fines, which could be well over a thousand dollars.
#4 – Increased insurance premiums, reckless driving is one of the highest risks assigned to drivers in most states and it is true in CA, where a first-offender will see a rise of 25 to 50 percent or more. If you can find an insurance company to take on the risk when your current contract expires.
#5 – Suspension or revocation, depending on the presence of damage or injuries and your past driving record, the court and the DMV could automatically suspend or even revoke your license and you would have to re-apply after a certain period.
If a person is charged with a related reckless behavior including road rage they can be charged with a felony. If there was alcohol involved with the incident a person will likely be charged with an additional DUI or if the legal limit (.08% BAC) is not surpassed or drug use is suspected, they may be charged with driving while impaired.
Reckless driving can have serious consequences when you apply for employment, as well. An employer may look at a person with a misdemeanor driving conviction as a careless, irresponsible individual not worthy of trust in a position of responsibility.
Hire a Local Kern County Lawyer
The professionals at Bigger and Harmon are experienced traffic ticket defenders serving the Central Valley area. They work exclusively with clients that are facing traffic tickets. They know the CA Vehicle Code and will be able to help a person who is facing a traffic issue. They can help a person prove that they are innocent or get the charges reduced. This can help a person keep their license and keep their insurance from skyrocketing. If a person has a misdemeanor conviction of reckless driving it will show up on a background check. This can prevent a person from getting a job or other opportunities.
To avoid heavy fines and other consequences a person needs an experienced traffic lawyer on their side. Contacting legal counsel will help you to determine what the correct course of action is and help you to avoid the maximum penalties. in Mono, Kern, Tulare, Fresno, Kings, or another Central Valley county in CA, contact the law office of Bigger & Harman, 661-349-9300 for a free phone consultation about traffic court in Bishop, Bakersfield, Fresno, or Hanford. Or, send us an email: attorney@markbigger.com.
En español, llame al 661-349-9755.