Reckless driving, the “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property” is a misdemeanor crime in the state of California. Wanton disregard for safety is being aware of the risk of harm behind an unjustifiable action and ignoring the risk regardless of safety laws. CA Vehicle Code (CVC) 23103, Driving Offenses makes reckless driving a criminal offense. You need an experienced criminal attorney who is knowledgeable of California traffic law.
#1 — Reckless Driving Is a Misdemeanor Crime
A reckless driving conviction stays on your driving record for ten years and on your criminal record for life. A criminal record can disqualify you from many positions of responsibility with the government. You might be ineligible for a security clearance. Furthermore, most employers considering recruits for a position of trust with their company, right or wrong, will not consider someone with a criminal record.
#2 — A Reckless Driving Conviction Means Jail Time
A conviction for reckless driving will almost always result in jail time. Typically, it is five days up to 90 days in county jail. However, when, according to 23104 there is “grave bodily injury,” the jail term could get increased from 30 days to six months.
Plus, the base fine for reckless driving is $145 to $1,000, or both fine and imprisonment. When the state and county surcharges, fees, and assessments get added it could be five to seven times that much. Likewise, when there is “grave bodily injury,”the base fine increases as well.
#3 — Your Insurance Premium Will Soar
One of the least often considered impacts of this conviction is the additional expenses after the fine. Once an individual gets convicted on this charge, their insurance premium will increase. While this may not happen until your policy is up for renewal, individuals who get convicted of this crime may pay as much as 73 percent or more on their premiums, if the insurance company retains them as a client.
Many times, with the loss of a “good driver’s discount” coupled with the increased risk, a driver might realize a double or tripled premium.
#4 — You Could Get a Driver’s License Suspension or Revocation
In addition to the above consequences, a conviction can also lead to a suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. A license suspension and time in jail can also lead to a loss of income, which in itself can have long-lasting consequences such as a loss of residence, inability to pay the mortgage and other bills. As such, you must take the offense seriously and contact a traffic defense attorney to handle your defense.
Contact a Traffic Law Defense Attorney for Delano, in Kern County
As you can see, California takes reckless driving very seriously and has implemented harsh penalties for anyone who gets convicted of this charge. Remember, this is not an infraction. This is a criminal offense, and you have all the rights and protections afforded a defendant in criminal proceedings. Do not make any statement, and call Bigger & Harman (661) 349-9300. Se habla Español (661) 349-9755.
Send us an email, attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com.
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