Mount Vernon Reckless Driving Defense: Protect Your License and Record
If you’ve been accused of reckless driving in Mount Vernon, you need a Skagit County defense attorney in your corner. Washington State takes reckless driving very seriously by levying a mandatory suspension of your driver’s license for at least 30 days.
Depending on your situation, you may also face jail time and fines and be subject to additional consequences. Because the state frowns so heavily on those found guilty of reckless driving, an effective defense is essential to keeping you on the road and out of jail.
At Washington Criminal Attorneys, PLLC, our Washington criminal defense team is ready to advocate for you and lessen the blow of this charge on your driving record, criminal record, and your life.
Mount Vernon Reckless Driving Attorneys: Experienced, Seasoned Representation for Your Case
Your driving privileges are valuable, so if your driver’s license is in jeopardy of suspension, you’re likely frustrated and unsure what the future holds. Your driver’s license keeps you compliant with driving laws and is essential for getting you and your family from point A to point B, whether that’s work, school, shopping, or trips.
There are significant legal penalties if you are convicted of reckless driving, but our Mount Vernon reckless driving attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help you fight the charges against you.
Although dismissal of your charges is our main goal, our team may also negotiate the terms of a plea agreement to a lesser charge, like negligent driving, which helps reduce the negative fallout of a conviction. Our reckless driving lawyers have vast knowledge of Washington State’s laws and sentencing guidelines, which helps them devise an appropriate approach for your case.
Because the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is nuanced and complicated, you likely have many questions surrounding the charges you’re facing. Our team is dedicated to helping you understand your charges and the possible consequences you’re facing for reckless driving in Mount Vernon. We can also advise you on the best course of action and formulate the best strategy for your particular circumstances.
Best Defenses for Reckless Driving in Washington State
Our Mount Vernon reckless driving defense team examines several factors surrounding your arrest. The first is whether the arrest itself was lawful and undertaken under standard, established protocol.
We may question the credibility of any eyewitnesses to the alleged reckless driving act, including the witness’s consistency in their statements.
When strategizing for your reckless driving defense, we analyze the arresting officer’s report to look for any subjective observations or environmental factors that may have influenced the officer’s decision to charge you with the crime. We’ll also look for any procedural defenses, such as violating your rights when you were stopped in traffic or during the arrest.
Washington State Reckless Driving Defined
The RCW defines reckless driving under 46.61.500 as the “willfully or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Several actions may be perceived as reckless driving, including driving significantly more than the legally posted speed limit or speeding in a school zone or residential area (RCW 46.61.465).
Aggressive driving, such as cutting other drivers off on the road or following a vehicle too closely, may also be considered reckless. Ignoring traffic signals or posted traffic signs, driving under the influence, failing to stop at crosswalks, and illegal passing are just a few other examples of reckless driving actions.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Washington State
Because the courts consider reckless driving to be a serious offense, the penalties assessed for those convicted of this charge in Skagit County can be quite high. Criminal penalties under RCW 46.61.500 include imprisonment for up to 364 days in jail and fines of up to $5,000.
Administrative penalties can also be life-altering, with a mandatory suspension of your driving privileges for a minimum of 30 days. However, judges can use their discretion depending on the severity of the actions leading to the charge and any accidents/damages incurred as a result.
Aggravating Factors in Reckless Driving Cases
In addition to these penalties, there are additional consequences for reckless driving if there are aggravating factors involved (for example, if drugs or alcohol were involved [RCW 46.61.502] or if you had minors in the car with you during the commission of the act).
Aggravating factors raise the stakes when it comes to a reckless driving conviction; the courts may impose additional penalties, and sanctions can apply.
Reckless Driving and Your Record
A reckless driving conviction becomes a part of your permanent criminal record (RCW 46.61.513), which adversely affects everything from employment opportunities to your ability to obtain housing. A conviction also becomes part of your driving record, which can affect your car insurance rates and may disqualify you from employment in certain sectors.
Legal Process in Reckless Driving Cases
If you’re facing a reckless driving charge, you’ve likely already been arrested or, at minimum, issued a citation for the offense. If you’ve been cited, then your citation contains a date for your first court appearance. If you’ve been arrested, then you have been taken to jail and released, usually after posting bond.
At your first court appearance—the arraignment—you will be advised of the formal charges against you and asked to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. If you plead either guilty or no contest, then sentencing follows, usually on a new court date. If you plead not guilty, then the court will set up a preliminary hearing.
During this hearing, the prosecutor in your case presents the evidence law enforcement has against you and the judge will determine if the case should proceed further. If so, then a trial date will be put on the calendar where a judge and jury will determine your guilt or innocence.
In most cases, the prosecutor and defense attorney come to some sort of plea agreement to avoid the cost and time involved in a trial.
Contact Washington State Defense Lawyers for Your Reckless Driving Charge
Our Washington State defense lawyers can help you navigate your reckless driving case. Contact us now to discuss your case; we can help you put this difficult chapter of your life behind you.
