
You can end up facing serious legal consequences if you are accused of reckless driving in Santa Clarita. A reckless driving conviction can lead to many penalties, including:
- Incarceration
- Fines
- Points on Your Driver’s License
Make sure you have legal help handling this serious criminal charge by contacting the Simmrin Law Group today. Our team of reckless driving lawyers in Santa Clarita can begin constructing a defense for you today.
Reckless Driving as a Criminal Charge in Santa Clarita
The state of California defines reckless driving as:
- Driving a Vehicle on a Highway
- While Wantonly or Willfully Disregarding the Safety of Others
This broad definition allows for a lot of room for interpretation. There are many acts that could be considered reckless driving, including:
- Racing Other Vehicles
- Driving Against the Flow of Traffic
- Passing Vehicles Illegally
- Swerving Repeatedly Across Lanes
- Demonstrating Road Rage
These actions can lead to severe penalties if you are convicted. You can get help handling these accusations by reaching out to a criminal defense lawyer in Santa Clarita today.
For a free legal consultation with a reckless driving lawyer serving Santa Clarita, call (310) 896-2723
Penalties for a Santa Clarita Reckless Driving Conviction
A conviction for reckless driving in and around Santa Clarita can come with serious repercussions. Reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor level offense. You may face the following penalties if you are convicted:
- Fines of Up to $1,000
- Jail Time of Up to 90 Days
Note that these penalties may increase if you were previously convicted of reckless driving. You should also be aware that a reckless driving conviction can add 2 points to your driver’s license. If you accrue enough points in a set period of time, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can suspend your license in Santa Clarita.
Santa Clarita Reckless Driving Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Reckless Driving Charges and Plea Bargains in Santa Clarita
Reckless driving charges may also be offered as part of a plea bargain in some cases, especially if you were originally charged with driving under the influence (DUI). Accepting a reckless driving plea bargain may be in your best interests in some situations.
The state of California actually uses two separate charges for reckless driving plea bargains. You may take a plea bargain using:
California Vehicle Code Section 23103: Dry Reckless
VC 23103 is the charge used to prosecute criminal acts of reckless driving. It can also be used as part of a plea bargain. Generally, this charge is only offered as part of a plea bargain if your blood alcohol content (BAC) was not excessively high.
You may decide to accept a VC 23103 charge as part of a plea bargain for a DUI charge because dry reckless charges are not considered ‘priorable’ for future DUIs. This means that you will not face increased penalties if you are arrested for another DUI in the future.
California Vehicle Code Section 23103.5: Wet Reckless
‘Wet’ reckless charges under VC 23103.5 may also be offered as part of a DUI plea bargain. However, VC 23103.5 charges are not as desirable as a dry reckless plea bargain.
You can lower the charges you will face if you accept a wet reckless plea bargain. However, the wet reckless charge will be priorable. If you are charged with a subsequent DUI, the wet reckless charge will count against you and can increase the penalties you face.
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Let a Reckless Driving Lawyer Help You Handle Criminal Charges
Understanding the many applications of reckless driving charges in Santa Clarita can be easier if you have a legal professional on your side. A reckless driving lawyer can help you:
Assess a Reckless Driving Plea Bargain
Sometimes, accepting a plea bargain for DUI charges will be your best option. However, you shouldn’t accept any deal until a criminal defense lawyer has gone over it with a fine-tooth comb to make sure it will be fair to you.
Build Your Defense
If you are charged with reckless driving, you need to get professional help on your side. Your lawyer can investigate the charges you are facing, speak with witnesses, and work tirelessly to construct your defense. Let a legal professional stand up for you in and out of the courtroom.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Speak with a Santa Clarita Reckless Driving Lawyer Immediately
You can feel confident about handling reckless driving charges by contacting the Simmrin Law Group. Get the legal help you need today from our reckless driving lawyers in Santa Clarita. We can begin working on your defense as soon as you complete our online contact form, or call (310) 896-2723.
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