Being pulled over and accused of committing a traffic violation can be an intimidating prospect for anyone. That can be especially true when a motorist is charged with a misdemeanor offense like reckless driving. At the Law Office of Hillel Traub, we’ve represented clients charged with various examples of reckless driving in Maryland. Our experienced legal team can explain your legal rights to you and help protect them throughout this process.
What Is Considered Reckless Driving in the State of Maryland?
According to Maryland Code § 21-901.1, reckless driving occurs whenever a motorist operates a vehicle with “wanton or willful disregard” for the physical safety of others or their property. Alternatively, operating a motor vehicle in a manner that displays a “wanton or willful disregard” for the safety of people or property is also considered reckless driving. Reckless driving carries 6 points against your MA record.
Table of Contents
- What Is Considered Reckless Driving in the State of Maryland?
- What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving?
- Contact the Law Office of Hillel Traub to Discuss Your Traffic Violation
Specific examples of reckless driving include:
- Driving at an unsafe rate of speed in current conditions
- Speeding in excess of 20 mph above the speed limit
- Driving while intoxicated
- Passing another driver at a railroad crossing
- Not yielding to another driver when required
A slightly less serious but similar charge is negligent driving, which occurs when an individual is accused of operating a vehicle in a “careless or imprudent manner” that causes danger to a person’s life or property. This can include driving erratically as well as other behaviors that authorities may consider displaying negligence. Negligent driving carries 3 points against your MVA record.
A Maryland police officer can charge a person with reckless driving rather than the less serious (Less serious?) traffic offense of speeding even if the motorist was driving as little as five or ten miles above the posted speed limit. They might choose to do this when they also allege that a motorist engaged in other dangerous behaviors like failing to yield or ignoring a red light.
What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving?
A reckless driving conviction can lead to fairly serious penalties in some cases. You may find yourself with a permanent criminal record, points on your driver’s license, and skyrocketing insurance fees. On the plus side, you typically would not face potential jail time for a reckless driving offense.
Other penalties you may likely face for a reckless driving conviction include:
- A $510 fine after pleading guilty
- A fine anywhere from $510 to $1,000 (?) if your case goes to court
- Six points against your driver’s license
Negligent driving, on the other hand, faces less serious penalties like:
- A $140 fine after pleading guilty
- A fine anywhere from $140 to $500 if your case goes to court
- Three points against your driver’s license
Even though you may not end up behind bars for a reckless driving conviction, the ramifications can still be significant. Consulting with an experienced traffic offense attorney can help ensure your legal rights are protected and that you mount the strongest legal defense possible.
Contact the Law Office of Hillel Traub to Discuss Your Traffic Violation
It’s important to know that you never need to face the confusing legal process alone. You have the right to consult an experienced traffic violations attorney to learn more about your constitutional rights. The Law Office of Hillel Traub is well-versed in representing clients who are accused of traffic offenses like reckless driving. Schedule a free consultation by calling us at (410) 220-6976 or contacting us online.
