Statesville Reckless Driving Lawyer

Statesville Reckless Driving Attorney

If you have been charged with a reckless driving citation, consider hiring a Statesville reckless driving lawyer. You have rights, and a lawyer can help you fight for your rights and achieve a more positive outcome.

North Carolina police and highway patrol officers have great discretion when it comes to issuing a reckless driving citation. The law includes phrases like “willful and wanton disregard” and “without due caution and circumspection,” making judgment a big factor. If you have been charged with this offense, what are you up against? Should you fight it?

Turn To A Results-Focused Defense Attorney

At Griffin Law, PLLC, we understand what’s at stake with these types of traffic violations and the importance of taking swift action following a traffic stop. That’s why we provide quick a response to our clients and personal attention that focuses on the best possible outcome, not a worst-case scenario.

Since 2001, our law firm has been serving people from all walks of life in the Statesville and Mooresville area, as well as other cities throughout Iredell County. Our experienced criminal defense attorney is as compassionate with his clients as he is effective at protecting their rights and best interests. In most cases, we can handle these matters without you having to appear in court.

Types of Reckless Driving

There are several types of reckless driving that can result in a serious accident, causing harm to those in the vehicle or other vehicles. As a result, you may face severe penalties if you are charged and convicted. Some of the types of reckless driving can be found below.

Speeding

When a driver goes faster than the speed limit, they are not only going too fast but compromising their reaction time. For instance, if another car were to cut in front of them while they are speeding, the driver would have less time to react or slow down, potentially causing an accident. In North Carolina, it is against the law to travel faster than is safe for the prevailing conditions.

Ignoring Traffic Lights or Stop Signs

Failing to stop at a stop sign or a red traffic light can result in serious accidents. Ignoring these traffic laws is not only dangerous, but it is also a form of reckless driving. The most effective way to prevent potentially deadly T-Bone accidents is to come to a full stop at a stop sign or traffic light. Then, look both ways to make sure that the way is clear before going forward.

Understanding The Consequences You Could Face

If you have been cited for reckless driving in Statesville — sometimes called careless driving — it is very important to speak with a knowledgeable defense lawyer. Reckless driving is actually more than a traffic ticket case. It is a misdemeanor criminal charge, and the consequences for you could be very serious.

Just paying the fine is pleading guilty, and you must consider that:

• Reckless driving is a four-point violation if you have a standard driver’s license and a five-point violation if you are driving on a commercial driver’s license — in a system that will level an automatic license suspension for incurring 12 points in any three-year period.
• If you were also charged with speeding, failure to stop or yield, or any other additional violations, your license could be in immediate jeopardy.
• Under the North Carolina Safe Driver Incentive Plan (SDIP), four insurance points may be assessed against you that can lead to an 80 percent increase in your insurance rates.

For more than a decade, defense attorney Jonathan D. Griffin has been helping people in your situation make informed decisions. He will explain all potential consequences and your range of options, focusing squarely on earning the best possible outcome based on what is most important to you.

FAQs

Q: Should I Get a Lawyer for Reckless Driving in NC?

A: You do not have to get a lawyer for reckless driving in North Carolina. However, it can be beneficial to hire one, as a lawyer can use effective defense strategies to help lower your charges. Some of these defenses include:

• The driver’s actions were necessary due to an emergency.
• The driver’s behavior was negligent but not willfully going against the law.
• No injuries resulted from the driver’s behavior.

Q: Can You Lose Your License for Reckless Driving in NC?

A: Yes, you can lose your license for reckless driving in North Carolina for certain offenses. For instance, if you were driving 15 miles per hour over the speed limit or going 80 miles per hour or more, you could lose your license. You can also lose your license if you have a previous reckless driving charge in the past 12 months and then receive another charge within that time.

Q: What Is the First Offense for Reckless Driving in North Carolina?

A: The first offense for reckless driving in North Carolina is a Class 2 misdemeanor. This includes potentially receiving a fine and time in jail. These penalties are the most severe that you can receive for a first offense. However, if it is not your first offense, you may be sent to prison for longer and pay a larger fine. In certain conditions, you may even lose your license.

Q: What Is the Difference Between Careless and Reckless Driving in NC?

A: There are a few differences between careless and reckless driving in North Carolina. Careless driving refers to the driver not having any intention of harming anyone or causing an accident. Reckless driving, however, involves the driver knowingly disregarding traffic laws, putting themselves and others in harm’s way. Reckless driving can involve speeding or aggressive driving.

Talk To Us About Protecting Your Driving Privileges

Our law firm is a proven resource for people facing all types of traffic charges in Iredell County — including many who were charged while visiting our area from out of state. We have helped hundreds of people protect their licenses and save serious money in the long run.

If you would like to sit down with attorney Jonathan D. Griffin to discuss the charges against you and your options, please contact our Statesville office to schedule a free initial consultation. Call our office in Statesville at 704-873-5500, or contact us online to get started.