Central
Florida criminal defense firm, Tilden Law represents
numerous clients each year charged with Reckless Driving and
criminal Racing charges. Unlike many other “moving” infractions, reckless
driving and highway/roadway racing are criminal offenses which
require a court appearance by either you or your attorney. Hiring
a skilled and experienced reckless driving defense attorney/racing
criminal defense lawyer will greatly increase the likelihood
of a positive case outcome. If you are seeking to have your reckless
driving/racing case dismissed or penalties reduced, Contact Tilden
Law today for a free case evaluation.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is defined under Florida Statute 316.192 as driving a motor
vehicle driven on a Florida roadway with a “willful, wanton disregard for the
safety of either persons or property”.
Is speeding alone considered Reckless Driving?
One of the most frequently asked questions is whether speeding alone is chargeable
as reckless driving. The answer is typically no. There needs to be additional
erratic driving before a arrest and prosecution for this offense to be
upheld. Having said this, there is currently a bill in the House, bill 137,
which provides significant criminal sanctions including jail and vehicle
confiscation for those convicted of speeding in excess of 30 mph over the
speed limit.
What are the penalties for Reckless Driving?
A first offense reckless driving charge carries a maximum sentence of $500.00 fine, court costs, 90 days county jail, and 6 month probation. A judge can always add additional sentence requirements such as driving school and community service. Also, reckless driving is one of the only criminal traffic charges that also impose points against your driving record which is almost certainly followed by increased insurance rates.
A second offense charge of reckless driving is considered more serious and carries a maximum sentence of $1,000.00 fine, court costs, 1 year probation, 6 months jail and additional penalties listed above.
Can I be convicted of Reckless Driving by only a ticket?
Generally, before someone can be convicted of reckless driving, specific allegations usually enumerated in an arrest report must be alleged. A ticket alone generally isn’t sufficient to support a conviction.
What should I do if I am charged with Reckless Driving?
Immediately request to speak with an attorney. One of the biggest mistakes
people make is thinking that reckless driving is a minor offense. If you
are serious about avoiding a permanent criminal record and the sentence associated
with this charge, Contact Tilden
Law now.
Racing -
What is Racing?
Florida law in part defines racing as the use of one or more motor vehicles in
an attempt to outdistance another motor vehicle with the intent to prevent another
motor vehicle from passing or to arrive at a given destination ahead of another
motor vehicle.
What are the penalties for Racing?
Under current Florida law, racing on a highway carries serious penalties including:
- Jail
- Vehicle Impoundment for 1 Year at the Owners Expense
- 1 Year Driver License Suspension
- $1,000.00 Fine
- 1 Year Probation
- Permanent Criminal Record
- Increased/Cancelled Auto Insurance
How can Tilden Law help me?
There is currently much ongoing litigation regarding the Constitutionality
of the racing statute. Some courts have granted a dismissal when properly filed
by ruling the statute as written is “vague”. Tilden Law is
skilled in filing pre-trial motions aimed at dismissing these charges.
Please Contact the Orlando Suspended
License lawyers at Tilden Law,
to schedule a Free Case Evaluation. Out of state clients are welcome, and weekend
and evening appointments are available.
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