Hickory Reckless Driving Lawyer

Hickory Reckless Driving Attorney

Many Americans drive every single day. In fact, people drive so much that they can often forget how dangerous it can actually be. Reckless driving is considered any act behind the wheel that puts other people in danger, and if you are pulled over for reckless driving, you could face substantial penalties. It is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself if you are facing a reckless driving charge. Reach out to a Hickory reckless driving lawyer to learn more.

Common Examples of Reckless Driving

In North Carolina, a reckless driver is considered to be any person who engages in driving behavior that is erratic, willfully dangerous, and has total disregard for other drivers on the road as well as pedestrians. Getting pulled over and charged with reckless driving can result in penalties, as reckless driving can be considered a Class 2 misdemeanor under the right circumstances. Here are some examples of behavior that can be considered reckless driving:

• Speeding: Speeding remains one of the most common reasons that drivers are pulled over in the United States. Speed limits exist to help drivers’ reaction time in the event that a sudden stop is needed. Disregarding those limits can lead to traffic tickets and accidents. In North Carolina, speed limits are 35 miles per hour inside municipalities and 55 miles per hour outside municipalities. Driving 25 miles over the speed limit is a criminal offense.
• Weaving: It is imperative that you always use your turn signal to notify the other drivers when you intend to change lanes, merge into traffic, or exit the highway. Failure to do so can cause accidents. Weaving in and out of traffic can be dangerously reckless behavior that could result in you getting pulled over by law enforcement.
• Ignoring Road Signs or Stop Lights: Running a stop sign or a red light is considered reckless driving behavior by North Carolina authorities, as engaging in this behavior can result in T-bone collisions at intersections. Even if it appears that the road ahead is clear and an accident is unlikely to happen, it is against the law to run a stop sign or ignore a red light.

Possible Defenses

Even if you have been charged with reckless driving, there are more than a few possible defenses that you and your lawyer can use to try and build a case. Here are a few of those defenses and how they might help with your driving charges:

• Emergency Situation: One of the more common ways to defend your reckless driving is by claiming that you only drove in such a way because you were dealing with an emergency situation. You simply did not have the time to obey traffic laws due to a medical situation or some other dire emergency.
• Wrong Ticket: In some cases, while you may have been pulled over for reckless driving, the ticket you were issued may have been incorrectly filled out or given to you for a different offense. If that is the case, you may be able to have the ticket declared invalid.
• Bad Radar: You might be able to argue that the radar gun of the police officer was poorly calibrated or broken, which resulted in the officer thinking you were speeding when, in fact, you were not. Your lawyer can help you decide on the most viable defense and start building a robust defense from there.

FAQs

Q: Does Reckless Driving Require an Attorney in North Carolina?

A: Technically, you do not need to hire an attorney if you have been charged with reckless driving. It is perfectly legal to handle your case by yourself. However, it is strongly recommended that you retain legal counsel any time you are facing legal action. Experienced reckless driving attorneys know the ins and outs of North Carolina driving laws. Having someone representing you who has done this before and knows the most effective ways to help can be crucial.

Q: What Is the Penalty in North Carolina for Driving Recklessly?

A: Depending on the situation, the penalty for reckless driving in North Carolina can be harsh. Reckless driving is seen as a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina. While it is not as bad as a felony charge, a misdemeanor can still be substantial. You could face a potential jail sentence as well as a hefty fine. If you have a prior conviction, you could also have your driver’s license suspended.

Q: How Much Does a Lawyer Cost for a Speeding Ticket in North Carolina?

A: There is no specific amount that a lawyer will cost for a speeding ticket in Hickory, North Carolina. Every speeding ticket case is different and has different factors that need to be taken into consideration when a lawyer charges for their services. Every lawyer charges a different amount for their assistance. That amount depends on how difficult the case is, their availability, their experience, their education, and the evidence against you, among other factors.

Q: What Are the Chances of Going to Jail in North Carolina for Reckless Driving?

A: The chances of going to jail for reckless driving in North Carolina depend entirely on the specifics of your case. Reckless driving is considered a Class 2 misdemeanor in the state, and that can result in a big fine and some jail time. However, that does not mean you will automatically face that jail time. An experienced reckless driving lawyer can help you challenge those charges and build a case that defends you.

Reach Out to a Reckless Driving Lawyer Today

Dealing with a charge of reckless driving can be intimidating, especially if you attempt to handle your defense by yourself. You should reach out to an experienced reckless driving lawyer who can help you weigh your options. At Cody Law Firm, our legal team can assist you in developing your case, negotiating on your behalf, and providing you with peace of mind. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our valued team members today.