Charged with reckless driving in Alabama?
Contents
If so, it is important to understand the consequences of a conviction and how an experienced criminal attorney can help you.
In Alabama, reckless driving is any behavior that endangers another person’s safety while operating a vehicle. This includes but is not limited to excessive speed and weaving in and out of traffic. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction of reckless driving can result in steep fines, the suspension of your driver’s license, or even jail time. As such, it is important to understand the full implications of such charges before accepting a plea deal or heading to trial.
An experienced criminal attorney can provide invaluable assistance. Your lawyer will analyze the evidence presented against you, develop appropriate strategies for defending your case, and ensure your rights are upheld. Additionally, a skilled attorney who understands courts and prosecutors may be able to negotiate a more favorable outcome than going to trial, such as reduced fines or alternative sentencing.
Reckless Driving Laws in Alabama
The laws concerning reckless driving vary from state to state. In Alabama, reckless driving is prohibited by statute and punishable by fines, jail time, and license suspension. Depending on the severity of the offense, it can also result in higher insurance premiums.
What Is Considered Reckless Driving In Alabama?
According to the Alabama Code § 32-5A-190 (2020), reckless driving is defined as “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This includes such behaviors as speeding more than 20 miles per hour over the posted limit, failing to yield the right of way, passing a stopped school bus, racing another vehicle, or weaving between lanes of traffic.
While there is no specific speed set for reckless driving charges, most cases involve driving 26 mph or more over the speed limit. Other examples include swerving in and out of traffic, running stoplights or stop signs, passing stopped school buses, ignoring safety laws, or changing lanes without using turn signals.
If an officer deems it appropriate, they may give you a reckless driving charge instead of speeding. This carries six points on your license and a fine of no more than $500. You may also face jail time between five days (mandatory) and 90 days, based on the severity of the act.
Is reckless driving a felony in Alabama?
In general, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor offense in Alabama. However, if reckless driving leads to injury or death, it may be considered a felony, depending on the circumstances.
Alabama Reckless Driving Penalties
Reckless driving is a serious offense that can carry a range of penalties in Alabama. The most common form of reckless driving in Alabama is Driving Under the Influence (DUI), which can result in jail time, Impoundment of Vehicle, and high fines. Additionally, anyone convicted of Reckless Driving may face a license suspension for up to one year and an additional reinstatement fee.
If you are driving recklessly in Alabama, then you should be aware of the potential penalties that may result. Reckless driving is a serious offense and can come with serious consequences. The exact penalties may vary depending on your particular situation and the severity of your behavior.
In general, reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor offense in Alabama, with possible fines of up to $500 and jail time of up to 3 months, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, the charges could be more severe if your recklessness results in an accident or injury. In those cases, the penalty is typically upgraded to a Class A misdemeanor which comes with higher fines and longer jail time.
In addition to legal penalties, Alabama also has a point system for reckless drivers. Each reckless driving conviction will add four points to your driving record; after a certain amount, you could face license suspension. Furthermore, license reinstatement fees may apply; you could even face a permanent revocation if suspended multiple times.
Therefore, it’s important to take reckless driving seriously and take steps to avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations when behind the wheel. You could face serious legal and financial penalties and potential long-term damage to your driving record if caught.
Driver License Point System
In addition to these penalties, a driver convicted of reckless driving will have points added to their Alabama driver’s license. Every three points accumulated will result in a one-month license suspension. If a driver accumulates more than 12 points in two years, their license will be suspended for one year.
How to Report a Reckless Driver in Alabama
If you witness someone driving recklessly in Alabama, call your local police department or 9-1-1 immediately. Be sure to provide as much information about the vehicle as possible (e.g., make, model, color) and watch for any dangerous maneuvers that could cause injury or death.
How to get a Reckless Driving Ticket Dismissed in Alabama
If you have been issued a reckless driving ticket in Alabama, there are steps you can take to get it dismissed or reduced. These include hiring an experienced attorney to represent you during the trial process or asking the court to consider alternative sentencing, such as attending traffic school or community service.
Drivers respond differently when they receive tickets – some get angry or indignant, while others are more accepting of the citation. But regardless of their reaction, everyone wants to deal with the hassle and expense of a ticket as painlessly as possible. So if you’ve got a reckless driving citation in Alabama, here’s how to handle it.
Option 1: Do Nothing
Doing nothing and putting off dealing with your ticket indefinitely is possible. But be warned – this approach rarely has a desirable outcome.
Option 2: Pay the Fine
The easiest way to deal with your ticket is simply to pay the fine. However, this approach may require considerable expense, not just now but also later when your insurance renews.
Option 3: Hire a Lawyer
You may feel that your ticket represented an attack on your driving superiority and therefore desire justice in the form of having your ticket dismissed. If so, you could hire an attorney to represent you in court and fight for your case. A quick internet search will reveal hundreds of attorneys ready for battle, many claiming a 90%+ success rate. You can also find firms that offer monthly memberships so you can chat with lawyers until any legal issue is resolved. Of course, this option comes with the highest effort and expense requirements. However, those expenses might be offset somewhat if the attorney keeps the ticket off your record.
Regardless of your approach to getting your ticket dismissed, ensure you are well informed about all your options before deciding.