If you have been arrested for reckless driving in Georgia, you are probably facing some serious consequences and asking some questions including:
- How does the state of Georgia define reckless driving?
- What are the possible punishments for reckless driving?
- Is there a way to fight the charges?
Reckless Driving in the State of Georgia
The Official Code of Georgia (O.C.G.A.), § 40-6-390, states, “Any person who drives any vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property commits the offense of reckless driving.”
This definition leaves a great deal of room for interpretation—the law does not specifically identify the offenses that constitute reckless driving. It is up to the discretion of the arresting law enforcement officer to classify a particular traffic violation as reckless driving. You could be arrested for reckless driving if you are:
- Speeding or driving too fast for the current road conditions
- Driving in a distracted manner—talking on a cell phone
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving erratically—veering, tailgating, passing unsafely, or weaving
- Racing
- Leaving the scene of an accident
These infractions and more can prompt a police officer to slap a reckless driving charge on you. Generally, circumstances like causing an accident will bring a harsher sentence if convicted.
Punishment for Georgia Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor in Georgia. If you are convicted of this charge, you will face a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 12 months in prison. However, it is up to the sentencing judge to impose the actual terms of punishment. The judge could decide to suspend your sentence or to place you on probation.
You also face an addition of four points to your license. Adult drivers who accumulate a total of 15 points in 24 months can lose their driving privileges for 12 months. Drivers under the age of 21 can get a license suspension for just 4 points in 12 months.
Fighting a Georgia Reckless Driving Charge
Because there is so much at stake, if you are charged with reckless driving, we strongly urge you to get an Alpharetta traffic violation attorney to handle your case.
At the Law Office of Scott Miller, we will fight hard to protect your license, keep you out of jail, keep your insurance premiums low, and protect your rights. Contact us today by calling 770-408-1001 or by filling out the confidential contact form on this page. We offer free consultations to clients in Alpharetta, Roswell, Sandy Springs and all of the surrounding areas.
