Reckless Driving – Misdemeanor or Felony?

When you have been charged with reckless driving, there are many factors that go into determining the penalties you face. If you have been charged with reckless driving-and no property damage or personal injury occurred-there are two degrees of penalties depending on if it is your first conviction or subsequent convictions.

A first conviction for reckless driving will result in imprisonment for a period of no more than 90 days or fines of $25 to $500 or a combination thereof. If this is your second or a subsequent conviction the penalties increase to imprisonment for a period of no more than 6 months or fines of $50 to $1,000 or a combination thereof.

When your reckless driving charges involve damage to property and no personal injury to other parties, it is considered a 1^st degree misdemeanor. The penalties for a 1^st degree misdemeanor are imprisonment for a period of no more than 1 year and fines up to $1,000.

If your reckless driving resulted in the serious bodily injury of another party, the charges increase to a 3^rd degree felony. Penalties also increase to imprisonment for a period of no more than 5 years and fines up to $5,000. Repeat offenders of either a misdemeanor or felony can face increased penalties.

Visit our article library to learn more about the laws and penalties for reckless driving in Florida. Remember that you have the right to the services of a Jacksonville reckless driving attorney to help you defend your driving record against any reckless driving charges. 

Contacting a Jacksonville Reckless Driving Attorney

If you are facing reckless driving charges in Florida no matter what the severity, you deserve to have your case examined by a trusted Jacksonville reckless driving attorney. The attorneys at Sullivan & Hepler help Jacksonville residents build their defense in their reckless driving cases. Contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.