Laws and Penalties for Reckless Driving in Florida

Reckless driving in Florida can be a vague charge for a traffic violation, involving everything from speeding to weaving in traffic. Depending on the degree of severity of the reckless conduct you are being charged with, the fees and penalties for a reckless driving conviction can vary greatly. Because of the ambiguity of reckless driving charges in Florida, you should seek the help of an experienced Jacksonville reckless driving attorney for a review of your case.

What constitutes reckless driving in Florida?

According to state law, reckless driving in Florida is when a driver operates "any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property." Fleeing a law enforcement officer while in a motor vehicle is also considered reckless driving, as is causing damage to the property of another person or serious bodily injury.

The "willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons of property" is a vague statement that can cover anything from running a traffic light to failing to make a complete stop at a stop sign. Being accused of reckless driving in Florida depends largely on the opinion of the police officer who makes the traffic stop. Your Jacksonville reckless driving attorney can help you review the charges and build your defense.

Penalties for Reckless Driving in Florida

If you are charged with simple reckless driving that does not damage persons or property the penalties are as follows:

• First conviction - Imprisonment for a period of no more than 90 days or fines of $25 to $500 or a combination thereof.
• Second or subsequent convictions - Imprisonment for a period of no more than 6 months or fines of $50 to $1,000 or a combination thereof.

If your charges for reckless driving in Florida involved damage to property or injury to another person or persons the charges will be criminal and penalties will increase. Damage to property is considered a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment for a period of no more than 1 year and fines up to $1,000.

When reckless driving in Florida results in serious bodily injury to another party, the charges increase to a felony of the 3^rd degree. The penalties for a 3^rd degree felony are imprisonment for a period of no more than 5 years and fines up to $5,000. Penalties increase for repeat offenders, varying on the time between offences.

Contacting a Jacksonville Reckless Driving Attorney

No matter the severity of your conviction for reckless driving in Florida, your case deserves review by an experienced Jacksonville reckless driving attorney from Sullivan & Hepler. Our attorneys can help you to mount a solid defense when you have been convicted of reckless driving in Florida. Before you hire a reckless driving attorney, order this free guide; The State of Florida v. You: The Accused's Guide to Defending a Florida DUI Charge. To get started with your defense, contact us today at 904-384-8808 or 1-800-295-4193.