A reckless driving conviction in Nevada can result in severe criminal penalties, including fines, community service, and jail time. Reckless driving will also earn you demerit points on your driver’s license, which could cost you your driving privileges.
With so much on the line, you may want to consult with a lawyer about your legal options. A Las Vegas criminal defense attorney with De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration can help you navigate your reckless driving charges and fight to avoid or reduce the punishments you may face. Contact us today for a case review.
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What Is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is a crime with potentially life-altering penalties. Reckless driving goes beyond negligent driving because it involves the “willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property,” according to NRS § 484B.653.
Examples of reckless driving in Nevada include:
- Racing – The state’s reckless driving statute clearly states that participating in or organizing an unauthorized speed contest on a public roadway or premises is reckless driving.
- Trick driving – The statute also categorizes unauthorized trick driving, or the facilitation of trick driving, as reckless.
- Eluding police – Evading law enforcement and initiating a car chase is illegal and an example of reckless driving.
- Driving under the influence – Driving under the influence (DUI) is a separate charge from reckless driving but is another example of reckless behavior. In some cases, our defense lawyers may be able to plead DUI charges down to reckless driving, a lesser offense with lesser penalties.
Additionally, accidents that result in injuries to pedestrians or bicyclists may include reckless driving charges if the motorist was excessively speeding, driving in a restricted area, or running a red light or stop sign at a pedestrian crosswalk at the time of the crash.
What Are Reckless Driving Charges?
Reckless driving charges allege that a motorist was operating their vehicle in an extremely hazardous way that put people and property in danger or caused injuries, death, or property damages. For example, going 5 to 10 mph above the posted speed limit is negligent, a legal term meaning careless given the circumstances. Going 30+ mph above the speed limit is reckless, especially in areas where pedestrians are often present.
A misdemeanor reckless driving charge in Nevada can carry a penalty of $250 to $1,000 in fines, up to six months in jail, and eight demerit points against your driver’s license. According to the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), 12 demerit points in 12 months will result in a mandatory six-month suspension of your license.
If you caused substantial bodily harm while driving recklessly, the punishments increase to $2,000 and $5,000 in fines and one to six years in jail. Subsequent reckless driving offenses will also increase the penalties you may face.
Charges for offenses related to reckless driving include:
- Evading law enforcement – Reckless driving while eluding the police carries a fine of up to $5,000 and a sentence of one to six years in prison. If you injure someone while evading police, the punishment increases to a fine of up to $50,000 and two to 20 years in prison.
- DUI – The penalty for a first-time misdemeanor DUI offense is $400 to $1,000 in fines, up to two days in jail, or 48 hours of community service. You could also get your license suspended for up to 185 days. Subsequent misdemeanor DUIs or felony DUIs carry stricter punishments. In addition, if you injure or kill someone while driving under the influence, you could face anywhere from two years to life in prison if you have prior DUI charges.
Reckless Driving Defenses
If you’ve been arrested or charged with reckless driving or a related offense in Nevada, you could have a lot to lose. There are several options our Las Vegas reckless driving attorneys can explore to help you build a robust defense, including:
- Pleading your charges to a lesser offense –We may be able to plead your reckless driving or DUI charges down to a lesser offense with less harsh punishments.
- Arguing your actions were negligent, not reckless – Whether or not a driver acted with “wanton or willful” disregard for others is subjective. We may be able to prove that while your actions were negligent, they were not intentional or reckless.
- Arguing the crash was due to an “intervening cause” – Sometimes, motorists drive recklessly because they have no other choice. For example, you may have been forced to perform a reckless maneuver due to another driver’s actions, an object or debris in the roadway, or mechanical issues, such as brake failure or a blown tire.
- Demonstrating the prosecutor lacks evidence – In criminal cases, prosecutors must prove the accused’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” We can argue that the evidence against you is not there or strong enough to convict you.
How Can Our Reckless Driving Attorneys Help You?
At De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration, we know what is at stake for our clients. Our team thoroughly understands Nevada criminal law and has the legal skills and resources to defend your rights. We can:
- Review and explain the charges against you
- Collect reckless driving case evidence, including police reports, surveillance video, and eyewitness statements.
- Negotiate to have your charges dismissed or reduced
- Help you get released on bail
- Prepare your case for a judge or jury
- Represent you at trial if necessary
- Keep you informed with frequent and timely updates
- Provide you with 24/7 support
Contact De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration About Your Reckless Driving Case
Our award-winning law firm has a proven track record of successfully defending clients against serious criminal charges. If you face reckless driving penalties in Nevada, our Las Vegas reckless driving defense lawyers can stand up on your behalf. We have over 12 decades of combined experience we can use to represent you.
Contact us today for a consultation to learn more about how De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration can fight for you.