Reckless driving is a serious traffic offense. One of the first questions you may have is, “Will I lose my license for reckless driving?”
We know how complex and confusing the Idaho legislature can be. Statutes Title 49, Chapter 14 defines reckless driving as a person operating a vehicle on any property, including private property for public use, and doing so:
- Without caution
- In a manner and/or speed that can endanger the public
- In a manner and/or speed that endangers property
- Heedlessly
You have a responsibility to drive your motor vehicle in a manner that is safe and does not jeopardize the safety of the public. If you fail to meet these requirements, you may be charged with reckless driving.
Will I Lose My License for Reckless Driving?
A conviction for reckless driving carries the following license suspension:
- If this is your 1st offense of Reckless Driving your license will be suspended for 30 days.
- If this is your 2nd offense of Reckless Driving within the last two years your license will be suspended for 90 days.
- this is your 3rd offense of Reckless Driving within the last three years, your license will be suspended for 1 year.
Besides the increased license suspension penalties your fines and jail time will also increase if you receive multiple convictions for Reckless Driving within 5 years.
We recommend that you contact an attorney immediately because you may be able to have the charge reduced or dismissed. Fighting reckless driving charges allows you to protect your rights and mitigate some of the damages that a conviction can cause.
What to Do If You’re Charged with Reckless Driving
If you’re charged with reckless driving, you may be worried about the future of your driving privileges. This is a serious offense, and it can have steep penalties.
Naturally, the first question that clients ask is: Will I lose my license for reckless driving?
Under Idaho law, reckless driving is a misdemeanor. Penalties for a 1st offense can include:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- License suspension of 30 days
A second conviction within five years can carry even heftier penalties.
The next steps you take are crucial. Ignoring the charges is not the best idea. Before you do anything else, contact an attorney with experience defending clients against reckless driving charges.
Contact an Attorney
The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. The prosecutor’s goal will be to make sure they get a conviction and the harshest punishment possible.
Your attorney’s goal will be to protect your rights and advocate for the least possible penalty.
Time is of the essence. You need to defend your case or risk severe penalties and fines.
Defending Your Case
Once your attorney has all of the facts, they can begin collecting evidence and build a strong case in your defense.
Common arguments in reckless driving cases include:
- Speeding alone is not reckless driving. Usually, additional factors must be present that make the driving pattern dangerous.
- You were not the driver. The prosecutor must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were the one driving the vehicle. Ownership and registration of the vehicle are not enough evidence to prove that you were the driver.
- If this is your first offense and you’ve always maintained a clean driving record, the court may show leniency. If no harm was done and you behaved respectfully during every encounter with law enforcement and the court, you may be granted leniency.
If you take the initiative to complete a traffic safety course, the court will see that you’re taking steps to better yourself and change your driving behavior.
These are possible arguments in your defense. Your attorney will know how to build your case based on your unique circumstances.
Contact Cutler Law Office, P.A. Today
John Cutler of the Cutler Law Office, P.A. has 30+ years of experience helping residents of Idaho Falls, Blackfoot, Rigby, St. Anthony, Rexburg, Arco, and Island Park protect their rights and fight back against charges.
Your charges may be lowered or dismissed with the guidance of a legal professional.
We’ll fight by your side to explain your story and present evidence on your behalf.
Contact us to begin discussing the charges against you and the defense we’ll build.
