How to Defend Against Reckless Driving Charges in Florida

Whenever you get behind the wheel, you should do everything in your power to keep yourself and those around you safe. Florida law prioritizes the safety of its citizens on the road by punishing drivers when they commit reckless driving. If you have been charged with reckless driving, you can defend yourself with the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney. If you did not intentionally try to endanger other people or property, you may be able to have your charges lessened from reckless driving to careless driving.

You do not have to fight against reckless driving charges alone. Fighter Law is led by board-certified attorney Thomas Feiter, and his experienced team wants to defend you. We will investigate the facts of your case and identify the best defense strategy to use.

What Constitutes Reckless Driving in Florida?

Reckless driving is a criminal offense in Florida. Many different actions could constitute reckless driving including, but not limited to, speeding excessively, weaving between lanes, running stop signs and red lights, slamming on your brakes, and driving so aggressively that others are endangered. In order to be convicted of reckless driving, a person must have the specific intent to endanger other people or their property.

Depending on the facts of the case, reckless driving could be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony. A person’s first conviction of reckless driving is a second-degree misdemeanor, and the penalty can include a jail sentence of up to ninety days, a probation period of up to six months, and a fine of up to five hundred dollars. A person’s second conviction of reckless driving is also a second-degree misdemeanor, and the jail time and fines could be double that of the first conviction. 

When reckless driving involves property damage, the charge is a first-degree felony, and the penalty can include a prison sentence of up to one year, up to one year of probation, and a fine of up to one thousand dollars. Finally, reckless driving that causes bodily injury is classified as a third-degree felony, and defendants face up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.

What Are Common Defenses Against Reckless Driving Charges in Florida?

If you have been charged with reckless driving, you may be able to raise relevant defenses. Defendants should consult with a skilled criminal defense team if they want to have the reckless driving charges lessened or dropped altogether. Some common defense strategies against reckless driving charges are as follows:

• Another Driver: If you can prove that someone else was driving the vehicle, you would have a strong argument to prove your innocence.
• Bad Evidence: You may be able to refute the evidence that the prosecution has against you by arguing that it is incorrect or was obtained illegally.
• Lack of Intent: A person must have the specific intent to endanger other people or property to be convicted of reckless driving. If you can prove that you lacked the intent, your charges may be dropped to careless driving instead of reckless driving.
• Reacting to Others: You could argue that you made specific driving choices as a reaction to other people’s reckless driving, and you were simply trying to avoid a collision.

Experienced criminal defense attorneys are equipped with the skills needed to create a strong case in your defense. Navigating the legal process can be intimidating and overwhelming, and the stakes are high when you face jail time or imprisonment. You need a legal team that can advocate strongly for you, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and protect your future.

Let Fighter Law Help You Defend Against Reckless Driving Charges Today

Florida law takes reckless driving seriously and punishes the offense with jail time, probation, and fines. A person charged with reckless driving should not hesitate to secure legal representation. An experienced Fighter Law criminal defense lawyer can determine and execute the defense strategy that will yield the best outcome for you.

Fighter Law’s talented attorneys are ready to help you defend yourself. To reach us, you can call (407) 344-4837 or fill out our contact form today.

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