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A reckless driving conviction can carry serious consequences, from hefty fines to potential license suspension and even jail time. These charges can impact your ability to drive, work, and maintain insurance coverage.
At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we have extensive experience defending against reckless driving allegations in San Diego County courts. Our team understands the nuances of California Vehicle Code 23103 and how local prosecutors and judges approach these cases.
We thoroughly investigate each case, challenge evidence when appropriate, and work diligently to protect our client’s driving privileges and personal records. If you’re facing reckless driving charges in Chula Vista, contact our Chula Vista reckless driving lawyers to discuss your legal options and potential defense strategies.
In California, reckless driving is defined under Vehicle Code Section 23103 as driving a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This broad definition can encompass a wide range of driving behaviors, including:
Because of the possible wide array of actions that can be considered reckless, having a strong defense that contextualizes behavior within a creative strategy is essential for mounting a proper defense.
Reckless driving is typically charged as a misdemeanor in California. The potential penalties may include:
These penalties can increase significantly if there are aggravating factors, such as:
Every case is different. We’ll thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest and develop a tailored defense strategy. Some common defenses we may explore include:
Reckless driving charges often rely heavily on the arresting officer’s perception of your driving behavior. We may challenge whether the officer had a clear view of your vehicle or if there were other factors that could have influenced their judgment.
We’ll scrutinize all available evidence, including dashcam or body worn camera footage, witness statements, and police reports. If there are inconsistencies or gaps in the evidence, we may be able to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
There may be legitimate reasons for your driving behavior that don’t constitute recklessness. For example, you may have been avoiding a road hazard or responding to a medical emergency.
In some cases, we may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charges to a less serious offense, such as simple speeding or failure to obey traffic signs.
When you’re facing reckless driving charges in Chula Vista, you need a defense team that combines legal knowledge, courtroom experience, and a commitment to client service. Here’s why David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys stands out:
★ Extensive Local Experience: We have a deep understanding of the Chula Vista court system, local prosecutors, and judges, allowing us to develop effective defense strategies tailored to your specific situation.
★ Comprehensive Approach: We examine every aspect of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the gathering of evidence, to build the strongest possible defense.
★ Personalized Attention: We believe in building strong attorney-client relationships. You’ll work directly with your attorney throughout your case, receiving regular updates and having your questions answered promptly.
★ Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully defended numerous clients against reckless driving charges, often achieving case dismissals, charge reductions, or favorable plea agreements.
★ Focus on Minimizing Long-Term Impact: We understand that a reckless driving conviction can have far-reaching effects. We’ll work to minimize the impact on your driving record, insurance rates, and personal life.
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in California, swift action is imperative. The penalties can be life altering and long lasting. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation with one of our attorneys and learn how to best protect your freedom and future.
Too often, we see clients who “wait and see,” unsure of the legal landscape ahead, only for charges to escalate. They then find themselves backpedaling into a bad defense and an even worse lawyer. Don’t let that happen to you. Protect your freedom. Protect your future. Know your rights.
The contents of this article and blog are meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.
Here’s what you need to know to regain control of your future
You have questions. We have answers. Check out our answers to some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. Want more information or have a question not answered here about how you can regain control of your future if charged with a crime? Give us a call at (619) 295-3555.
Typically, reckless driving is charged as a misdemeanor in California. However, if reckless driving results in injury to another person, it can be charged as a felony under certain circumstances.
A reckless driving conviction generally remains on your driving record for 3 years in California. However, it may stay on your criminal record indefinitely unless you take steps to have it expunged.
It may be possible. In some cases, we may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce a reckless driving charge to a less serious offense, such as speeding or failure to obey traffic signs. An experienced attorney can help you explore these options.
A reckless driving conviction could have consequences for CDL holders, potentially leading to disqualification from commercial driving for a period of time. If you hold a CDL, it’s especially important to fight these charges with the help of an experienced attorney.
“I came to David Shapiro to end my probation early and expunge my case. I had a very positive and very informative experience with him. David and his assistant Maria were excellent and always kept in the loop of what was going on.”
“Helping good people get their lives back is not just a catch phrase. They mean what they say and are serious about taking care of the client. Ally Keegan and the team at Law Office of David Shapiro are AMAZING! My charges for a 25 plus year old case were dismissed, it was not easy but I truly believe that if I had went with any other Law Firm that the outcome would have been very different. Thank you Ally for helping me get my life back!”
“I called many lawyers after I got my DUI. Stefano was the only lawyer who put my mind at ease and gave me a sense of relief. He constantly communicated with me about my case and laid out all my options. He was willing and able to do whatever he could to help me. He went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have used David 2 times in the past and he has by far exceeded my expectations. He has great knowledge and knows the system. He is straight forward and honest and somebody you can trust without doubt. I would recommend him to friends, family, and anybody that needs help. Best attorney I’ve ever come across.”
“Stefano Molea was extremely professional and consistently timely with responses to my questions. Most of all, Stefano was reliable. Stefano was diligent with discovery and always prepared and tenacious when relevant to the situation. Stefano is an attorney that you can count on for the best outcome. Thank you Stefano for all you did in my case. You’re so awesome!!!!”
“Ally was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her calm and reassuring demeanor was matched with her excellent knowledge, dedication, thoroughness. We unfortunately found ourselves in need of a criminal lawyer and we can without a doubt say that having Ally and her firm represent us from the beginning was the best choice we could have made.”
