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Reckless Driving
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Our principal, Craig Cahoon, has been defending people accused of Reckless Driving, RCW 46.61.500, for over 20 years. These types of criminal charges can be fought and won. Whether it is a complete dismissal or an amendment down to something less serious, you will want the best criminal defense lawyer to help you.
This is a gross misdemeanor, meaning you could get up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine. There is also a mandatory loss of driver’s license for 30 days.
Like any criminal charge, just being accused of it doesn’t mean that the prosecutor can prove their case.
Racing v. Safety
Reckless Driving comes in two flavors: one based on comparing vehicle speeds, see RCW 46.61.530, and one requires a showing that driving any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, see RCW 46.61.500.
License Loss
For most people, conviction for Reckless Driving will result in a 30 day loss of driver’s license. See DOL page. This means that it would be a crime just to drive your car unless you have a special temporary license from DOL, called an Occupational Restricted License (ORL).
Canada
Canada changed their laws regarding Reckless Driving a few years ago and dramatically increased the seriousness of that charge. As a result, conviction for Reckless will most likely keep you out of Canada for the next ten years.
If you need to go to our northern neighbor after conviction, there are ways to accomplish it but it will become much more expensive to do.