A reckless driving charge in Oklahoma occurs when someone operates a motor vehicle in a manner that grossly disregards the safety of others or property, or in a manner described as reckless in the laws. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-901
How Serious is a Reckless Driving Charge in Oklahoma City?
Reckless driving is tried as a misdemeanor under Oklahoma law, but it carries serious consequences when convicted.
Some of the consequences of this crime include having your Oklahoma driver’s license suspended for up to a year. You could also get four points on your Oklahoma Department of Public Safety record. A conviction on charges of reckless driving may also stay on your DMV record for at least three years for insurance purposes.
Reckless driving is not taken lightly in Oklahoma City. You would do well to remain on the right side of the law, especially if your job involves driving. Repeated violations are taken more seriously in court than a one-off incident.
Elements of a Reckless Driving Charge
The state must prove the following four elements beyond a shadow of a doubt to obtain a conviction on charges of reckless driving.
The prosecutor must prove you were:
- Driving
- a motor vehicle
- in a wanton or careless manner
- without regard for the safety of persons or property;
- in a manner that violated lawful speed limits;
- failed to attain or exceeded the speed that a cautious and practical person would have considered sensible and appropriate having due regard for the road condition, the width of the highway, traffic, and other conditions; or
- exceeded the speed that a careful and sensible person would have considered reasonable and proper to stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
OUJI-CR 6-32
Penalties
Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-901 sets out the punishment that you face on conviction for driving recklessly.
A first-time offender could spend 5 to 90 days in jail, pay a fine between $100 and $500, or both.
Repeater offenders could spend between 10 and 180 days in jail, pay a fine between $150 and $1,000, or both.
Getting Help
Whenever you appear in court facing any charges, you face an experienced, articulate lawyer who is determined to prove the case against you. It is never advisable to face a tenacious prosecutor alone without a legal expert on your side to match and even outdo the skill and wit of the district attorney.
An Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney has the experience and skill to help you get the charges against you possibly reduced or altogether dropped. Charges of reckless driving may appear not too serious until you consider what they can do to your driving record and license. One of the best traffic citations lawyers in Oklahoma City is waiting to help you fight the reckless driving charges you face.
Initial Consultation: Oklahoma City Misdemeanor Attorney
We make it easy for you to get answers to your most pressing questions. There is no cost and no obligation for an initial consultation with our Oklahoma City misdemeanor attorney. Call today for answers to your questions.
Our lawyer is well positioned to advise you accordingly, as he has the necessary training and experience. He has the wit and tenacity to match the skill of the Oklahoma City prosecutors.
For a initial consultation, call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at 405-588-4529 (588-4LAW) today.
If you prefer, you may send your question using the contact form at the top right side of this page.