What Are Your Options If You’ve Been Charged With Reckless Driving in Mecklenburg County?

A reckless driving charge in Mecklenburg County is a serious matter that can result in harsh penalties and long-lasting consequences. If you were arrested for this offense, it's crucial to understand the potential legal ramifications and take prompt action to protect your rights and future.

At Browning & Long, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming this moment can feel. But you don't have to face this challenge alone. Our experienced Mecklenburg County criminal defense attorneys are here to guide you through the process and fight for the best possible outcome.

What Makes Reckless Driving a Serious Offense in Mecklenburg County?

In North Carolina, reckless driving is more than just a traffic ticket. It’s a criminal offense. N.C.G.S. § 20-140 defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle in a careless and heedless manner that demonstrates a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others or their property. 

Driving Behaviors That Can Lead to Reckless Driving Charges 

Under North Carolina’s definition of reckless driving, you could face reckless driving charges for many driving offenses, including:

• Speeding more than 15 mph over the posted limit
• Weaving between lanes
• Failing to yield 
• Tailgating another vehicle

Penalties You Face If Convicted of Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is often charged as a Class 2 misdemeanor. However, you could face aggravated reckless driving charges with harsher penalties if you were driving while intoxicated, caused another individual’s injury, were using your cellphone while driving, and more.

Penalties you face for a first conviction include:

• Up to 60 days in jail
• Up to $1,000 in fines
• Driver's license suspension
• Four demerit points on your driving record
• Increased insurance rates
• A permanent criminal record

What Should You Do After a Reckless Driving Charge in Mecklenburg County?

You must take the correct steps to protect your rights and try to avoid the harsh consequences of a conviction if you’re facing reckless driving charges. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys recommend you take the following actions:

• Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement. While it's natural to feel anxious, maintaining a respectful demeanor can help prevent the situation from escalating or the officer from charging you with other crimes.
• Remain silent. Avoid admitting guilt or apologizing for your actions. Any statements you make can be used against you in court, so it's best to exercise your right to remain silent.
• Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our knowledgeable lawyers can provide guidance on your rights and raise your defenses to help you get the charges dropped or reduced. Contact us immediately after your arrest to learn how we can assist you.
• Gather any evidence. Collect any evidence, such as dashcam footage or witness statements, that can help our attorneys build a strong defense strategy for you.
• Attend all required court appearances. Failure to appear in court can result in additional charges and penalties.

Common Defenses That Could Help You Fight Against Reckless Driving Charges

Like many people facing reckless driving charges in Mecklenburg County, you may not realize you have strong defenses—even if you’re guilty. Here are some strategies that our criminal defense lawyers may use in your criminal case:

• Failure to meet the burden of proof. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving recklessly. If there is insufficient evidence to support this claim, we may argue for a dismissal or acquittal.
• Necessity. Depending on your situation, our legal team may argue that your actions were necessary to avoid a collision or respond to an emergency.
• Radar gun calibration. If the officer used a radar gun to determine your speed, your lawyer may raise the radar gun calibration defense to challenge the accuracy of the device or whether it was calibrated correctly. If the radar evidence is deemed unreliable, it may be excluded from the case.
• Your speedometer. Depending on your circumstances, our attorneys may argue that your vehicle's speedometer was malfunctioning, leading you to believe you were driving at a legal speed. Evidence from a mechanic or repair records can support this defense.
• GPS defense. If you have GPS data from your phone or vehicle that contradicts the officer's claim of your speed, we can use this information to cast doubt on the prosecution's case.
• Constitutional rights violations. If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during the traffic stop or arrest process, such as lacking probable cause to stop you, conducting an illegal search, or failing to read your Miranda rights, our attorneys may seek to have evidence suppressed or the case dismissed.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help You Avoid the Harsh Consequences of a Reckless Driving Charge?

You would be making a big mistake if you tried to resolve your reckless driving case on your own. Here are a few benefits of hiring our knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys:

• Thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your arrest. Our legal team will examine the evidence and identify any potential violations of your rights or weaknesses in the prosecution's case. 
• Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or penalties. If it’s in your best interests, our lawyers may be able to secure a plea deal that minimizes the consequences of a conviction.
• Represent you in court and present a strong defense. Our attorneys will develop a tailored defense strategy that takes into account your specific situation. We’ll argue on your behalf in court, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and work to protect your interests.
• Help you understand your rights and options at every stage. We’ll provide clear explanations and advice, empowering you to make informed decisions about your case.

Get the Legal Help You Need to Protect Your Future 

You don’t have to let a single mistake define your future. A reckless driving conviction can follow you for years, impacting your ability to find employment, secure housing, and maintain affordable insurance. 

But with the proper legal guidance, you can work to minimize these consequences and move forward with confidence. At Browning & Long, PLLC, we understand what's at stake, and we're committed to providing the aggressive, compassionate representation you deserve.