Reckless driving can not only lead to serious car accidents and devastating personal injuries, but it can also result in criminal penalties that could impact your life for years to come. Even if they don’t result in jail time, a reckless driving charge may result in fines and a significant spike in your auto insurance premiums. Criminal law in each state defines reckless driving differently, so knowing the definition can help you avoid this serious charge.

Reckless Driving Laws in Arkansas

What Is Reckless Driving?

The criminal law statutes in Arkansas define reckless driving as any behavior that demonstrates a “wanton disregard” for the well-being of other people or their property. Because this law is intentionally vague, it can include a variety of dangerous driving practices, from speeding and erratic lane changes to aggressive behavior. However, the driver should be aware that the behavior is dangerous, so not every mistake rises to the level of reckless driving.

Penalties for Reckless Driving

The legal consequences of reckless driving depend a great deal on whether you have previous convictions on your record, and whether your behavior resulted in an accident with personal injuries. If you caused a car accident where someone was hurt, you may be jailed for a minimum of 30 days, with fines of up to $1,000.

Drivers without previous convictions face a minimum of five days in jail and fines amounting to no more than $500. For subsequent charges, you can be jailed for up to six months and be forced to pay fines of $1,000.

If you’ve been charged with a crime, Watson Law Firm has the skill and experience to advocate for your interests and help achieve the best possible outcome for your case. With their talented team of attorneys and in-depth criminal law expertise in Harrison, AR, you can rely on this team to ensure your rights are protected and you’re treated fairly through every step of the process. Visit their website for more on their criminal defense services, call (870) 704-4037 for a consultation, and follow the law firm on Facebook today.