When you get behind the wheel, you have an implied legal responsibility to the other drivers on the road. In addition to following traffic laws, the law dictates that you abide by local regulations. However, disregarding any of these statutes could put you at risk of being charged with reckless driving. Here is a little more information about what counts as reckless driving in the state of Ohio, and how a criminal defense attorney can help. 

Understanding Reckless Driving

What Constitutes as Reckless Driving? 

If you live in Ohio, willfully operating a vehicle with disregard to the safety of other people or property counts as reckless driving. The law assumes that by getting behind the wheel of a car and conducting yourself carelessly, you’re exercising disregard for other people. This puts you at risk of being accused of committing a crime. 

Examples of reckless driving may include weaving between lanes, street racing, or driving faster than you should, intentionally sliding your car in bad weather, or driving outside of the bounds of normal traffic patterns. 

What Are the Penalties? 

The penalties for reckless driving in Ohio are directly tied to your record. If you have no previous traffic convictions in the past year, the maximum punishment is a $100 fine and a minor misdemeanor. On the other hand, having one prior traffic conviction raises that penalty to a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which can be accompanied by 30 days in jail and a $250 fine. Two prior traffic convictions increase the penalty to up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine, as well as a third-degree misdemeanor on your record. Working with a criminal defense attorney will help you avoid being convicted of reckless driving and may downgrade your penalty if you’re found guilty. 

If you have been accused of reckless driving in Ohio, working with a criminal defense attorney is crucial for protecting your rights and clearing your name. David S. Washington Jr. has more than 22 years worth of experience defending his clients and will help you to achieve a more desirable outcome. To learn more about the services this criminal defense attorney offers, visit his website or give his office a call at (513) 751-1400.