Reckless Driving in Bellevue

Reckless driving is a controversial charge due to its broad and subjective nature. As attorneys with 20 years of experience challenging reckless driving cases, we know how to leverage this subjectivity to your advantage. Whether it was a moment of frustration during rush hour on the 405 or an abrupt maneuver near the bustling Bellevue Square, we'll meticulously review your case and challenge the validity of the reckless driving charge.

If King County Courts charge you with reckless driving, you could be looking at jail time, license suspension, or even more severe consequences. We'll fight these charges for you and work for a possible positive outcome for your case. Call our Bellevue law offices now to get started on your defense.

Experienced Representation For Your Reckless Driving Case

If you're facing reckless driving charges in Washington state, you need our Bellevue driving defense lawyers on your side. Here's why:

• We Understand Washington Law: Reckless driving laws can be complicated, and we'll help you understand the charges against you.
• We Build An Aggressive Defense: We know defense strategies based on your unique case. Whether it's challenging the evidence, proving there was no intent, or showing that your actions were due to an emergency, we'll work to reduce or dismiss the charges.
• We Can Negotiate Plea Deals: If a plea deal is your other option, we'll negotiate with the prosecution to get reduced charges or penalties.
• We Will Protect Your Record: Reckless driving charges have serious consequences, including fines, license suspension, and jail time. We'll work to minimize these impacts on your driving record and future.
• We Know King County Courts: King County has specific legal practices and court procedures. We know how to handle these courts, increase your chances of a favorable outcome, and tailor your defense to local King County Court procedural rules.

Our Bellevue criminal defense lawyers will work to protect your driving privileges and avoid severe penalties. Call us now to learn how:

What Counts As Reckless Driving In Washington State?

Under Washington state law, reckless driving is operating a vehicle in a way that disregards the safety of other people and their property. You may face reckless driving charges for:

• Excessive Speeding
• Street Racing
• Aggressive Lane Changes
• Ignoring Traffic Signals
• Tailgating
• Driving Under The Influence

Since reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor, penalties are steep.

What Are The Penalties For Reckless Driving In Washington State?

Reckless driving in Washington state is classified as a gross misdemeanor, making it a serious criminal offense. If convicted, you could face the following penalties:

• Up to 364 days in county jail
• Up to $5,000 in fines
• A mandatory 30-day suspension of your driver's license by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL)
• Permanent criminal record

Our skilled Bellevue reckless driver defense attorneys can help build a case to challenge or mitigate the charges.

Effective Defenses Against Reckless Driving Charges

If you're facing reckless driving charges in King County, several potential defenses could help your case. Some of the most common defenses include:

• Lack Of Intent: In some cases, a driver may not have intended to drive recklessly. If you were driving carefully but circumstances made it seem reckless, we can argue you weren't acting recklessly.
• Mistake Of Fact: If you were unaware of certain conditions such as a road sign not visible to drivers, we could argue that you weren't aware of the risk and didn't act recklessly.
• Medical Emergency: If you were experiencing a medical emergency that required quick action, this could be a defense against reckless driving charges. Your attorney could argue a sudden medical condition, like a seizure or heart attack, that caused you to drive unpredictably.
• Faulty Equipment Or Poor Road Conditions: If a mechanical failure or hazardous road conditions were the cause of your erratic driving, we can present this as a defense.
• Insufficient Evidence: We can challenge the prosecution’s case if they do not have enough evidence to prove you were driving recklessly.
• Necessity: If you were driving in a way that seemed reckless to prevent greater harm, such as swerving to avoid hitting another vehicle or pedestrian, we could argue that your actions were necessary and reasonable.
• Speed Miscalculation: If your alleged reckless driving is from excessive speed, we can examine whether law enforcement used radar or speed detection equipment properly and calibrated correctly.
• Unlawful Traffic Stop: If the officer cannot prove they had cause or reason to stop your vehicle, we can argue that the stop and any resulting evidence were unlawful and should be excluded.
• Procedural Errors: If there were any errors in how the evidence was collected or handled or if law enforcement violated your Miranda rights during the arrest, these procedural issues could potentially lead to a dismissal of the charges.

Each case is different, but with our experience and legal knowledge, we know which defenses will work best in King County.

Our Bellevue Legal Team Fights Reckless Driving Charges In King County Courts

Bellevue is a fantastic place to drive, with stunning scenic routes and plenty of spots to explore. Whether you're cruising along the shores of Lake Washington, driving through the lush beauty of Bellevue Botanical Garden, or taking a scenic ride on the quiet streets around Downtown Bellevue, there's always something new to see. You can also enjoy the views of the Cascade Mountains while driving through the picturesque Bel-Red Road corridor or head out for a peaceful drive around Lake Sammamish. As locals who know Bellevue like the back of our hand, we understand the roads, the traffic patterns, and the local driving laws. This local knowledge gives us an edge when defending clients at King County Courts.

Our attorneys strongly believe that there's a viable challenge for every reckless driving charge. With over two decades of defending driving-related offenses across Western Washington, our lawyers have the strategy you need. If you are facing a reckless driving charge, reach out to us right away.

Don't Risk A Bellevue Reckless Driving Conviction

You may think that a reckless driving charge isn't a big deal, but a conviction for this serious crime has consequences that could lead to jail time. A conviction for reckless driving in Bellevue incurs a mandatory 30 day driver's license suspension, up to 364 days in jail, and fines totaling $5,000. After the driver's license reinstatement, the law requires the guilty party to carry expensive SR-22 auto insurance for three years,.

So while it's true that reckless driving is a misdemeanor, it can cause lasting damage that far outweighs perceptions. If you've been charged with this serious crime, seek help from the Bellevue reckless driving attorneys at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe.

A reckless driving conviction in Bellevue should be avoided, so it's important to seek professional legal guidance as you navigate the complexities of the Washington legal system. The law can be confusing when dealing with reckless driving offenses, and other DUI-related crimes, but our Bellevue reckless driving lawyers will provide you with legal counsel intended to help you make wise decisions.

Contact our law office today and schedule your free consultation. One of our Bellevue reckless driving attorneys will get back to you in less than 24 hours, so that you can freely discuss your case. If you retain one of our lawyers, they will be at your side when you appear at your Department of Licensing hearing or in court. Our primary goal is to keep you out of jail and validly licensed to drive, but much will depend on the circumstances of your arrest and the police reports.

Can Your Lawyer Fight A Reckless Driving Charge in Bellevue?

If you're cited for reckless driving in Washington, you will be prosecuted as a criminal. Our Bellevue reckless driving lawyers realize that you don't consider yourself a criminal, but neither do any of the countless other people who are charged with this crime every day.

The role of your attorney is to protect your legal rights and offer you guidance whenever you need it. Your lawyer will explore potential issues with your reckless driving case that could render a favorable outcome, so you should speak with one of our Bellevue reckless driving attorneys as soon as you can.

Our attorneys offer a free case evaluation to anyone in Bellevue charged with driving recklessly. This means that you can gather accurate legal information regarding your case without spending a dime. We understand that you want to stay out of jail, and retain your driving privileges. This is why we prioritize these key issues as we develop your defense, using our more than thirty years of collective experience to aggressively defend your legal rights.

Contact our law office without delay and speak with one of our Bellevue reckless driving lawyers about your case without risk or obligation.