Negligent Driving in Bellevue

It's easy to take driving for granted until you risk losing your driving privileges. Maybe you were driving a little faster than usual in poor weather or didn't notice a traffic signal change. These seemingly minor mistakes can lead to a negligent driving charge. Unfortunately, a conviction in Washington state carries serious penalties that affect your insurance, your driving privileges, and even your freedom.

We know how stressful and confusing it can be to face legal consequences for something that might have felt like a small error at the moment. Our attorneys can help. With over 20 years of experience defending people like you against negligent driving charges, we'll review your case and mount a powerful defense.

If you're facing a negligent driving charge in Bellevue or King County, our experienced traffic defense attorneys can help. Whether you face a simple traffic infraction or a more serious allegation of impaired driving, our Bellevue defense lawyers are on the case. We'll fight to reduce penalties and avoid a conviction altogether when possible. We know the intricacies of King County's legal system and how to effectively challenge charges to get a possibly positive outcome for you.

Here are some of the defenses we may use to challenge your negligent driving charge:

• Lack of Negligence: Arguing that your actions were not unreasonable or dangerous under the given circumstances
• Mistake of Fact: Claiming you misunderstood road conditions or failed to notice a change in traffic signals due to factors like poor visibility or distractions
• Improper Traffic Stop: Disputing the validity of the traffic stop by arguing that the officer did not have reasonable cause to pull over your vehicle
• Vehicle Malfunction: Proving that a mechanical failure or malfunction contributed to the incident, which was outside your control
• Lack of Evidence: Challenging the prosecution's evidence, whether it be unclear witness testimony, inaccurate officer observations, or a lack of concrete proof of your driving behavior
• No Impairment: Arguing that you were not impaired by drugs or alcohol and that police administered any tests incorrectly (applies to first-degree negligent driving charges)

No matter the circumstance, our Bellevue attorneys can mount a successful defense that can reduce charges and penalties and even get your case dismissed.

If Bellevue Courts charge you with negligent driving in Washington state, it means that law enforcement believes you operated a vehicle in a manner that was unsafe or showed a lack of reasonable care. Police can cite you for negligent driving when your actions behind the wheel fall below the standard expected of a reasonably careful driver, whether or not your behavior was intentional. Here are some common examples of situations that could lead to a negligent driving charge in Bellevue:

• Speeding In Poor Weather Conditions
• Running Red Lights Or Stop Signs
• Tailgating Or Following Too Closely
• Distracted Driving
• Texting While Driving
• Aggressive Driving
• Reckless Lane Changes
• Driving Without Sufficient Control
• Driving Under The Influence Of Prescription Drugs
• Failing To Yield To Pedestrians

While negligent driving charges can be the result of minor lapses in judgment, you will still face serious consequences if convicted. Consult our Bellevue criminal defense attorneys to understand your legal options if you are facing these charges.

In Washington state, negligent driving is driving a vehicle in a way that endangers others or their property. The two degrees of negligent driving are:

• Negligent Driving: First Degree: Negligent driving in the first degree is a serious traffic offense when someone operates a vehicle negligently and exhibits the effects of alcohol or drugs. Negligent driving does not require proof of a specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Instead, the courts rely on evidence that intoxicants like drugs or alcohol influenced the driver's behavior. Penalties include:
  • Up to 364 days in jail
  • Fines of up to $5,000
  • Mandatory 30-day driver's license suspension
  • Probation or community service
  • Increased insurance rates
  • Criminal record affecting employment
  • Potential consequences similar to a DUI charge if tied to alcohol or drug impairment
• Negligent Driving: Second Degree: Negligent driving in the second degree is a less serious offense that occurs when someone operates a vehicle in a way that is both negligent and likely to endanger people or property. This charge does not involve the use of alcohol or drugs. Penalties include:
  • A fine of up to $550
  • No jail time or criminal record
  • Possible driver's license points
  • Increased insurance rates
  • No employment impact unless you accumulate excessive points

Both offenses may lead to increased insurance premiums and points on your driving record. Given the severe penalties for first-degree negligent driving, you must consult our experienced Bellevue attorneys to explore potential defenses and minimize the consequences of your charge. Contact us today to protect your rights and future.

Driving around Bellevue offers some of the most scenic and convenient routes in the region. Whether you're cruising along the winding roads of Newport Hills or enjoying the views of Lake Washington along Southeast 8th Street, Bellevue is full of great drives. Heading through Downtown Bellevue, with its gorgeous skyline, provides a blend of urban energy and beautiful views. For nature lovers, the drive through Cougar Mountain and Mercer Slough offers lush landscapes and a peaceful retreat from the city. While public transportation options like King County Metro buses and Sound Transit's Link Light Rail are available, they don't quite compare to the flexibility and convenience of having your vehicle.

You don't have to lose your driving privileges. We believe every negligent driving charge can be successfully challenged in King County Courts. With over 20 years of experience defending clients in Western Washington, our attorneys have the knowledge to do so. We can examine the evidence, negotiate for reduced penalties, or challenge the charges entirely. Our Bellevue legal defense team is standing by to fight for you. Call our law offices now for a free consultation with a traffic defense attorney.

In Washington negligent driving is described as driving in a way that endangers other people or their property, and while it is a lesser charge than reckless driving, a conviction will incur serious repercussions. Not only will a person found guilty of this crime suffer lasting damage to their finances, they could lose their driver's license. Negligent driving is categorized into two separate offenses, based on their severity.

The Bellevue negligent driving lawyers at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe will explain the possible outcomes of your case, and how the law applies to your situation. First, consider the following:

• First Degree Negligent Driving is the most serious Washington State negligent driving charge, and is levied against motorists that drive carelessly and are believed to have consumed alcoholic beverages before driving. This law allows a police officer to charge a motorist with an alcohol-related crime, even if they're not legally intoxicated or impaired in any way.
• Second Degree Negligent Driving is the most serious civil infraction in Washington. A conviction will likely mean being forced to pay higher auto insurance rates in Bellevue.

If you're facing a negligent driving charge in Washington, contact our Bellevue legal team and get professional legal guidance designed to help you mitigate the damage caused by a conviction. Our Bellevue negligent driving attorneys will us their knowledge of the law in an effort to keep your driving record clean.

If you feel like you were charged with negligent driving for no reason, or want to mitigate the damage of a conviction, you should seek out an attorney who understands how the law applies to these often complex cases.

Motorists can be charged with negligent driving at the sole discretion of one police officer, which may make a legal defense against the charges viable. While there are never any guarantees in a negligent driving case, the outcome will likely depend on the police reports and other pertinent details. However, protecting your own interests makes good sense when you consider the high cost of failure.

For more than thirty years our Bellevue negligent driving lawyers have defended Washington motorists charged with these serious offenses, and we are ready to use our experience to help resolve your case.

Talk to one of our professional Bellevue attorneys before taking the first step. With reliable legal information from one of our Bellevue negligent driving attorneys, you will be able to weigh your options and choose the best course of action for your unique situation.

If you choose one of our lawyers to work as your personal advocate, you can trust that they will do everything the law allows to fight your Bellevue negligent driving charge.