Puyallup Reckless Driving

Traffic violations are common among Pierce County drivers, and many people are unaware of the serious consequences some traffic offenses, such as reckless driving, can have.

Although traffic violations can sometimes seem non-consequential beyond mailing a check to cover a fine, it is important to note there are serious traffic-related offenses in Washington state which carry potential sanctions that could include lengthy terms of incarceration, massive financial fines, and license losses that can last for years.

This website is designed to provide information regarding reckless driving charges. Throughout the country, reckless driving often falls under the charge of negligent driving. Washington is one of only a handful of states with a distinct reckless driving charge. If you have questions about reckless driving, such as

• How is reckless driving different from negligent driving in Washington state?
• Will I go to jail if convicted of reckless driving in Pierce County?
• Do I need a lawyer to fight reckless driving charges in Puyallup?
• What are some of the common reasons for a reckless driving charge in Pierce County?

Please keep reading. For any questions not answered here, or if you’re seeking information pertaining to the specifics of your case, please contact our firm. We offer a free case consultation for all prospective clients so that you can ask any questions you may have and we can get to know the details of your specific case.

Merriam-Webster defines reckless as “marked by lack of proper caution: careless of consequences”

According to Washington State Statute RCW 46.61.500, reckless driving can be charged to
“(1) Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property”

If you’ve read any part of Washington’s statutes, you’ll know that most laws can be maddeningly wordy and extremely specific. Take, for example, RCW 46.61.502, which pertains to driving under the influence (DUI)- a charge that is often compared to or confused with reckless driving.
“(1) A person is guilty of driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle within this state:
(a) And the person has, within two hours after driving, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's breath or blood; or
(b) The person has, within two hours after driving, a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher as shown by analysis of the person's blood; or
(c) While the person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug; or
(d) While the person is under the combined influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, and any drug.”

Because state law’s definition of reckless driving is so vague, the charge of reckless driving can take a number of forms, and it is often up to the discretion of an arresting officer to decide if a driver is operating a vehicle without due caution, placing others at risk of harm. Some examples of conduct that could give rise to a reckless driving charge include:

• Driving significantly over the posted speed limit (speeding)
• Failing to stop for school buses when unloading and loading children
• Drag or street racing
• Not yielding to emergency response vehicles (including fleeing from the police)
• Failing to exercise appropriate caution at an accident scene
• Ignoring traffic lights
• Aggressive driving or road rage

There is no substitute for a strong legal defense regardless of the circumstances surrounding your arrest. If you are facing a criminal reckless driving charge in Pierce County, there is no time to spare in crafting your defense strategy. Our Puyallup reckless driving defense attorneys can help build your case and ensure that your rights are well-protected.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with reckless driving in Puyallup, it’s imperative that you take action. This is not just a simple traffic citation that will simply go away after you plead guilty and pay a fine.

Reckless driving is charged as a gross misdemeanor. Punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000, if a law enforcement officer pulls you over and accuses you of reckless driving, you won’t simply be issued a citation and allowed to drive away, you will be arrested.

There are other consequences for a reckless driving conviction beyond possible fines and/or jail time. First and foremost is a mandatory license suspension. If found guilty of reckless driving in Pierce County, the Department of Licensing (DOL) issues a mandatory 30-day driver’s license suspension.

On top of that, in order to get your driver’s license reinstated, the DOL requires all drivers involved in a moving violation like reckless driving, to have proof of compliance with the SR-22 laws for a period of up to three years.

Commonly referred to as SR-22 insurance, this form is actually a certificate filed with the DOL that states that a driver has the appropriate liability insurance coverage by an insurer licensed to do business within the state of Washington.

SR-22 insurance is significantly more expensive than standard auto insurance and may increase your monthly rate many times over. In addition to having to carry this expensive insurance for 3 years, the DOL requires that this insurance be maintained over a period of 36 consecutive months. That means that if you have SR-22 coverage for 2 years and 11 months, but miss the last month’s payment, the 3 year period which you need to carry SR-22 insurance starts over.

As you can see, conviction on a reckless driving charge in Puyallup can have devastating effects on your life, and an experienced Pierce County reckless driving lawyer is critical to your ability to have charges reduced or dismissed so that you can continue on with your life.

Charges for a moving violation in Pierce County can be expensive and can affect your driving privileges if left uncontested. Reckless driving charges are serious and can have serious consequences. For the best chance of success in your case, it is important to contact a Puyallup reckless driving defense lawyer as soon as possible.

When you need a reckless driving attorney in Pierce County, look for an attorney who has the knowledge and experience to bring a positive outcome to your case. Our team of Puyallup criminal defense attorneys helps our clients explore all possible defense options to find the one that works best for the unique details of the case. Whether negotiating a plea, fighting for a reduced charge, or obtaining a dismissal, an experienced lawyer can help you find the best result. Contact our firm today for a no-cost case consultation.