In Rogers County, reckless driving is a serious traffic offense that comes with significant legal consequences. Unlike minor traffic infractions, this is a criminal matter, due to the potential danger it poses to public safety. Oklahoma prioritizes the safety of those on the roads, thus imposing harsh punishments and restrictions on those that violate these law. This article will explore reckless driving in Rogers County, the penalties, and why it’s considered a serious crime.
What is Reckless Driving?
Under Oklahoma law, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle “in a careless or wanton manner without regard for the safety of persons or property.” However, this broad definition can cover a variety of driving behaviors that show an intentional disregard for safety. Examples include excessive speeding, aggressively changing lanes, ignoring traffic signals, and engaging in actions that are distracting, such as texting while driving. Often, a reckless driving infraction is in addition to other traffic violations. This usually increases the fine and likelihood of having to take defensive driving courses. As such this helps to incentivize individuals to engage in safe driving practice in order to avoid these consequences.
Legal Penalties
The penalties in Rogers County work to deter this behavior and reflect the seriousness of the offense. As such, these convictions can result in:
- Fines: The fines for a first-time offense often run into hundreds of dollars.
- Jail Time: More severe than fines, reckless driving can result in jail time. A first offense can lead to jail time ranging from five days to 90 days, depending on the circumstances and judge’s discretion.
- License Suspension: The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety may suspend or revoke the driver’s license of a person after a conviction, particularly if the offense is part of a pattern of dangerous driving behavior.
- Points on Driving Record: Reckless driving adds points to a driver’s license, which can lead to increased insurance premiums and potentially further penalties if the points accumulate.
Beyond the obvious danger to yourself and others, the legal penalties should be enough to discourage reckless driving. If you find yourself facing these charges you should consult with an attorney. They can often help mitigate the harshness of the fines and get you a better deal.
Why Is Reckless Driving Considered a Serious Crime?
Authorities treat reckless driving as a serious crime because it poses a significant risk to public safety. These types of behaviors can very easily lead to accidents that result in injuries or even fatalities. By imposing strict penalties, the goal is to deter such conduct and promote a safer driving environment for everyone. Additionally, this helps to reduce recidivism since the charges can often be worse if you have previous infractions on your record.
The Impact of a Conviction
The implications of a conviction extend beyond immediate penalties. A criminal record can affect a person’s job prospects, especially if their job requires driving. Insurance rates can skyrocket after a conviction, and the stigma of a criminal record can impact personal and professional relationships. These types of charges and convictions can last on your record for years or a lifetime, depending on the severity.
Claremore Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you are charged with reckless driving in Rogers County, it’s important to seek legal representation. An experienced criminal attorney can help, potentially arguing that the driving behavior did not meet the legal definition of recklessness, or that extenuating circumstances should lessen or eliminate the penalties. Occasionally, a lawyer might negotiate alternative sentencing like defensive driving courses.
The criminal defense attorneys at Claremore Attorneys have extensive experience helping those who receive these charges, and we will help to get you the best outcome possible for your case. For a free and confidential consultation call us at 918-379-4872. You can also reach us on our Ask A Lawyer feature. For more information on other topics, take a look at our Claremore Attorneys Law Blog.
