You may think that “reckless driving” is only charged if the driver has done something dangerous, such as crossing a double yellow line to pass, but that is not always the case. Speeding, in and of itself, can be “reckless” driving under North Carolina law if it is excessive.
More and more, Highway Patrol and local police are likely to give you the additional charge of reckless driving if you are significantly over the speed limit or if your speed is in excess of 90. We have seen “reckless driving” charged in cases where our client was clocked above 80 in a 55 mph zone — which isn’t so hard to do if you fail to pay attention. Often it depends on the circumstances, and whether the officer felt the speed was overly excessive at the time.
When you are charged with both speeding and reckless, you will certainly need the assistance of an experienced attorney.
Excessive speeding and reckless both carry the potential to suspend your license and severely affect your insurance. Depending on your record and the circumstances, both can be mitigated.
Very often (for instance in Davidson and Davie Counties), you may be offered a choice of whether to plead guilty to speeding or reckless, with the other being dismissed. Which one you ought to choose will depend on your driving history.
We represent clients who are charged with excessive speeding and reckless weekly, and we can help you navigate through it, giving consideration to your driving history, the circumstances of your case, and the jurisdiction where you’ve been charged.
Give us a call at 336-995-0060 or email us at info@mcelweelawfirm.com.
Will McElwee has been a traffic attorney for over 25 years, and has established a solid track record helping folks from Boone and Wilkesboro to Winston Salem address traffic tickets. His family has a long and fruitful history in the area: the McElwee Law Firm began in 1932. Will’s grandfather, William H. McElwee, Jr., was a former president of the North Carolina Bar and sat on North Carolina’s Board of Law Examiners for many years.
As a “Double Deac,” Will attended Wake Forest University for both undergraduate and law school. He is a certified Superior Court and Family Financial Mediator and is also certified in the field of collaborative law.
