Gaithersburg, Maryland Reckless Driving Attorney

Lawyer for Criminal Charges Related to Reckless Driving in Gaithersburg

People who are pulled over by police officers may be willing to accept traffic tickets, pay the associated fines, and deal with any issues that may affect their insurance rates. However, when a person is charged with reckless driving, it will be treated more seriously than a citation for a traffic violation. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense, and a person who is convicted may face high fines, the possibility of a jail sentence, a permanent mark on their criminal record, and other issues that may affect their driver's license, their career, and their life as a whole.

At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyer can help address reckless driving charges and work with clients to defend against criminal convictions while avoiding ongoing problems related to these cases. He will provide effective legal guidance in these situations, explain the procedures that will be followed during a case, and work to achieve the best outcome available. Whether a reckless driving charge was based on a traffic stop, an accident, or another situation, he can help ensure that a case can be resolved successfully.

When Speeding Can Lead to Reckless Driving Charges

People who are accused of driving at excessive speeds may be charged with reckless driving based on claims that their actions put others in danger. Under Maryland law, a person who exceeds the speed limit by at least 30 miles per hour can be charged with reckless driving. However, other situations involving speeding may also lead to reckless driving charges.

Some reckless driving cases may involve people who are accused of driving at high speeds in locations where others may be at risk. For example, speeding through a residential neighborhood or school zone can lead to accidents in which children may be injured. Speeding in other locations, such as busy roads with high levels of pedestrian activity or road construction zones where people are working near traffic, may also be considered to be dangerous.

When speed is combined with other dangerous conduct, such as weaving between lanes, tailgating, or ignoring traffic signals, accusations of this type of behavior could lead to reckless driving charges. Our attorney can look at the specific facts of a case, including road conditions, traffic volume, time of day, and a police officer's observations, using this information to determine whether a person's alleged actions truly met the standards for charges of reckless driving.

Illegal Passing and Obstructed Sight Lines

Attempting to pass another vehicle in a situation where there is a serious risk of a collision is another common reason why a person may face reckless driving charges. Passing is prohibited in certain locations, including on curves, over hills, in intersections, and other situations where a person's view of the road ahead of them is obstructed. In these situations, illegal passing could lead to head-on car crashes, which can be especially dangerous. Drivers who are accused of ignoring safety and putting others at risk due to illegal passing may be arrested for reckless driving.

Aggressive Driving

When a driver is accused of behaving aggressively and putting others at risk of harm, they may be charged with reckless driving. Some examples of aggressive behaviors that could lead to criminal charges include tailgating behind other vehicles while traveling at high speeds, purposely cutting off other vehicles, or forcing other drivers off the road.

Road rage incidents may lead to criminal charges for reckless driving if a person is accused of behaving in a way that caused injuries or put someone at risk of serious harm. In some cases, drivers may be charged with purposely injuring someone or damaging their vehicle out of anger. These cases may involve video evidence from dashcams, traffic cameras, or people's smartphones. Our lawyer can review what happened during an incident, gather video footage or other evidence, and take steps to show that the accusations against a client were exaggerated or do not qualify as reckless driving.

Reckless Driving Involving Injuries or Death

Many of the most serious consequences that may apply in reckless driving will be related to conduct that allegedly resulted in harm to another person. When a person is accused of driving recklessly and causing an accident, the severity of their charges may increase based on the harm suffered by others who were involved. If someone was injured in an accident, or if a person's actions allegedly led to someone's death, the penalties for a reckless driving conviction may include up to one year in jail. More serious penalties may apply if a person is charged with vehicular manslaughter.

Contact Our Gaithersburg, MD Reckless Driving Lawyer

When you have been arrested for reckless driving, you will need to understand what steps you can take to resolve your case, avoid a criminal conviction, and minimize the penalties that may affect your life. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, our lawyer understands the best defense strategies that may be used in these situations, and he can provide the guidance and representation needed to help you avoid a conviction. Contact our Gaithersburg reckless driving defense attorney by calling 301-762-7500 and scheduling a free consultation.