Even individuals who are usually fastidious about following the law may not think it is a serious concern to break traffic laws. Most drivers in Georgia admit to occasionally breaking certain traffic laws. They may drive at a speed far higher than the posted limit or conduct a rolling stop at a traffic light when there are no other vehicles nearby.
Such actions often seem harmless, but they can lead to worsening traffic infractions over time. Not all traffic violations are minor matters that people can settle by paying a fine. A handful of traffic violations can lead to criminal prosecution, including allegations of reckless driving.
What is reckless driving?
Under Georgia state law, reckless driving is any sort of behavior that indicates a wanton disregard for the safety of someone in a vehicle and others that they may encounter on the road. Some people would view excessive speeding as reckless driving, while others may think of drag racing or road rage as examples of reckless driving. Police officers often make a judgment based on the situation they discover about whether to issue a basic ticket for a traffic offense or to charge someone with reckless driving.
How does Georgia punish reckless driving?
Unlike most other traffic violations, reckless driving is a misdemeanor traffic offense. Someone who pleads guilty will face criminal consequences rather than just a simple fine. The penalties for a guilty plea or conviction may include up to $1,000 in fines and a year in jail. The nature of the reckless behavior and someone’s driving record will influence exactly what penalties the courts hand down in a particular case. They will also have a criminal record that will show up whenever they apply for a job or other opportunities in life that require a background check.
How do people fight reckless driving charges?
There are a host of different ways to fight reckless driving charges. Sometimes, people can prove that reckless driving charges that stem from traffic or security camera footage are inappropriate because they were not the person in control of the vehicle. Other times, there might be an explanation for why someone drove in what seemed like an unsafe or aggressive manner.
Those seeking to fight major traffic violations, can benefit from seeking legal guidance due to the stakes of the situation in question. Fighting pending traffic violations can help someone avoid criminal consequences and a criminal record that could affect their opportunities for years to come.
