Reckless Driving
We fight reckless driving charges and work to reduce them to civil offenses like careless driving—no jail, no record.
Florida Statute and Definition
Florida’s reckless driving law makes it a crime to operate a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This includes intentionally driving in a manner that puts others at risk, such as excessive speeding, weaving through traffic or fleeing law enforcement. The statute also says that any person who fails to stop for a police officer and willfully flees is guilty of reckless driving.
Penalties
Reckless driving is a second‑degree misdemeanor for a first offense punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $500. A second or subsequent conviction increases the maximum jail term to 6 months and fines up to $1,000. If reckless driving causes property damage or injury, it becomes a first‑degree misdemeanor with penalties up to one year in jail; causing serious bodily injury elevates the offense to a third‑degree felony carrying up to five years in prison.
Important Points for Defendants
Intent matters: Prosecutors must prove you acted with willful or wanton disregard, not just simple negligence.
Lesser charge available: In some cases, charges can be reduced to careless driving, a civil infraction that does not carry criminal penalties.
Possible defenses: Challenging radar calibration, the officer’s observations or dash‑cam footage can undermine the state’s case.
Consequences: Aside from jail and fines, a reckless driving conviction results in points on your license, higher insurance costs and potential employment issues.
How Ticket Shield Helps
Reckless driving cases often involve split‑second decisions and subjective police observations. Ticket Shield attorneys carefully analyze the traffic stop, the officer’s statements and any video evidence to determine whether your conduct truly met the statutory definition of “willful or wanton disregard.” We seek to have charges dismissed or reduced to careless driving whenever possible, and we push back against attempts to enhance charges based on alleged property damage or injury. Our goal is to protect your record and keep you driving.
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