Orlando Reckless Driving Defense Lawyer

Reckless Driving (Florida Statute 316.192) in Florida is a serious criminal traffic offense that goes far beyond a simple traffic ticket. A Reckless Driving charge can carry serious consequences like jail or prison time, probation, a driver’s license suspension, points on your license, higher insurance premiums, and a permanent criminal record.

Reckless Driving Under FLorida Law

Reckless driving involves the operation of a motor vehicle with a “willful or wanton” disregard for the safety of people or property. In other words, the prosecutor must prove more than careless or negligent driving. They must show that the conduct was so dangerous that the driver knew, or should have known, that it created a substantial risk of harm. This higher legal standard is often the crux of a strategic defense and makes Reckless Driving cases more complex than they appear.

Penalties for Reckless Driving in Florida

Penalties for Reckless Driving can be severe. A reckless driving case may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor, punishable by fines, probation, points on your license, a license suspension, and up to 90 days in jail. If the alleged driving resulted in property damage or bodily injury, the charge can be elevated to a 1st degree misdemeanor, punishable by 1 year in jail. Cases involving life threatening injuries or injuries which cause impairment or disfigurement may be charged as a 3rd degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. If a person dies as a result of the conduct, reckless driving becomes an element of vehicular homicide, and the case could be tried as either a 2nd degree felony or even a 1st degree felony if the driver left the scene of the accident. Beyond criminal penalties, a conviction for reckless driving can impact your insurance rates, driving privileges, employment opportunities, and your permanent record.

Defenses to Reckless Driving in Florida

Defending a reckless driving charge in Florida often requires both factual and legal analysis. Many cases turn on whether the driving behavior actually meets Florida’s legal definition of “willful or wanton” disregard, which is a much higher legal threshold than carelessness or negligence. Bad driving is not the same as Reckless Driving. In Felony cases, it is important to hire an attorney with the knowledge and experience to evaluate the evidence to determine if any injuries suffered by others rise to the level of “Serious Bodily Injury” under Florida law.

Central Florida Justice can help

Central Florida Justice founder, Ben Baxter understands how to challenge these allegations by examining the alleged driving pattern, dashboard camera videos, witness statements, and accident reports to challenge the State’s case at every step. As a former prosecutor, Ben knows how the State builds these cases, and how to fight them effectively.

Ben also understands that the attorney-client relationship must be built on a foundation of trust and empathy. Every Central Florida Justice client has the ability to contact their attorney directly by phone, text, or email. And every client has access to the Central Florida Justice client portal, which provides instant access to evidence in their case, notes from the attorney, court dates, and more.

If you or a loved one is charged with Reckless Driving in Orlando or the Central Florida area, including Osceola, Polk, Lake, Seminole, or Brevard counties, Central Florida Justice is prepared to stand by you, protect your rights, and pursue the best possible outcome in your case. Contact Central Florida Justice today for a free consultation or call/text (407) 561-1776 to speak directly with attorney Ben Baxter.