Reckless Driving in Florida
Under Florida Statute 316.192, the crime of Reckless Driving occurs when a person drives a vehicle in a manner that shows a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other persons or property.
Penalties Reckless Driving
The penalties for the crime of Reckless Driving increase based upon whether you have a prior Reckless Driving conviction or if a person was injured.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, Reckless Driving in Florida can be charged as:
- First Offense Reckless Driving
- Reckless Driving with a Prior Conviction
- Reckless Driving Causing Property Damage
- Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury
First Offense Reckless Driving
First offense Reckless Driving is a Second Degree Misdemeanor. If convicted of First Offense Reckless Driving, you would be facing any combination of the following penalties:
- Up to ninety (90) days in jail,
- Up to six months of probation, or
- A fine up to $500.
Reckless Driving with a Prior Conviction
Reckless Driving with a Prior Conviction is also a Second Degree Misdemeanor. However, if convicted of Reckless Driving with a Prior Conviction, you would be facing any combination of the following penalties:
- Up to six (6) months in jail,
- Up to six months of probation, or
- A minimum fine of $50 and a maximum fine of $500.
Reckless Driving Causing Property Damage
Reckless Driving Causing Property Damage is a First Degree Misdemeanor. If convicted of Reckless Driving Causing Property Damage, you would be facing any combination of the following penalties:
- Up to 12 (twelve) months in jail,
- Up to 12 (twelve) months of probation, or
- A fine up to $1,000.
Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury
Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury is a Third Degree Felony punishable as a Level 4 offense under Florida’s sentencing guidelines.
Reckless Driving Causing Serious Bodily Injury, you would be facing any combination of the following penalties:
- A maximum sentence of five (5) years in prison,
- Five years of probation, or
- A fine up to $5,000.
Defenses to Reckless Driving
The general pretrial and trial defenses can be raised in any Reckless Driving case.
Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Richard Hornsby
If you have been arrested or charged with the crime of Reckless Driving in Central Florida or the Greater Orlando area, contact Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hornsby today.
The initial consultation is free and I am always available to advise you on the proper course of action that can be taken.