Is Reckless Driving a Felony in PA? Learn When to Call a Reckless Driving Lawyer Near Me

Reckless driving is a serious traffic offense that can have significant legal consequences. But is reckless driving a felony in Pennsylvania? In this article, we will explore the laws surrounding reckless driving in Pennsylvania, its classification, potential penalties, and when it’s crucial to seek the guidance of a reckless driving lawyer near you.

Understanding Reckless Driving in Pennsylvania:

Reckless driving, as defined by Pennsylvania law, is the act of driving a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of others. Common examples include excessive speeding, aggressive driving, weaving in and out of traffic, and running red lights. It’s important to remember that the specifics of reckless driving can vary depending on the situation, and Police may use their discretion when deciding if a driver’s actions warrant such charges.

Is Reckless driving a Felony in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the legal system typically categorizes reckless driving as a summary offense, not a felony. However, it’s important to note that the circumstances of the incident can lead to it being charged as a misdemeanor. Either way it can still result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even imprisonment.

Penalties For Reckless Driving

The Pennsylvania code specifies that the law considers reckless driving a summary offense and imposes a $200 fine upon conviction. Additionally, if convicted, you face a license suspension of six months. The $200 fine doubles if the incident occurs in a work or emergency zone. In some cases, the convicted may face jail time.

1. Fines: Reckless driving convictions often result in substantial fines, which begin at $200 upon conviction.
2. Points on Your Driving Record: A reckless driving conviction adds 5 points to your driving record, potentially leading to increased insurance premiums and the risk of license suspension.
3. License Suspension: Depending on the severity of the offense, your license will be suspended for at least 6 months upon conviction.
4. Criminal Record: A reckless driving conviction can result in a criminal record, which can affect employment opportunities and other aspects of your life.
5. Imprisonment: In some cases, particularly if your reckless driving led to significant harm or property damage, you could face jail time.

What’s the difference between careless and reckless driving?

Section 3714 of Pennsylvania’s code defines careless driving as driving with a “careless disregard” for the safety of persons or property. To help clarify the differences, an example of careless driving may be a person falling asleep behind the wheel, which is a summary offense.

Reckless, on the other hand, involves a person deliberately driving without care, such as excessively speeding. According to 75 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 3736, reckless driving occurs when an individual drives their vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other people or property.

When to Consult a Reckless Driving Lawyer Near You

While reckless driving is not a felony, it is a serious offense with substantial consequences. You should consider consulting a reckless driving lawyer near you if:

• You’ve been charged with reckless driving in Pennsylvania.
• You believe you’ve been wrongfully accused or your actions were not reckless.
• You want to explore legal defenses or plea bargains to minimize penalties.
• You want guidance on navigating the legal process and protecting your rights.

Have You Been Charged With Reckless Driving?

Have you been charged with Reckless Driving in PA? Reckless driving in Pennsylvania is a significant traffic offense with potentially severe repercussions. Understanding the laws and seeking legal counsel when necessary is crucial to protect your rights and minimize the impact on your life. If you find yourself facing reckless driving charges in Pennsylvania, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified reckless driving lawyer near you for expert guidance and representation.

If you’ve been charged, contact a Reckless Driving Lawyer near you as soon as possible. Call us today at (717) 823-0899 for a free consultation and find out how we can help to get your life back to normal.

At The Shelton Firm, we offer legal services ranging from Criminal Defense, Personal Injury,
Automobile Accidents, DUI, Divorce and Separation Issues, Expungements and Sealing of criminal records, and Traffic Ticket Defense. Our goal is to bring quality and affordable representation to the residents of Central Pennsylvania.