Reckless Driving

A recent study found that 28% of car crashes in Washington State are the result of aggressive or careless driving. Whether from road rage or road barriers, Pierce County courts take reckless driving charges very seriously because they cause so many accidents. If convicted, you will face significant penalties, including expensive fines, license suspension, and even jail time.

However, Pierce County prosecutors use subjective evidence, like law enforcement officer testimony, to prove reckless driving. For example, what one officer cites as reckless driving, another may see as a simple mistake. Tacoma prosecutors have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you acted with deliberate disregard for safety, which can be a challenging task. With the right legal defense, you can effectively contest reckless driving charges.

If Tacoma law enforcement has charged you with reckless driving, our criminal defense attorneys can help you present a strong challenge. Our 30 years of combined defense experience make us knowledgeable about how to contest reckless driving charges. Call our Tacoma law offices today for a free consultation. We'll put our understanding of the local courts and legal strategies to work for you.

Under RCW 46.61.500, you are guilty of reckless driving if you drive:

"...any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving."

In Washington State, the prosecution must demonstrate intentionality to get a reckless driving conviction. They must also prove without a doubt that you knowingly engaged in dangerous behavior behind the wheel, with full awareness of the risk involved to yourself and others. You can face reckless driving charges for:

• Speeding excessively, such as driving 30 mph over the posted limit in a residential area
• Overtaking other vehicles on the shoulder of the road
• Running red lights or stop signs while traveling at high speeds
• Tailgating closely behind another vehicle at dangerous speeds
• Weaving in and out of traffic without regard for others' safety
• Performing stunts or spinning out in traffic, creating an immediate hazard
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, marijuana, or drugs in a manner that disregards public safety

If law enforcement charges you with reckless driving in Tacoma, the Pierce County prosecution must show intentionality, which requires meeting a high burden of proof. This gives our reckless driving defense attorneys ample opportunity to challenge the case. They will challenge the evidence and prove that your actions were not intentional, leading to reduced or even dismissed charges.

Washington State classifies reckless driving as a gross misdemeanor. If Pierce County courts convict you of reckless driving, you will face:

• Up to 364 days in jail
• Up to $5,000 in criminal penalties
• A mandatory suspension of your driver's license for at least 30 days
• A mandatory ignition interlock device for your vehicle, especially if the conviction stems from charges related to DUI
• An increase in auto insurance premiums and a possible SR-22 insurance requirement
• Job loss, especially if it involves driving a company vehicle
• Possible adverse effects on immigration status
• Non-entry to many countries, including Canada

Given the severity of these penalties, you need the advice of a Tacoma defense attorney specializing in reckless driving defense. Call our law offices now to speak to one.

Since they cause so many accidents, Washington State does not go easy on reckless drivers, and the penalties for conviction are scary. Fortunately, when you work with our attorneys, you will get effective defense strategies against reckless driving, including:

• Lack Of Intent: Under RCW 46.61.500, reckless driving requires you to have "willful or wanton disregard for safety." If the prosecution can't prove you intended to disregard safety, we can fight to have the case dismissed.
• Erroneous Officer Observation: Officers may misinterpret driving behavior. We can challenge their observations if they are unreasonable or inaccurate.
• Temporary Emergency: If you had to act quickly to avoid an accident or dangerous situation, we may argue that your actions were necessary for safety.
• Mechanical Failure: If a vehicle malfunction leads to dangerous driving, we can investigate and use it as part of your defense.
• Vehicle Obstruction: An obstructed view or blind spot makes it difficult to drive safely.
• No Witness Testimony: The prosecution has no credible witnesses to support the reckless driving charge.

When we meet, we'll determine what strategies to use for your case. Call our local Tacoma law offices now to schedule your first consultation for free.

As local reckless driving attorneys in Tacoma, we know how tricky it can be to drive in some of the city's busiest areas. From the chaotic streets around Tacoma Dome and the tight corners of 6th Avenue to the rush of traffic through South Tacoma Way, it's easy to end up with a reckless driving charge. Whether you're squeezing through the narrow streets of North End or cutting through the downtown area near Museum District, even a small mistake can turn into a serious ticket. Our team has years of experience working with local judges and prosecutors, including those at the Pierce County Superior Court and Tacoma Municipal Court. We're familiar with how they approach reckless driving cases and know the defense strategies that work for Tacoma residents.

Living in Tacoma means having access to great spots like Point Defiance Park, Hilltop District, and local favorites, like The Matador in the Brewery District. Losing your license to a reckless driving charge could mean missing out on these places and more. Whether you're grabbing lunch at Tilikum Place Café or enjoying the view at Ruston Way, we understand how important it is to keep your driving privileges. With our local knowledge of both the streets and the court system, we're the team you want on your side. We know the area, the law, and how to fight for you in court.

Reckless driving is when you drive in a very dangerous way, often involving speeding, running red lights, or swerving in traffic. It's a serious charge, as it can lead to accidents and put other people's lives at risk. If you get in trouble for reckless driving, you need an attorney to help you. This is where we come in. Count on us to defend you; argue that you didn't mean to drive dangerously or that the charges are not fair; and help you avoid fines and jail time. Call us now to talk to an attorney for free.

Our Tacoma-based defense attorneys are ready to help you fight reckless driving charges. After 30 years of practicing law across Washington State, we know the city’s courts, judges, and legal processes and how to craft a winning defense. Call our Tacoma legal team today for a free consultation. We'll review your case, explain your options, and guide you through the next steps.

Many people believe that a reckless driving charge isn't so bad, but a conviction for this crime has serious consequences that cannot be ignored. A reckless driving conviction in Tacoma will incur a mandatory 30 day suspension of your driver's license, and you could spend up to 364 days in jail and be liable for fines totaling $5,000. Once your license is reinstated, you will also have to carry SR-22 auto insurance for three years, which is far more expensive than regular auto insurance.

So while reckless driving may be a misdemeanor, it can damage your freedom, reputation, and finances. If you're currently faced with this serious charge, get help from the Tacoma reckless driving attorneys at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe without delay.

A reckless driving conviction in Tacoma will affect you and your family in many different ways, so it's important to seek professional legal guidance to help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. Washington State laws can be confusing, especially when dealing with reckless driving offenses, or DUI related crimes. Our Tacoma reckless driving lawyers will defend your interests and provide you with legal counsel intended to help you make informed decisions.

Contact our law office today and schedule your own private consultation, and one of our Tacoma reckless driving attorneys will get back to you in less than 24 hours. When you appear at your Department of Licensing hearing or in court, your attorney will be at your side. While our primary goal is always to keep you out of jail, we will also pursue all legal avenues to prevent the suspension of your driver's license.

If you're charged with reckless driving in Washington State, you will be prosecuted as a criminal. Our Tacoma reckless driving lawyers understand that you don't see yourself as a criminal, but neither do the countless, hardworking people who are charged with this crime every day.

The role of your lawyer is not to pass judgment, but rather to protect your legal rights. There are a number of potential issues we explore when dealing with reckless driving cases that could render a favorable outcome. Much will depend upon the circumstances that led to your arrest and the police reports relative to your case, so you should speak with one of our Tacoma reckless driving attorneys as soon as you can.

Our lawyers offer a free consultation to anyone in Tacoma charged with reckless driving. This is one of the best ways for you to obtain accurate legal information regarding your case without any monetary risk or obligation. We understand that you want to stay out of jail, and that losing your ability to drive could make it hard to go to work, pick up your kids from school, or even run a simple errand. For this reason, we prioritize these key issues as we prepare your defense, using our more than 3 decades of collective experience to aggressively defend your rights.

Contact our law firm today and speak to one of our Tacoma reckless driving lawyers about your case so that we can start building your defense.