Will I Get Jail Time for Reckless Driving in North Carolina?
Reckless driving is one of the most common misdemeanors in North Carolina. Almost every driver knows that sometimes, it’s tempting to cut corners, step on the gas, coast through stop signs, and make other maneuvers that might not be strictly legal. Could you really face jail time for something as simple as reckless driving? This might be something worth discussing with your traffic offenses attorney in North Carolina.
What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in North Carolina?
Reckless driving is a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina. If you are convicted, you could face up to 60 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, points on your license, and license suspension. These potential penalties indicate that it is technically possible to see the inside of a jail cell after driving recklessly in the Tar Heel State. These penalties also highlight the importance of defending yourself effectively in court, potentially with help from an experienced defense attorney.
Jail Could Be Unlikely for Most People Charged With Reckless Driving
If the only charge you’re facing is reckless driving and it’s your first offense, the chances of jail are relatively slim. Most people find out whether they’ll get jail time immediately after their alleged offenses. If officers never arrested you and simply gave you a ticket, this gives an indication of how the authorities will approach your alleged offense. If the authorities didn’t jail you at the time, then the court is unlikely to sentence you to jail time in the future.
The more likely penalty for this offense is probably probation. Perhaps most notably, there is no “minimum sentence” associated with reckless driving in North Carolina. This means that the jail sentence could very well be “zero.”
It Depends on Your Unique Circumstances
You should know that the possibility of jail time depends entirely on your unique circumstances. The judge will likely consider your criminal record when approaching sentencing. If you have committed other major traffic offenses in the past (including reckless driving), you may be more likely to face jail time.
The judge will also consider the circumstances of your unique accident. Did you endanger the lives of other people? Did you blatantly disobey traffic laws, or was your infraction more subtle? These are the factors that may determine whether you see the inside of a jail cell.
Jail Time Is Impossible Without a Guilty Verdict
You should know that long-term jail time is always impossible if the court finds you not guilty. Therefore, one of the most obvious ways to avoid jail time is to push back against your conviction with help from an experienced attorney.
Can a North Carolina Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?
A North Carolina criminal defense attorney may be able to help if you’re searching for answers about your recent reckless driving charges. With help from an experienced lawyer, you may be able to avoid the most serious potential penalties for reckless driving. That being said, online research may not provide you with the level of targeted guidance necessary for effective planning. Take the next step by contacting The Pritchard Firm today.
Source:
ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_20/gs_20-140.html