Any person who intentionally drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property has committed the offense of Reckless Driving. If charged as a second degree misdemeanor the penalties escalate from sixty days in jail to six months.

If while committing this offense the person injures another or damages property it is treated as a first degree misdemeanor. At this level it is punishable by 364 days in the county jail and a thousand dollar fine.

If there occurs serious bodily injury then it is a felony of the third degree punishable by a maximum five years in the state prison and a five thousand dollar fine.

If the court has reason to believe that the use of alcohol contributed to the violation of this section then the court shall direct the person convicted to attend the DUI substance abuse program, or DUI School.

Of course, penalties can also include probation and community service.

AGGRESSIVE CARELESS DRIVING

The Florida legislature has recently defined the combination of two or more of the following offenses as “Aggressive Careless Driving”:

Speeding, as defined in Florida Statute 322.27;

Unsafe or Improper Lane Change, as defined in Florida Statute 316.085;

Following Too Closely, as defined in Florida Statute 316.0895

Failing To Yield the Right Of Way, as defined in Florida Statutes 316.079, 316.0815, or 316.123;

Improper Passing, as defined in Florida Statutes 316.084 or 316.085;

Violating a Traffic Control Device and Signal Devices, as defined in Florida Statutes 316.074 or 316.075.

Being charged with any of these offenses is serious business. Careful attention must be paid to selecting the right lawyer capable of obtaining the right result.

Carlos Canet is a South Florida criminal defense attorney whose law practice is heavily devoted to the defense of these types of traffic crimes. If you have been charged in Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Miami-Dade County or Palm Beach County or in any Florida jurisdiction, please contact his office to have him help you with your case.

Florida Statute 316.192 Reckless Driving

Florida Statute 316.1923 Aggressive Careless Driving