What is Reckless Driving in Indiana?
Reckless driving charges in Indiana carry serious implications that can impact your record, freedom, and finances. For those charged with this offense, understanding what qualifies as reckless driving and what consequences follow is vital. If you’re facing these charges, hiring a defense attorney can make a significant difference in how the case unfolds.
What Defines Reckless Driving in Indiana?
Under Indiana law, reckless driving is defined by more than just excessive speed. A driver can be charged for actions that endanger the safety or property of others or for blocking traffic, even if they’re only marginally speeding. This makes the charge situational and sometimes subjective, with endangerment and traffic obstruction as key considerations. For instance, weaving through traffic at just six miles over the limit could be enough for a reckless driving charge, whereas another driver going 20 miles over on an empty road might receive a lesser citation.
Types of Reckless Driving Offenses and Penalties
1. Basic Reckless Driving: The base offense is typically charged as a Class C misdemeanor, which can result in up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. But if the reckless act results in injury, the stakes escalate.
2. Enhanced Charges and School Zones: Injuring someone during reckless driving upgrades the charge to a Class A misdemeanor, which can carry penalties of up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Violations involving school buses carry automatic heightened penalties: passing a stopped school bus with its stop sign extended starts as a Class A misdemeanor, while causing an injury in such an instance raises the charge to a Level 6 felony with potential penalties of up to 2.5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Implications on Your Driver’s License
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) in Indiana considers reckless driving a “major offense,” a category also including DUI and hit-and-run offenses. Accumulating three major offenses within a ten-year span can result in a 10-year license suspension. This is far more than an inconvenience—losing driving privileges for a decade can deeply impact your livelihood and personal life.
The Long-Term Impacts of Reckless Driving Convictions
Reckless driving is a criminal charge and can lead to more than just immediate penalties. Beyond potential jail time and fines, it can make securing jobs or insurance more difficult and may lead to surcharges. For anyone facing these charges, the stakes are high and taking steps to mitigate these consequences with a qualified attorney is a wise move.
How an Attorney Can Help
An experienced criminal defense attorney can work to challenge the reckless driving charge or minimize its impact. By examining the circumstances surrounding your case, they can negotiate with prosecutors, potentially reducing the charge to a lesser offense or securing alternative sentencing. If reckless driving charges are threatening your freedom and future, enlisting a skilled defense attorney can help in navigating the complex legal process and advocating for your rights.
Make The Right Call
If you or someone you know is facing a reckless driving charge in Indiana, the Marc Lopez Law Firm can offer experienced guidance. Reckless driving penalties are severe, but with legal support, you can pursue the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us at 317-632-3642 to discuss your case remember—always plead the 5th!