Reckless Driving
RCW 46.61.500
Reckless driving is a crime that has a few "faces." By definition this crime is committed when you drive a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This is a gross misdemeanor punishable by a jail term up to 365 days and/or a fine up to 500.00.
Also, upon the conviction your license or your nonresident privilege to drive in Washington must be suspended by the department for 30 days.
Depending on the facts and circumstances a charge of DUI can be reduced to this crime which has some obvious advantages and these should be discussed with experienced counsel.
Reckless Driving can also be committed by non-alcohol related facts and circumstances such as excessive speeding (25 mph above the posted limit), weaving in and out of traffic, and there is evens a special section of the statute dedicated to racing. Regardless of the underlying facts, a conviction for this crime has are serious consequences to your freedom, insurance rates, the ability to drive, your immigration status in the United States, and even your ability to enter into other countries. While there are methods of driving on a "restricted" (Occupational/Restricted Driver's License) basis during this suspension this is a crime that will impact your insurance. Preservation of your freedom and ability to drive will rest in the hands of your lawyer so it is important to interview as many lawyers as possible so that you are comfortable and choose well.
