Get Help From a Reckless Driving Attorney Near You
In Indiana, traffic offenses can take many forms from running a red light to driving with a busted taillight. While such offenses most often result in civil violations and are punishable by fines but no incarceration, other offenses—such as reckless driving and aggressive driving—result in even harsher penalties, including misdemeanor charges punishable by months of incarceration and up to thousands of dollars in fines.
Reckless driving occurs when a driver operates his or her motor vehicle without regard for the safety of other people or their property. In Indiana, this offense can include multiple types of activities, including driving too fast or too slow, swerving into another person’s lane, or refusing to share the roadway.
To take the first steps toward fighting your reckless driving charge, contact one of the experienced Indianapolis traffic attorneys at Hessler Law today. At Hessler Law, we’ve helped countless individuals face their reckless driving charges.
What is Reckless Driving in Indiana
Under Indiana law, a person can be charged with reckless driving for driving in a way that puts him or herself or other people or property in danger. It involves risky activity that may not be safe given roadway conditions or traffic flow. Furthermore, it is characterized by a disregard for the welfare of others, a refusal to share the road, and needlessly putting the lives of others in danger.
If a person is found to be driving in a way that is both reckless and aggressive, he or she can be charged with the more serious Indiana offense of aggressive driving. Characterized by “road rage”-like behavior, those charged with aggressive driving face even harsher penalties than those charged with reckless driving.
Under Indiana law, a person can charge with driving recklessly if he or she is suspected of:
- Driving too fast or too slow under given circumstances, such that he or she endangers the safety of others or blocks traffic flow
- Passing another vehicle from behind while on a slope or a curve in cases where the driver can’t see more than 500 feet ahead
- Driving in and out of a line of traffic unlawfully
- Refusing to share the roadway with a driver who is overtaking and trying to pass
- Passing a school bus when its arm signal device is extended
Penalties and Jail Time for Reckless Driving in Indiana
Those charged with reckless driving in Indiana can face serious penalties, including severe fines and jail time. Penalties increase in cases where others are injured:
- Reckless driving — A first time violator can face a Class B misdemeanor charge punishable by up to $1,000 in fines and up to 180 days incarceration as well as possible license suspension for up to one year
- In cases of injury after passing a school bus — An offender can face a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to 1 year incarceration as well as license suspension
Defending Against Reckless Driving Charges in Indiana
Cases of reckless driving in Indiana depend on demonstrating that a person was operating his or her motor vehicle in a way that was unreasonable or imprudent given road conditions. In order to fight your reckless driving charge, it may be possible to prove that your driving wasn’t, in fact, reckless; that you were lawfully operating your motor vehicle; or that you were wrongly identified by a police officer when you were driving. Working with a skilled Indianapolis reckless driving attorney can help you to build the strongest possible defense for your reckless driving case.
How Our Experienced Indianapolis Reckless Driving Lawyers Can Help You
Facing a charge of reckless driving in Indiana can be a daunting prospect. But if you’re been charged with reckless driving in Indiana, you’re not alone. At Hessler Law, our Indianapolis traffic violation lawyers have helped numerous individuals fight their reckless driving charges. We have experience guiding those who have been charged with reckless driving through the criminal defense process and are adept at fighting to get their charges of reckless driving reduced or dismissed.
For a free phone consultation of your case, contact one of the skilled Indiana criminal defense lawyers at Hessler Law today at (317) 886-8800.