Reckless Driving Defense Lawyer in Charleston, SC

Reckless driving in South Carolina is when a person drives with a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”

It’s a broad enough definition that it is charged for a wide range of conduct including:

  • Driving at high speeds;
  • “Peeling out;” or
  • Any kind of driving that puts other drivers or pedestrians in danger.

Reckless driving is often used as an alternative to a DUI conviction in cases where the state does not have a strong case. Reckless driving is also the only traffic offense that is eligible for PTI, which means that, if you complete the requirements of the pretrial intervention program, the ticket will be dismissed and expunged.

Penalties for Reckless Driving in SC

Reckless driving penalties may include:

  • Up to 30 days in jail;
  • A fine;
  • Increased insurance premiums;
  • License suspension (see below); or
  • License revocation (if you already have two major traffic violations on your record).

Does Reckless Driving Suspend My License?

Just one reckless driving conviction results in a loss of 6 points from your license – you can only lose 12 points before your license is suspended.

Two reckless driving convictions in SC (or the equivalent from another state) within five years will result in a three-month license suspension.

Reckless Vehicular Homicide in SC

If a person operates a motor vehicle “in reckless disregard of the safety of others,” and someone dies as a result, the reckless driver can be charged with “reckless vehicular homicide.”

If the reckless driving only results in injuries to another person, but that person dies within three years as a result of the injuries, the reckless driver can still be charged with reckless vehicular homicide.

Reckless vehicular homicide carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a license revocation for five years. Under certain conditions, you can later petition the court to reinstate your driver’s license or grant you a route-restricted license.

SC Reckless Driving Defense Attorney in Charleston

If you have been charged with reckless driving in the Charleston, SC area, call SC traffic offense lawyer Grant B. Smaldone now at (843) 808-2100 or fill out our online contact form to set up a free consultation about your case.