What it reckless driving in Oklahoma? It sounds dangerous, and it is.
In Muskogee, Oklahoma if you are caught driving recklessly, the penalties can be high, including losing your license.
FAQ: Reckless Driving in Oklahoma
Reckless driving in Oklahoma is defined as driving carelessly or wantonly without regard for the safety of persons or property. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-901
In essence, if your driving puts another person or their property at risk, you could be charged. The statute is broad and can encompass a multitude of situations that might arise behind the wheel.
Are you in a hurry to get somewhere, and driving over the speed limit? While five miles an hour over the speed limit may just get you a ticket for speeding, 20 miles an hour over the same speed limit may get you charged with reckless driving in Oklahoma.
Did you take a medication that might affect your ability to drive and then get behind the wheel of a car? This charge is often filed in cases of driving under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substance. Since this is charged as a misdemeanor crime, a DUI may be pleaded down to a charge of reckless driving. Nonetheless, the penalties are still harsh.
Additional Considerations
Oklahoma law requires that a driver pay full attention to driving while behind the wheel of a car.
Anything that distracts you while driving may cause you to drive recklessly. Specifically, using your cell phone while driving may affect your driving and expose you to additional fines.
Driving without your glasses if you are required to wear them might get you charged as well. You must be able to see well in order to pay attention to your driving. It depends on the severity of the visual impairment and how it affects your driving.
Finally, if your driving causes personal injury to another or if a person dies because of your recklessness, you may be subject to additional fines and incarceration. You also may be charged with negligent homicide. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-904
Possible Penalties
On a first conviction of reckless driving in Oklahoma, you may be fined between $100 and $500 or serve 5 to 90 days in jail. Sometimes, the court requires both fines and jail time.
On a subsequent reckless driving in Oklahoma conviction, you may be fined from $150 to $1,000, or be incarcerated from 10 to 180 days, or both.
Low-cost Consultation: Muskogee Traffic Defense Attorney
A charge of reckless driving in Oklahoma can have serious ramifications. Fines, jail time, suspension, and revocation of your license to drive may all result. These cases tend to be very fact-specific. An experienced traffic defense attorney can effectively argue your case for you.
If you are charged with reckless driving in the Muskogee area, it is important that you hire an attorney who knows this area of the law and knows the courts in Muskogee.
For a initial strategy session with an experienced Muskogee criminal defense attorney, call 918-913-0725 or 1-888-Wirth-Law (1-888-947-8452) today.