Can I Go to Jail for Reckless Driving in Maryland?
In the past, a conviction for reckless driving did not carry the possibility of a prison term. With the new legislation, however, you may be worrying, “Can I go to jail for reckless driving in Maryland?”
A reckless driving conviction now carries up to 60 days in jail, increased fines, and more points against your driver’s license. If you have been charged with reckless driving, contact Price Benowitz to speak with an attorney experienced in defending against reckless driving charges.
The Charge of Reckless Driving
The charge of reckless driving has evolved from a high-tier speeding ticket into a criminal charge. The serious injuries of an officer caused by a reckless driver prompted the Sergeant Patrick Kepp Act.
When Driving Qualifies as Reckless
The charge of reckless driving now includes speeding at least 30 miles over the speed limit. However, the offense still includes the prior definition of reckless driving, which is the exhibition of a wanton or reckless disregard for the safety of others or their property. Speeding excessively has been determined to fit this description.
The Enhanced Penalties
If you are convicted of reckless driving, you may face up to $1,000 in fines, 60 days of jail time, and six points against your driver’s license, which is half the points needed for revocation and just two points away from suspension. In addition, you could expect your car insurance premiums to increase significantly, and your coverage could be dropped altogether.
In short, reckless driving is now a criminal offense, and you could face jail time if you are convicted in Maryland.
Have Aggressive and Negligent Driving Charges Also Been Enhanced?
Aggressive driving charges have also been tightened, and the legal consequences for both aggressive and negligent driving have increased. However, neither carries the possibility of you spending time in jail for reckless driving in Maryland.
Aggressive Driving
The new legislation streamlined the definition of aggressive driving to make the charge more direct. If you have engaged in three or more of the following relatively minor driving infractions, the charge of aggressive driving applies:
- Excess speed
- Failure to stay in one lane
- Dangerous forms of passing, which include passing on the right
- Tailgating
- Failure to obey a steady traffic light
An aggressive driving conviction could result in up to $1,000 in fines and five points on your driver’s license.
Negligent Driving
The definition of negligent driving remains unchanged, but the consequences of a conviction are now more severe. Negligent driving constitutes engaging in careless driving practices that endanger other people or their property.
The law increased related fines from $500 to $750, and the points against your driver’s license have doubled from one to two.
What You Need to Know About the New Reckless Driving Rules
The basics of Maryland’s new driving law include the following:
- Reckless driving now includes driving 30 mph or more above the speed limit
- The offense of reckless driving no longer results in a speeding ticket and is now a criminal charge
- You could go to jail for up to 60 days for a reckless driving conviction
- The fines for reckless driving have increased from $500 to $1,000
- The number of points against your license is now six rather than five
Understanding these key points can help you stay informed and take the right steps if you are facing a reckless driving charge.
Consult With an Experienced Defense Lawyer in Maryland if You Worry About Going to Prison for Dangerous Driving
Under the state’s new legislation, you can go to jail for reckless driving in Maryland. But with the right defense attorney, you can challenge the charges and potentially avoid these harsh consequences.
The reckless driving defense attorneys at Price Benowitz have experience guiding challenging cases toward favorable results. Contact us online or call today for a free case evaluation.
