A charge of Reckless Driving can be either charged as a traffic offense or it can charged as a misdemeanor criminal charge (in the latter case, the person may be issued a Misdemeanor Citation, in lieu of arrest). In either case, this is a more serious charge than most people realize. At The McDaniel Law Firm, our expert defense attorneys will help you understand your charges and determine your options. Our attorneys will work with you to develop an aggressive defense strategy that delivers the best possible outcome.
Reckless Driving Laws in Tennessee
Tennessee Reckless Driving misdemeanor law states:
(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property commits reckless driving.
(b) A person commits an offense of reckless driving who drives a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway, or on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large; provided, that the offense of reckless driving for driving a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground shall not be applicable to persons riding in a parade, at a speed not to exceed thirty miles per hour (30 mph), if the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older.
(c) Any motor vehicle operator who knowingly ignores a clearly visible and adequate flood warning sign or barricade and drives into a road area that is actually flooded commits reckless driving. In addition to the penalties imposed pursuant to subsection (d), the court may order the operator to pay restitution to defray the taxpayer cost of any rescue efforts related to such violation.
(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property commits reckless driving.
(b) A person commits an offense of reckless driving who drives a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway, or on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large; provided, that the offense of reckless driving for driving a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground shall not be applicable to persons riding in a parade, at a speed not to exceed thirty miles per hour (30 mph), if the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older.
(c) Any motor vehicle operator who knowingly ignores a clearly visible and adequate flood warning sign or barricade and drives into a road area that is actually flooded commits reckless driving. In addition to the penalties imposed pursuant to subsection (d), the court may order the operator to pay restitution to defray the taxpayer cost of any rescue efforts related to such violation.
Possible Penalties for a Reckless Driving Conviction
A conviction for a city or county ordinance Reckless Driving ticket or citation will result in the assessment of 6 points against the person’s driving record, as well as a potential fine of up to $50 and court costs. A person receiving 12 points on their driving record during a 12 month period can face the suspension of their driver’s license for 1 year.
A conviction for Reckless Driving that is charged as a state misdemeanor criminal offense, is a Class B Misdemeanor which can carry up to 6 months in jail as well as a potential fine up to $500 and court costs, as well as the assessment of 6 points against the person’s driving record.
A conviction for Reckless Driving that is charged as a state misdemeanor criminal offense, is a Class B Misdemeanor which can carry up to 6 months in jail as well as a potential fine up to $500 and court costs, as well as the assessment of 6 points against the person’s driving record.
Protect Your Future With a Strong Defense
The McDaniel Law Firm has 37 years of experience representing clients charged with traffic and criminal charges, such as Reckless Driving. We provide personalized service and work diligently to provide you the strongest defense in order to achieve the very best possible outcome for your case.
Call The McDaniel Law Firm to discuss your case or to schedule a Free Consultation – 901-527-6518