Knoxville, TN Lawyers Defend Clients Accused of Reckless Driving
Dedicated to serving drivers in Maryville, Sevierville, Clinton, Lenoir City & Loudon
In Tennessee, reckless driving is a criminal offense. If you’re ticketed for reckless driving, you face criminal charges and jail time — even if you are not actually arrested, handcuffed and brought down to the station. And if you do not defend yourself against the charges, a conviction can then affect many aspects of your life. Our skilled criminal defense attorneys at Banks and Jones provide clients with fierce and trusted representation. We move quickly to protect your rights and to determine the most effective way to resolve your case. If you’re facing reckless driving charges, we will Fight 2 Win your case with everything we have.
Reckless driving is a crime, not just a simple traffic ticket, in Tennessee
You know when you fail to pay a parking meter, and you get a ticket? That’s a pretty basic traffic offense, and as long as you pay the fine, it pretty much goes away.
A reckless driving ticket, though, is not like that at all.
In Tennessee, reckless driving is defined as:
- “Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property commits reckless driving.
- 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.
- 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.”
See full text of the law: § 55-10-205
Many Tennessee drivers do not realize that reckless driving is a serious traffic offense. If arrested, you may be charged with a Class B misdemeanor and could face up to six months in jail, plus a hefty fine. Additionally, a ticket for reckless driving will add six points onto your Tennessee driver’s license, possibly affecting your insurance rate.
Penalties for reckless driving in Tennessee
When a person is arrested for drunk driving, it is common to be charged for other crimes, such as reckless driving, at the same time. Any behavior that you exhibit while driving a vehicle that shows intentional and reckless disregard for others may be considered reckless driving. If you’re charged with reckless driving in the Knoxville area, you face the following penalties:
- Criminal record. Most people are shocked to find out that a reckless driving conviction can result in a criminal record. In Tennessee, reckless driving is a Class B misdemeanor offense.
- Jail time. The jail time you must serve depends on the circumstances of your case, the evidence against you and the attorney you hire. The maximum amount of time you face for a reckless driving conviction is six months.
- Costs. You must pay $500 in fines, plus court costs.
For the record, it is possible to have a DUI charge dropped, but have the reckless driving charge remain. While this is a better option – you keep your license, and the charge can be expunged at a later date – it’s not a good option. You really do want a Knoxville reckless driving lawyer to help you fight the charges, so you can avoid the penalties altogether.
Tennessee Motor Vehicle Habitual Offenders Act
Under the Motor Vehicle Habitual Offenders Act, your sentence may be multiplied in Tennessee if you have three or more convictions for certain offenses, including reckless driving, DUI and vehicular assault. Furthermore, if you’re convicted under the Act, your driver’s license may be revoked.
Types of Cases We Handle
Our attorneys handle a variety of cases, including:
| Assault | Driving under the influence | Drug crimes |
| Criminal Defense | Juvenile crimes | Homicide |
| Rape | Reckless driving | Robbery |
| Theft | White collar crimes | Felonies vs. Misdemeanors |
| Rape | White-Collar Crimes |
Choose a Knoxville defense law firm that goes the distance for you
Were you charged with reckless driving or another type of traffic offense? At Banks and Jones, we handle every case — simple or complex — with the highest level of skill and dedication. To arrange a consultation with one of our experienced defense attorneys, please call 865-546-2141 or fill out our contact form.
