If you were arrested for reckless driving in Nevada under NRS 484B.653 then contact an attorney at Gallo Law Office to discuss your case. The crime of reckless driving focuses on the driver's state of mind and is often difficult for the prosecutor to prove at trial. For this reason, your attorney will attempt to get the charge dismissed entirely or at least reduced to a less serious charge.
Also, in many DUI cases, your attorney will negotiate with the prosecutor to reduce the charge to reckless driving so that a DUI conviction can be avoided. A plea to reckless driving also comes with serious consequences, although those consequences are less serious than after a DUI conviction.
If you were charged with reckless driving or if you are interested in the consequences of a reckless driving plea after a DUI arrest then contact attorney James C. Gallo. Call (702) 385-3131 to discuss your case today. Attorney James C. Gallo is experienced in representing clients for criminal driving offenses such as DUI and reckless driving throughout Clark County, Nevada.
Definition of Reckless Driving in Nevada
Nevada law defines reckless driving as a person driving “a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property."
Examples of Reckless Driving in Las Vegas
The most common examples of reckless driving in Las Vegas, Nevada, include:
- failing to stop a vehicle after being directed to do so by a law enforcement officer;
- striking the shoulder of the roadway or the median while driving;
- running a red light or stop sign;
- speeding more than 25 miles over the speed limit;
- failing to maintain a lane while speeding significantly over the speed limit; or
- racing another vehicle on the roadway.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Reckless Driving
Under Nevada law, the vast majority of reckless driving allegations are misdemeanors. However, if it is alleged that the reckless driven incident was the proximate cause substantial physical harm or death to another than the incident can be charged as a felony.
Under Nevada Statute, NRS 484B. the punishment for a first incident of reckless driving includes up to six months of jail and or a fine of $250 to $1,000. The fines are increased for a second or third reckless driving conviction. For a second conviction the fine is $1,000 to $1,5000. For a third conviction the fines are $1,500 to $2,000.
Under NRS 484B.130, the penalties in Nevada for reckless driving can be doubled if the incident took place in a work zone.
Enhanced penalties also occur if the charge involved racing or the unauthorized speeding contest on a public highway. In those cases, the court must also impose a six month to two year driver's license suspension, vehicle impoundment, and community service.
Punishments for Felony Reckless Driving in Nevada
For a felony reckless driving conviction, the offense is a category B felony and carries a punishment of one to six years in prison and/or a $2,000 to $5,000 fine.
Under NRS 484B.550, if the incident of “reckless driving causing death” occurred while the driver was disregarding an officer's order to stop or in an attempt to flee and elude the officer then the driver will be charged with a category B felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Finding a Reckless Driving Attorney in Las Vegas
If you were charged with reckless driving in Las Vegas, NV, as either a misdemeanor or felony, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your case. James C. Gallo represents clients on reckless driving charged throughout all of Clark County including Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City and Mesquite. Call (702) 385-3131 today.