Pasco County Reckless Driving Defense Lawyer
Reckless driving charges in Florida can have serious consequences, including hefty fines, a permanent criminal record, and even jail time. If you are facing reckless driving charges in the Tampa Bay area, Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., can provide the legal guidance and defense you need. With years of experience in criminal defense, our Pasco County reckless driving defense lawyer is dedicated to protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
What Constitutes Reckless Driving in Florida?
Under Florida law, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This standard requires more than mere negligence or carelessness—it implies intentional or extremely reckless behavior. Common examples of actions that may lead to reckless driving charges include:
- Excessive speeding or street racing
- Swerving or weaving between lanes
- Fleeing from law enforcement
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Driving aggressively or engaging in road rage incidents
Reckless driving is considered a criminal offense in Florida. Florida Statutes §316.192 outlines the penalties for reckless driving, which vary based on whether the offense caused property damage, bodily injury, or if it was a first or subsequent offense. Penalties can include up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $500, plus points on your driving record, even for a first offense. For a second or subsequent conviction, potential jail time increases to up to six months, and fines jump as high as $1,000.
Reckless driving that results in property damage increases the consequences to up to one in jail for this first-degree misdemeanor. Reckless driving causing serious bodily injury is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $5,000.
Beyond these criminal penalties, a reckless driving conviction can lead to increased insurance rates, the suspension of your driver’s license, and difficulty securing employment due to a criminal record.
Fighting Reckless Driving Charges in Pasco County
At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we understand the impact that a reckless driving conviction can have on your life. Our experienced Pasco County criminal defense attorney will carefully review the details of your case to build a strong defense strategy. Depending on the circumstances, potential defenses may include:
- Challenging the evidence or the validity of the traffic stop
- Demonstrating that your actions did not meet the legal definition of reckless driving
- Highlighting mitigating factors, such as an emergency situation or lack of intent
- Negotiating with prosecutors to reduce the charge to a non-criminal traffic offense
Our goal is to protect your rights and minimize the consequences of the charges you face. Whether that means fighting for a dismissal, negotiating a plea, or advocating for you at trial, we are committed to achieving the best result for your case.
Why Choose Athanaselos & Associates, P.A.?
Reckless driving charges are not just about traffic violations—they are criminal offenses that require a skilled and knowledgeable defense attorney. At Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., we bring extensive experience and proven results to the table. Attorney John Athanaselos has a proven record of defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges in Pasco County. We take the time to understand the unique aspects of your case and tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Our priority is to protect your future, whether that involves clearing your record, preserving your driving privileges, or minimizing penalties.
Contact a Pasco County Reckless Driving Attorney Today
If you have been charged with reckless driving in Pasco County, don’t face the legal system alone. Athanaselos & Associates, P.A., is here to help. Contact our office today at 727-810-8405 for a free consultation and let us fight to protect your rights, your driving record, and your freedom.