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Driving is a part of almost the entire nation’s everyday lives in one way or another and it is something that should not be taken advantage of. However, driving and riding can both be dangerous and life-threatening based on a multitude of different factors. One of those factors is how safe the actual driver is and whether they are doing any illegal or reckless acts while driving. These can include speeding, dangerous lane changing, cutting off other drivers, and many other activities. Reckless activities like these can be even more dangerous in densely populated areas like Baton Rouge and the surrounding metro area. The more cars that are on the road, the more these dangerous acts can harm other and yourself as well. Because of this danger, reckless driving charges are a pretty common criminal charge and are given to try and curb the danger found on the roads. A reckless driving charge can carry fairly hefty penalties and is much more than just a speeding ticket. It is important to not take these charges lightly and to really understand what they mean. If you have recently been charged with reckless driving in the Baton Rouge area, it is imperative that you seek legal assistance immediately. Carl Barkemeyer, criminal defense attorney can help you craft a defense for your case that will help fight for your freedom and potentially make your outcome in trial a more positive one. Mr. Barkemeyer and his legal team have worked on countless reckless driving charges over the years and know how to successfully defend a case from many different circumstances and situations. Reckless driving charges can be very damaging to your future and should be fought with full force so you can keep your freedom and future in your own hands.
Reckless driving is one of the broadest criminal charges in Louisiana and in the nation as a whole. The reason for this is because there are a wide number of activities that be considered as reckless when it comes to driving. There are many distractions in our modern-day world and many of them can take your attention away from driving and cause you to drive dangerously. The definition for reckless driving under Louisiana state law is as follows:
- Reckless operation of a vehicle is the operation of any motor vehicle, aircraft, vessel, or other means of conveyance in a criminally negligent or reckless manner.
A couple simple examples of this definition could be speeding, dangerous lane changing, swerving, or driving very far under the speed limit. Some other more complex examples of reckless driving could be looking at or using your mobile phone while driving, eating or drinking while driving, or being distracted by the radio, interface, or other passengers in the car. All of these distractions could cause you to stop paying attention to the road and start to drive recklessly. Reckless driving can also be caused by simple negligence for the laws where the driver just chooses to drive dangerously and they can be charged with this as well.
A. Reckless operation of a vehicle is the operation of any motor vehicle, aircraft, vessel, or other means of conveyance in a criminally negligent or reckless manner.
B.(1) Whoever commits the crime of reckless operation of a vehicle shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than ninety days, or both.
(2) On a second or subsequent conviction the offender shall be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than six months, or both.
Acts 2014, No. 791, §7.
The punishments for being charged with reckless driving in Louisiana can be quite strict because of how much danger you put others and yourself into when taking part in reckless driving. Reckless driving also carries with it more severe penalties than just a simple speeding or traffic ticket because it is an actual crime instead of just a traffic infraction. This means it can carry jail time with it and can also stay on your permanent criminal record. Reckless driving is considered a misdemeanor in Louisiana but it should not be taken lightly because of its penalties which are as follows:
1. Whoever commits the crime of reckless operation of a vehicle shall be fined not more than $200, or imprisoned for not more than ninety days, or both.
2. On a second or subsequent conviction the offender shall be fined not less than $25 nor more than $500, or imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than six months, or both.
If you are charged and convicted of reckless driving a second time, the fine can climb all the way up to $500 and you could also be sentenced to up to six months in prison which can have a very negative impact on your future and the future of your loved ones. For these reasons, it is very important to have a solid defense for your case and to fight for your freedom in court.
Driving is a very vital part of our everyday lives and is integral for how we live in our current society. Because of this reliance on driving, it means the number of drivers and cars increases drastically especially in places of high population like Baton Rouge. Driving can have many dangerous activities that are a part of it that can put other drivers in harm. These dangerous activities can get you charged with reckless driving in Louisiana that could drastically hurt your quality of life for a long time. However, if you seek legal assistance with Carl Barkemeyer, criminal defense attorney after being charged with reckless driving then we can do our best to craft a defense for your case that can potentially get a more positive result for you and your loved ones from your criminal trial. Being charged with reckless driving can lead to hefty fines and even jail time if you are convicted which will hurt your future opportunities as well. However, Mr. Barkemeyer is extremely experienced with defending reckless driving charges and knows how to look at the circumstances for each case to create the best defense for you.
Carl Barkemeyer, Criminal Defense Attorney, understands the impact this charge may have. He has defended many clients charged with Reckless Driving in Baton Rouge and Louisiana. Contact him at (225) 964-6720 for legal representation.
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