The charge of reckless driving requires proof beyond all reasonable doubt that the defendant operated a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property” or under Utah Code 41–6a–528. The offense is classified as a class B misdemeanor, which is punishable up to six months in jail and up to a $1000 fine.
Under Utah law, the definition of “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property” specifically includes driving at or above 105 mph OR operating a vehicle while committing three or more traffic violations in a series of acts occurring within a single continuous period of driving covering three miles or less in total distance.
If you have questions about reckless driving, alcohol-related reckless driving, or other types of criminal traffic offenses, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat, LLP, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The attorneys at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat are experienced in representing clients charged with reckless driving and other criminal traffic offenses. Call us to find out how you can protect your criminal record and your driving record.
Call (801) 532-5297 now to discuss your case and possible defenses to the charges.
Additional Information About Reckless Driving
Utah law generally recognizes that a person engages in conduct recklessly, or maliciously, with respect to circumstances surrounding his conduct or the result of his conduct when he is aware of but consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the circumstances exist or the result will occur.
The risk must be of such a nature and degree that its disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that an ordinary person would exercise under all the circumstances as viewed from the actor's standpoint.
The points system is part of Utah's Driver Improvement Program. Points are assigned for specific types of violations, including reckless driving. If you are convicted of reckless driving, then 80 points will be assessed to your driving record in accordance with the schedule from the Driver License Division. By avoiding a conviction for reckless driving, you can also avoid the assessment of these 80 points on your driving record.
This is important to know, because if you are under 21 and accumulate 70 points or more in three years, you may have your license suspended for a month or even a year. So one reckless driving charge will put you over that limit. But if you are 21 years of age or older, that point threshold is 200. If you accumulate 200 or more points in three years, your license may be suspended for three months to a year.
With offices conveniently located in Salt Lake City, we are ready to meet with you to discuss your case. Find out what you need to do right now to protect your rights..
The attorneys at Brown, Bradshaw & Moffat represent individuals charged with reckless driving throughout Greater Salt Lake and the surrounding areas. Let us help you at each stage of the case as we fight for the best possible result. Call today for a free consultation at (801) 532-5297.
