Reckless driving by danger to life, limb, or property is a criminal charge levied against a motorist for driving in such a way that the safety of other drivers on the road or passengers in their vehicle are put at risk. This could be charged without an accident, but it is usually charged following an accident in which people were injured. Mecklenburg reckless driving by danger to life, limb or property charges are serious, and defendants should seek experienced legal representation before appearing in court.
Police officers can charge a motorist with reckless driving based on observations of the individual’s driving even when the driving does not result in a collision. If their observations of erratic or dangerous driving can be expressed reasonably, that likely leads to a driver facing a driving by general danger to life, limb, or property charge.
Reckless driving is a significant charge that is treated seriously in Mecklenburg County court. Although the penalties are the same as other types of reckless driving cases, the allegations of endangering life or limb mean the case may be viewed unfavorably by prosecutors and judges. As a result, defendants should avoid attempting to try their case on their own and instead hire an experienced lawyer.
The responding law enforcement officer’s observations are the primary evidence presented against a driver in court. In some circumstances, the officer might also have video from the dash camera to present in court against the individual. It is important that a defendant consult with an attorney and provide them with as much information as possible so that they are well prepared to refute the evidence through cross-examination of the officer during trial.
Reckless driving by danger to life, limb or property is different from other reckless driving charges because it alleges specific danger to the physical safety of others. The allegations are that an individual’s driving was so unsafe that people could have been – or often were – injured. As a result, judges and prosecutors tend to pursue these cases aggressively, and it is much more difficult to overcome a bias against the defendant in court. A charged driver should consult with an attorney who has experience successfully defending this type of charge.
If you are facing Mecklenburg reckless driving by danger to life, limb, or property charges, you should consider retaining a lawyer. An attorney could thoroughly investigate the case and speak with law enforcement officers and witnesses. They could also research the relevant law that applies to the case to prepare and present the most suitable defense available to their client.
In addition to jail time and fines, a reckless driving conviction could lead to a loss of a defendant’s commercial driver’s license. It is crucial that a commercial driver contacts to an attorney as soon as possible when they are charged with reckless driving so that the attorney can help them maintain their employment.