Reckless driving in any form is a criminal offense in Florida. Depending on the circumstances of your case, an indictment and a conviction can lead to a variety of consequences, including fines, suspension of your driver’s license and jail time.
Florida law defines reckless driving as any driving activity that willfully disregards and threatens the safety of other road users and their property. Speeding off from a law enforcement officer can also amount to reckless driving. However, if you flee the police during a DUI stop, you may be charged with both drunk driving and reckless driving.
If you are charged with reckless driving, it is in your best interest that you figure out how to defend yourself. Here are two defense options you can consider:
You were not the driver
To charge and have you convicted for reckless driving, the prosecution must prove that you were in the driver’s seat. Without clear-cut evidence that you were the one in control of the vehicle, the prosecution may not have a strong case against you.
Your action was justified
To argue necessity during your defense, you will need to prove that your action was necessary because you were responding to an emergency. And, the emergency in question must have presented a threat to you or someone else. A great example of necessity would be driving a sick relative or a woman in labor to the hospital.
Reckless driving is a criminal offense with serious legal and personal consequences. Find out how you can defend yourself and safeguard your rights if you are charged with reckless driving or any other traffic violation in Florida.