What Is Reckless Driving in California? – CVC 23103

Under California Vehicle Code section 23103, it is unlawful to drive a vehicle in a manner that shows willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. You can be charged with reckless driving in California for driving recklessly on public roads or parking facilities. Often times, a reckless driving charge is coupled with other crimes stemming from the same incident.

Reckless Driving Charges

To convict you of reckless driving in California, the prosecution will have to prove:

• You drove a vehicle on a highway or in an off-street or parking facility; AND

• You intentionally drove with wanton disregard for other people and their safety

You act with “wanton disregard” when you are aware that your actions present a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm and you intentionally ignore that risk. Even if you did not intend to cause injury or harm, you can still be convicted of reckless driving.

Reckless driving is a misdemeanor and punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for up to five to 90 days and/or by a fine from $145 to $1,000. If you are hoping to get your reckless driving charges reduced, you need a competent criminal defense attorney to argue vigorously on your behalf.

A conviction for reckless driving will result in two points being added to your driving record. You do not want points on your driving record. Too many points can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license and your automobile insurance may be cancelled or the premium increased.

California Reckless Driving Attorney

At Wallin and Klarich we have been successfully raising legal defenses to reckless driving charges for over thirty years. We have been able to have criminal charges dismissed for our clients and in other cases had the charges reduced to a simple infraction. The ability to do this will depend on your case.

You don’t have to go through the complicated criminal process alone. Let a California reckless driving attorney from Wallin & Klarich guide you through this complex criminal process.

You will feel comforted and reassured knowing that someone is fighting on your behalf. You deserve to have you legal rights protected. Let us make this difficult time a little bit easier for you and your family.

Call Wallin and Klarich today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 and ask to speak with one of our highly skilled reckless driving defense lawyers. We will be there when you call.