Reckless Driving Defense Attorneys in Maryland
A reckless driving charge in Maryland is more than a traffic ticket—it’s a serious offense that can lead to steep fines, license suspension, and even jail time. At Timothy A. Dachille & Associates, our Maryland reckless driving defense attorneys represent clients facing high-speed citations, aggressive driving allegations, and other criminal traffic charges. With decades of experience in Maryland courts, we know how to challenge the evidence and fight to protect your rights, record, and future.
What Qualifies as Reckless Driving in Maryland?
Maryland law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle in a manner that willfully disregards the safety of persons or property. This broad definition allows law enforcement to apply the charge in a wide range of circumstances—from excessive speeding and tailgating to aggressive lane changes or road rage incidents. Reckless driving is not a simple moving violation; it’s a misdemeanor criminal offense.
If convicted, you could face fines up to $1,000, points on your license, and the long-term consequences of a criminal record. It can also trigger administrative penalties from the Maryland MVA, including increased insurance rates and license suspension. That’s why it’s crucial to have a seasoned Maryland reckless driving attorney assess your case.
Common Behaviors That Lead to Reckless Driving Charges
Law enforcement may issue a reckless driving citation based on behaviors such as:
- Driving 30+ mph over the posted speed limit
- Weaving between lanes or failing to signal
- Tailgating or brake-checking
- Running red lights or stop signs
- Racing other vehicles
- Driving aggressively in poor weather or traffic conditions
Each of these situations is fact-sensitive and can be challenged by a skilled defense attorney.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Maryland
A reckless driving conviction carries up to 6 points on your driving record and fines up to $1,000. Accumulating 8 points can lead to license suspension, and 12 points can mean revocation. For commercial drivers, consequences can be even more severe. In some cases, the charge can lead to jail time—especially if injury or property damage occurred. A reckless driving lawyer in Maryland can often negotiate for reduced charges or alternatives like probation before judgment (PBJ).
High-Speed Violations
Reckless driving is often charged when a driver exceeds the speed limit by more than 30 miles per hour.
Aggressive Lane Changes
Failing to use signals or weaving through traffic can be cited as evidence of reckless intent.
Tailgating and Road Rage
Following another vehicle too closely or acting in anger can result in aggressive driving enhancements.
Failure to Yield or Stop
Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, or failing to yield to pedestrians can support reckless charges.
Accident-Related Reckless Driving
If a crash occurs during erratic or dangerous driving, charges may escalate significantly.
Reckless Driving While Distracted
Using a phone, eating, or other distractions while committing other violations can lead to a reckless driving citation.
How Our Maryland Reckless Driving Attorneys Can Help
At Timothy A. Dachille & Associates, we thoroughly investigate each case to identify procedural flaws or lack of evidence. We challenge radar and pacing evidence, question the basis for traffic stops, and advocate aggressively for dismissal or reduction. Our goal is to protect your license, your record, and your future employment opportunities.
Reckless Driving Defense FAQs in Maryland
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Maryland, you likely have urgent questions about fines, license suspension, and your rights. Below are detailed answers from experienced Maryland reckless driving attorneys to help you navigate this serious traffic offense.
What qualifies as reckless driving in Maryland, and how is it different from negligent driving?
Reckless driving in Maryland is defined under Transportation Code § 21-901.1 as operating a vehicle “in wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.” This includes behaviors such as:
Excessive speeding
Swerving between lanes without signaling
Racing
Ignoring traffic signals
Passing on a shoulder
Negligent driving, while similar, is a lesser charge involving careless but not willful behavior. Reckless driving carries harsher penalties, including 6 points on your license and up to $1,000 in fines, while negligent driving typically results in 1 point and a $140 fine. Our Maryland reckless driving defense lawyers work to reduce charges or dismiss the case entirely based on the evidence and circumstances.
How serious is a reckless driving charge in Maryland, and can it lead to jail time?
While reckless driving is classified as a misdemeanor, it is a serious offense. Although jail time is not typical, it is possible in extreme cases—especially when the behavior results in property damage, injury, or endangers others. More commonly, the consequences include:
6 MVA points on your driving record
Up to $1,000 in fines
Increased insurance premiums or cancellation
Possible license suspension for repeat offenses
Our legal team works to protect your driving privileges, minimize the impact on your record, and challenge any evidence used to justify the charge.
What are my legal options if I’ve been ticketed for reckless driving in Maryland?
If you’ve been cited for reckless driving, you generally have three options:
Pay the fine, which results in an automatic conviction and license points.
Request a waiver hearing, where you plead guilty but ask the judge for leniency.
Request a trial, where you contest the charge and can be represented by a Maryland reckless driving attorney.
We recommend never simply paying the fine without exploring your legal options. In many cases, we can negotiate a reduction to negligent driving or have the case dismissed due to insufficient evidence, police error, or lack of probable cause.
Will a reckless driving conviction affect my insurance or job?
Yes, a conviction for reckless driving is viewed as a high-risk traffic offense by insurance companies. You may face:
Significant rate increases
Policy cancellation or non-renewal
Loss of eligibility for preferred driver programs
If your job involves driving or requires a clean record—such as CDL drivers, delivery workers, or government contractors—this charge can jeopardize your employment. That’s why our Baltimore reckless driving attorneys prioritize dismissals or reduced charges to protect your future.
Can I expunge a reckless driving conviction from my record in Maryland?
Unfortunately, a reckless driving conviction cannot be expunged from your driving record under current Maryland law. Traffic convictions stay on your record for life, though their impact on points and insurance may diminish over time. However, if your charge was dismissed, resulted in a not guilty verdict, or was placed on stet docket, you may be eligible for expungement. Our attorneys help determine your eligibility and guide you through the process when possible.
We’ll Handle the Heavy Lifting So You Can Focus on Healing
Truck accident litigation is complex—but we make it manageable. Our firm will guide you through every step of the process, from filing insurance claims to presenting evidence in court. We handle truck cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover for you.