If a person drives with disregard for the safety of others in Georgia, they could be charged with reckless driving. A reckless driving charge is more severe than an average traffic ticket. While sometimes reckless driving results in an accident, an officer can issue you a ticket even if you were not involved in a crash. 

Fortunately, there are several options for defending a reckless driving charge in Georgia. If you are facing a reckless driving charge, contact our office as soon as possible for a free consultation. 

What is Considered Reckless Driving in Georgia?

Reckless driving in Georgia is vague and could be interpreted differently by different police officers. In short, reckless driving is when an individual disregards the safety of others and property while on the road. Some offenses that could be considered reckless include:

• Weaving
• Failure to yield
• Excessive speeding
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Crossing the double yellow line
• Tailgating
• Driving a car with maintenance issues
• Racing other vehicles

These are only a few examples of what could be considered reckless driving. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense and could result in four points added to your driving record, a fine of up to $1,000, and up to 12 months in jail. 

3 Possible Defenses for Reckless Driving in Georgia

The definition of reckless driving is open to interpretation in Georgia, which can be an asset to your defense strategy. There are many possible defenses for reckless driving include including:

You Were Not Driving in a Reckless Manner

The first defense is the simplest. If your lawyer can prove you weren't driving with a willful or wanton disregard for safety, you may be able to sidestep a reckless driving charge.

The Radar Gun Was Malfunctioning

If your reckless driving charge was due to excessive speeding, you might be able to argue that the device that clocked your speed was unreliable. Radar guns have to be regularly calibrated and maintained to stay accurate. If the officer failed to calibrate the device or was not adequately trained to use it, your charge could be dismissed. 

Your Driving Was Reckless Out of Necessity 

Your attorney could argue that you had no other choice but to drive recklessly due to an emergency. While you would have to admit to driving recklessly, it could be a solid defense option if you were under duress, feared for your life, or were experiencing a medical emergency.

Contact an Experienced Georgia Reckless Driving Attorney

If you are currently facing a reckless driving charge in Georgia, it is in your best interest to contact a highly-qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. At Tony L. Blair, P.C., we are dedicated to protecting our client's rights and providing top-notch legal services. When you partner with our passionate legal team, you can rest assured that your case is in capable hands. Our lawyers have over 30 years of experience and are experts in Georgia law. Call us today at (770) 788-2227 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation today