What's Considered Reckless Driving in Georgia?

Over the weekend I wrote a post outlining aggressive driving in Georgia. I highlighted that the more popular charge is reckless driving, and today, I'd like to expand on reckless driving in Georgia. 

What's the deal with reckless driving? 

Reckless driving is a related charge to DUI in Georgia. It is considered a serious traffic violation. Some examples of reckless driving are:

• Weaving
• Driving at high speeds
• Tailgating 
• Forceful merging 
• Cutting other drivers off 

Georgia law on reckless driving

Reckless driving is defined by the Georgia Code as:

Any person who drives any vehicle in reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property commits the offense of reckless driving. Every person convicted of reckless driving shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $1,000.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 12 months, or by both such fine and imprisonment, provided that no provision of this Code section shall be construed so as to deprive the court imposing the sentence of the power given by law to stay or suspend the execution of such sentence or to place the defendant on probation. (O.C.G.A. §40-6-390). 

Reckless Driving and DUIs in Georgia

The goal of a Georgia DUI Lawyer is to get a DUI reduced to a reckless driving charge. Although reckless driving is a serious offense, a DUI is even more severe. A first DUI offense and a second DUI offense are considered misdemeanors in the state of Georgia. A third DUI offense is considered a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. And a fourth DUI offense is considered a felony. Reckless driving is a compromise to these serious offenses. 

Achieving a reduction to reckless driving is a win for a Georgia DUI case. It saves a license suspension and a permanent criminal record. Although we cannot guarantee a reduction to reckless driving - it is our goal, and we will utilize Georgia DUI Defenses to best fight your case.

If you or a loved one has been charged with reckless driving or a DUI in Georgia, you need to speak with a Georgia DUI Attorney to better understand your options and get the representation you need. Contact us today.