Reckless Driving Attorney Columbus Ohio

For anyone who is driving in Ohio, it is important to know that Ohio has some of the strictest laws around driving – especially when it comes to penalties and consequences for traffic violations and criminal charges. For reckless operation in Ohio especially, the penalties you may face if you are convicted are serious and can include fines, driver’s license suspension, and even potential jail time.

If you are facing reckless operation charges in Ohio, be sure to reach out to The Maher Law Firm. Our experienced reckless operation attorney in Columbus, Ohio can provide you with legal representation as you seek to fight against the charges. You do not have to face defending yourself against reckless operation in Ohio alone – Colin Maher of The Maher Law Firm is here to help.

As a leading criminal defense and traffic violation law firm based in Columbus, Ohio, we provide each client that we take on with experienced, aggressive legal representation as we seek a satisfactory resolution to your case. We understand that facing a reckless operation charge in Ohio can feel overwhelming, but it is important to know that you have expert legal assistance on your side.

At The Maher Law Firm, we have successfully handled over 2,000 cases and our Columbus reckless driving attorney brings over 10 years of experience to the table. You will receive aggressive legal representation as we work to obtain the best result possible for your case.

The law in Ohio defines reckless operation as operating in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of other people or property. Essentially, this means you were committing some type of traffic violation which created an unusually dangerous situation.

For the full definition, see Section 4511.20 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Furthermore, under Section 4511.20, anyone found to be in violation of this law will face a minor misdemeanor. This reckless operation in Ohio penalty is not something to take lightly.

If you are facing a reckless operation in Ohio charge, be sure to reach out to The Maher Law Firm. You have the right to seek legal representation from an experienced reckless operation attorney in Columbus, Ohio who can help you address the charges.

A charge of reckless operation may be a single charge on its own or connected to additional charges, which has the potential to increase any associated penalties you might face if you do not attempt to address the charges with legal representation.

At The Maher Law Firm, our Columbus reckless driving attorney can analyze the details of your case and provide you with effective and experienced representation following a consultation.

While the legal definition of reckless driving is straightforward, it does not necessarily answer the question of what constitutes reckless operation in Ohio. When facing a reckless operation penalty in Ohio, you will be looking at a case where the prosecutor will need to prove that you were driving on a public roadway in a fashion that was very purposefully and clearly disregarding the safety and wellbeing of other people around you.

So, what does that type of driving look like?

Some examples of reckless driving may include:

• Running a red light
• Passing other vehicles illegally
• Weaving in and out of traffic
• Tailgating
• Racing
• Ignoring posted traffic signs, like failing to stop at a red light
• Driving through roadside barriers
• Passing on the shoulder
• Speeding of any amount, but particularly if you are going 25 miles per hour or more over the speed limit

Additional factors that may be considered when determining if driving was reckless can include:

• Weather conditions
• The time of day
• If a driver’s actions were negligent
• If other cars or vehicles were present on the road

Like most traffic charges in Ohio, the reckless operation in Ohio penalties is serious. As mentioned above, on a first offense, reckless operation in Ohio is a minor misdemeanor punishable by fines, court costs, community service, a driver’s license suspension, and 4 points on your license.

Points on your license can lead to a Class D suspension for 6 months if you accumulate 12 or more within a two year period, as per the points system that the state of Ohio uses. And if you have had any traffic violations within the last year, Ohio reckless operation is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree adding 30 days in jail and probation to the possible penalties.

Here’s a summary of the potential penalties:

First Offense:

• Minor misdemeanor
• Fines
• Court costs
• Community service
• Driver’s license suspension
• 4 points on your license

Additional Penalties if You Have Had Any Traffic Violations Within the Last Year:

• Misdemeanor of the fourth degree
• Up to 30 days in jail
• Probation

Points Accumulation:

• If you accumulate 12 or more points within a two-year period, you may face a Class D suspension for 6 months.

It’s important to note that these are potential penalties, and the actual penalties may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case.

Occasionally, the officer writing the ticket may allege you were operating recklessly when in fact, the charge should have been for another moving violation. It is important to consult with an experienced Columbus reckless operation lawyer to determine if the charges against you are accurate and if any possible defenses exist.

An experienced Columbus traffic attorney will develop a strong defense strategy to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge and possibly even a complete dismissal.

After being arrested or facing a traffic charge for reckless operation in Ohio, you will undoubtedly have questions and concerns about what next steps you can take – including whether or not you should work with a Columbus reckless driving attorney. But when it comes to building a strong defense for a reckless operation charge, the experience and knowledge that an attorney can bring to your case is invaluable.

By choosing The Maher Law Firm to represent you, you will have an experienced reckless operation attorney from Columbus, Ohio on your side to help build a defense and provide you with representation. We will be able to help you fight a reckless operation charge and seek to have potential penalties reduced or even completely dismissed.

Some of the benefits of working with The Maher Law Firm include:

• Provide you with legal advice
• Years of experience and legal knowledge
• Help to protect your legal rights
• Collection and handling of evidence in relation to your case

How long does a reckless operation stay on your record in Ohio?

If you are convicted of a reckless operation charge, the conviction will remain on your record forever.

The only way that a traffic violation can be removed from your record is if the violation is dismissed before going to court or if you are found not guilty or acquitted.

What is the best defense for reckless driving?

There are several different defenses that a Columbus reckless driving attorney may use for your case. Some defense options may include:

• Video footage or eyewitness testimony that does not corroborate the charge
• Health conditions that the defendant has that may be related to an incident
• Adverse weather conditions
• Hazards or other conditions that may have forced a driver to operate their vehicle recklessly
• Incorrectly or poorly placed traffic signs

Can reckless driving be sealed in Ohio?

If you have been convicted of reckless driving, the charge cannot be sealed in Ohio. Traffic offenses that an individual has been convicted of are not eligible for being sealed or expungement.

What is the first offense of reckless driving in Ohio?

For a first offense of reckless operation in Ohio, you will face a minor misdemeanor that is punishable by:

• Fines
• Court cost
• Community service
• 4 points on your driver’s license
• A driver’s license suspension

Like many other types of driving charges in Ohio, reckless operation in Ohio carries serious penalties that can impact your future as a driver. Fines, potential jail time, and driver’s license suspension are all consequences that can come with a reckless operation charge for Ohio drivers. And while you may at first think that not addressing the charge in court is the best course of action and pleading guilty, you have the right to seek out legal representation that can help you fight a charge in court.

If you are facing a reckless operation charge in Ohio, you should reach out to The Maher Law Firm to schedule a free and confidential consultation with a Columbus reckless driving attorney. Here at The Maher Law Firm, our founder and knowledgeable attorney Colin Maher has years of experience in defending individuals with criminal and traffic violation cases. In his time defending and representing Ohioans, Colin has helped a number of individuals with positive case results – ranging from dismissal of all charges to charge reductions.

Colin regularly appears in Franklin County Municipal Court and other Central Ohio area courts on a daily basis to provide experienced, trusted legal representation on all manner of cases. With excellent relationships with other legal professionals in the state and an innovative approach to traffic violation and criminal defense, Colin is a Columbus reckless driving attorney who is ready to help.

Do not hesitate to reach out to The Maher Law Firm today if you are facing reckless operation in Ohio charges. We offer free and completely confidential consultations that allow us to get a more in-depth understanding of your unique situation while allowing you the space to ask us any questions that you may have about your rights and legal options.

For your free and confidential consultation, contact an experienced Columbus reckless driving attorney from The Maher Law Firm.

Reckless Operation Attorney | The Maher Law Firm | (614) 205-2208