Reckless Driving Down From DUI/DWI

(206) 467-3190
Burg & Lantz: WA DUI Defense
Burg & Lantz: WA DUI Defense

Give Us A Call: 206-467-3190

We have helped hundreds of people who are in a similar situation to you fight their WA DUI charges.
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Reckless driving is typically considered a reduction and a lesser charge than DUI. There are many benefits to having a DUI case reduced to a charge of reckless driving. Many people consider a reduction to reckless driving a great result for their case.

A reckless driving conviction does not require any mandatory jail, fines, or an ignition interlock requirement on a first offense in seven years - although a judge has the discretion to impose such a sentence.

If your DUI charge is amended to reckless driving and you are later convicted of another DUI / DWI or related charge, then the reckless driving may count as a “prior” and be used against you to enhance the mandatory minimum penalties on the new conviction.

Reckless Driving Facts:

  • Potential immigration problems.
  • Gross misdemeanor.
  • 30 day license suspension.
  • No mandatory ignition interlock.

What happens if I have been convicted of reckless driving?

A reckless driving conviction does carry a mandatory 30 day license suspension.  If you have previously lost your license because of the DOL process, you will not need to serve any more license suspension time.  If you have not lost your license, you will need to serve the 30 days.  You can drive during the 30 days with an ignition interlock license.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, a reckless driving conviction is typically considered a better outcome than a DUI but may have adverse affects on your immigration status in the United States. We recommend consulting with an immigration attorney before pleading guilty to any crime if you are not a U.S. Citizen.

Statute: RCW 46.61.500Reckless driving -- Penalty.

(1) Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Violation of the provisions of this section is a gross misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to three hundred sixty-four days and by a fine of not more than five thousand dollars.

(2)(a) Subject to (b) of this subsection, the license or permit to drive or any nonresident privilege of any person convicted of reckless driving shall be suspended by the department for not less than thirty days.

(b) When a reckless driving conviction is a result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance, the department shall grant credit on a day-for-day basis for any portion of a suspension, revocation, or denial already served under an administrative action arising out of the same incident. During any period of suspension, revocation, or denial due to a conviction for reckless driving as the result of a charge originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502 or 46.61.504, any person who has obtained an ignition interlock driver's license under RCW 46.20.385 may continue to drive a motor vehicle pursuant to the provision of the ignition interlock driver's license without obtaining a separate temporary restricted driver's license under RCW 46.20.391.

(3)(a) Except as provided under (b) of this subsection, a person convicted of reckless driving who has one or more prior offenses as defined in RCW 46.61.5055(14) within seven years shall be required, under RCW 46.20.720, to install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by the person if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.502, 46.61.504, or an equivalent local ordinance.

(b) A person convicted of reckless driving shall be required, under RCW 46.20.720, to install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles operated by the person if the conviction is the result of a charge that was originally filed as a violation of RCW 46.61.520 committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug or RCW 46.61.522 committed while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug.

Facing a DUI Charge in Washington State?

Give Us A Call: 206-467-3190

We will not try to "hard sell" you.

Finally, we will not try to “hard sell” you to hire us. We know choosing an attorney is a big decision and one you must make carefully – not under pressure. Because an effective attorney-client relationship requires a lot of communication and trust, we really only want to represent people who feel comfortable with us and have complete confidence in our abilities. If you don't, then you have the right to an attorney that you do feel would be a better fit.

Thank you for taking the time to look through this web site. Please contact us if you would like to meet and further discuss how we may assist you.

Contact US Today

Burg & Lantz is committed to answering your questions about DUI or physical control law in Washington.

We offer a Free Initial Consultation and we'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today at 206-467-3190 to schedule an appointment.

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