Charged with Reckless Driving? Here’s Why You Need a Lawyer ASAP

Getting pulled over is stressful enough, but when a simple speeding ticket turns into a reckless driving charge, things get serious fast. Reckless driving isn’t just a traffic ticket—it’s a criminal offense.

Many people don’t realize the consequences until it’s too late. A reckless driving conviction can mean:

🚨 A suspended license

🚨 Expensive fines

🚨 Jail time

🚨 A permanent criminal record

If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Indiana, you need to act fast to protect your record, your license, and your future.

Here’s what you need to know right now.

What is Considered Reckless Driving in Indiana?

Under Indiana Code § 9-21-8-52, reckless driving can include:

🚗 Excessive speeding (driving at an unreasonably high speed for conditions)🚗 Aggressive driving (weaving through traffic, tailgating, cutting off other drivers)🚗 Passing a school bus with its stop arm extended

🚗 Driving in a way that endangers others

🚨 If convicted, reckless driving stays on your record and can lead to serious penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving in Indiana?

The penalties depend on the circumstances of your case.

Here’s what you could be facing:

Offense Type	Charge	Potential Penalties
Basic Reckless Driving (Speeding, unsafe passing, following too closely)	Class C Misdemeanor	Up to 60 days in jail + $500 fine
Reckless Driving That Endangers Others	Class B Misdemeanor	Up to 180 days in jail + $1,000 fine
Reckless Driving Causing Injury	Class A Misdemeanor	Up to 1 year in jail + $5,000 fine
Reckless Driving Causing Serious Injury	Level 6 Felony	6 months to 2.5 years in prison + $10,000 fine

💡 Even a misdemeanor conviction can lead to a suspended license, higher insurance rates, and a permanent criminal record.

Why You Should Never Just Pay the Ticket

Many people think reckless driving is just like a speeding ticket and pay the fine without realizing the consequences. But paying the ticket is the same as pleading guilty to a criminal offense.

🚨 Here’s what happens if you just plead guilty:

❌ You get a criminal conviction on your record

❌ Your driver’s license could be suspended

❌ Your insurance rates will skyrocket

❌ It can impact future job opportunities

Once it’s on your record, it’s hard to undo—which is why you need to fight it before it’s too late.

How a Lawyer Can Help You Beat a Reckless Driving Charge

A reckless driving charge is not a guaranteed conviction. An experienced lawyer can help you:

✅ Get the charge reduced to a lesser offense, like a simple speeding violation

✅ Challenge the traffic stop if the officer had no valid reason to pull you over

✅ Prove there was no reckless intent (Was it bad weather? A misunderstanding?)

✅ Negotiate a plea deal that avoids a criminal conviction

✅ Fight for a dismissal if there’s weak evidence against you

🚨 The sooner you get a lawyer, the better your chances of avoiding a conviction.

Will You Lose Your License for Reckless Driving?

Indiana law allows for license suspension if you're convicted of reckless driving, especially if you have prior offenses.

Your lawyer may be able to:

✔ Fight to keep your license

✔ Request specialized driving privileges so you can still drive to work or school

✔ Negotiate alternative penalties to avoid suspension

Don’t Risk Your Future—Call a Lawyer Now

Reckless driving is a criminal offense—but it doesn’t have to ruin your record. With the right defense, you may be able to get the charge reduced or dismissed.

At Brinkley Law, we’ve helped countless drivers fight reckless driving charges and keep their records clean.

📞 Call us now for a free consultation: 317-766-1379

🚨 Don’t wait—your future is at stake. Let’s fight this charge together.