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Criminal Defense
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Personal Injury
Raleigh Reckless Driving Lawyer
Serving Wake County & Beyond
250+ Reviews and counting
Reckless driving in North Carolina is a criminal misdemeanor that can result in jail time, license suspension, and insurance rates that skyrocket for years. Meet with a Raleigh traffic defense lawyer who can negotiate reductions to non-criminal infractions and protect your driving record. Call today to schedule your consultation.
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in North Carolina, you’re facing much more than a simple traffic ticket. This is a criminal misdemeanor that will follow you long after you’ve paid a fine—affecting your driving privileges, your insurance rates, your employment opportunities, and even your freedom.
At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, our experienced Raleigh reckless driving attorneys understand what’s at stake. We’ve successfully defended hundreds of clients against reckless driving charges throughout Wake County and the surrounding areas. We know how these cases are prosecuted, what defenses work, and how to protect your driving record, your insurance rates, and your future.
Don’t make the mistake of treating a reckless driving charge like a regular traffic ticket. The decisions you make right now will impact your life for years to come.
Under North Carolina General Statute § 20-140, reckless driving is defined in two distinct ways:
“Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway or any public vehicular area carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others shall be guilty of reckless driving.”
This form of reckless driving requires proof that you knowingly and deliberately disregarded the safety of others—essentially showing an intentional level of dangerous driving.
“Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway or any public vehicular area without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property shall be guilty of reckless driving.”
This broader definition covers driving that objectively creates danger, even without proof of intentional disregard for safety.
The law also specifically addresses reckless driving involving commercial vehicles carrying loads subject to special permit requirements under G.S. 20-119, which can have additional consequences for commercial drivers.
Reckless driving is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina, carrying significant penalties:
Based on our extensive experience defending reckless driving cases in Raleigh and throughout North Carolina, we frequently see charges arising from:
Many people charged with reckless driving have clean records and never imagined themselves facing criminal charges. One moment of poor judgment, road frustration, or emergency can result in serious legal consequences that follow you for years.
At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we develop customized defense strategies based on the specific facts of your case:
When you choose our firm to defend against reckless driving charges, you benefit from:
We don’t just defend cases—we defend drivers, careers, driving privileges, and financial futures.
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving in Raleigh or anywhere in North Carolina, time is critical. Here’s what you need to do immediately:
The sooner we can begin building your defense, the more options we’ll have to fight the charges. Early intervention can sometimes lead to charges being reduced or dismissed before they permanently impact your record.
At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we understand what’s at stake when you’re facing reckless driving charges. Your driving privileges. Your insurance rates. Your criminal record. Your career opportunities.
Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys is ready to stand between you and the serious consequences of a reckless driving conviction.
The consultation is completely confidential.
Call us now or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. There’s a right way and a wrong way to handle reckless driving charges—let us help you protect your driving record and your future.
Serving clients in Raleigh, Durham, Orange, Carteret, and Chatham Counties, and throughout North Carolina.
Wake County
Carteret County
Durham County
Orange County
Chatham County
Johnston County (Smithfield courthouse only)
Yes. Reckless driving is classified as a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina. This means it’s a criminal offense, not just a traffic infraction. If convicted, you will have a permanent criminal record that can appear in background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and others.
Speeding is typically a traffic infraction handled administratively, while reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor. Generally, excessive speed alone (typically 15+ mph over the limit or exceeding 80 mph) can result in reckless driving charges, but reckless driving also encompasses dangerous driving behaviors beyond just speed—such as aggressive lane changes, racing, or driving that creates a danger to others.
Not automatically after a single conviction, but it’s possible. The North Carolina DMV has discretion to suspend your license for reckless driving, especially if you have other recent violations. Your license can be suspended if you accumulate 12 points within a three-year period (reckless driving adds 4 points). Commercial drivers face stricter standards and may face CDL disqualification even for a first offense.
Significantly. North Carolina insurance companies typically increase premiums by 80-100% for reckless driving convictions, and these increases last for at least three years. For someone paying $1,500 annually for insurance, this can mean an additional $3,600 to $4,500 over three years. Some insurance companies may even drop your coverage entirely, forcing you to seek high-risk insurance at premium rates.
Yes, with proper legal representation. Depending on the circumstances, reckless driving charges can often be reduced to lesser offenses like improper equipment (a non-moving violation) or simple speeding. In some cases, charges can be dismissed entirely, especially for first-time offenders or when there are issues with the evidence. Our attorneys have extensive experience negotiating favorable outcomes in reckless driving cases.
No. Paying a reckless driving ticket is equivalent to pleading guilty to a criminal misdemeanor. This results in an automatic conviction with all the associated consequences: criminal record, license points, and insurance increases. Always consult with an attorney before making any decisions about a reckless driving charge.
Yes. As a criminal misdemeanor, a reckless driving conviction will appear on criminal background checks. This can affect employment opportunities, especially for jobs involving driving, positions requiring security clearances, or roles with financial responsibilities. Many employers view reckless driving as an indication of poor judgment or risk-taking behavior.
Potentially, but not easily. North Carolina’s expungement laws are restrictive. You may be eligible if you have no other convictions (other than traffic infractions), but you generally must wait at least 5-7 years after completing your sentence, including probation. The process is complex and requires filing a petition with the court. Our attorneys can advise you on expungement possibilities based on your specific situation.
Commercial drivers face more severe consequences for reckless driving. Beyond the standard penalties, a reckless driving conviction can result in CDL disqualification and potentially end a professional driving career. Federal regulations create additional penalties when reckless driving occurs in a commercial vehicle, especially when carrying hazardous materials or oversized loads. Commercial drivers should always seek specialized legal representation for traffic charges.
Yes. In North Carolina, you can be charged with both offenses arising from the same incident. While they may be related charges, they are separate offenses with distinct elements. Even if a DWI charge is dismissed or reduced, the reckless driving charge can still proceed. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving both charges and developing comprehensive defense strategies that address both.
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