Seattle Reckless Driving Lawyer

Seattle Reckless Driving Attorney

Washington defines reckless driving as the operation of a vehicle with blatant disregard for the safety of others. Drivers charged with reckless driving are aware that they are putting others in danger. Yet, they allegedly choose to ignore this risk. If you’ve been accused of reckless driving, contact a Seattle reckless driving lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you speak with a DUI lawyer in Seattle, WA, the better your chances may be to beat the charges or get them reduced.

A Law Firm Committed to Criminal Defense

At Peters Associates, LLC, we believe the essence of the judicial system is criminal defense. We have advocated for clients’ Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights and have specifically focused on DUI and related laws for over two decades. This includes representing clients in countless reckless driving cases.

We have also dedicated much of our efforts and practice to the freedom of nonviolent federal prisoners who are unfairly incarcerated. We vow to fight for your case with the same stamina we did for the United States Department of Justice Clemency Project.

Consequences of Reckless Driving in Seattle

If you are charged with reckless driving in Seattle, it’s more than just a traffic ticket. It is a gross misdemeanor mandated under the Revised Code of Washington 46.61.500. This offense is punishable by incarceration of up to 364 days and a fine of no more than $5,000. It also carries a license suspension of 30 days. However, if you’re facing reckless driving charges, you can hire a reckless driving lawyer and potentially secure a favorable outcome in your case.

The Severity of Reckless Driving in Seattle

Accidents involving reckless driving often occur on roads like Aurora Avenue, especially on the Aurora Bridge. Additionally, the I-5 Corridor is known for increased accident risk. In fact, many locals consider I-5 to be Washington’s deadliest highway. Other roads, such as Rainier Avenue South, Northeast 45th Street, and Mercer Street, are known for having high accident rates, many of which are caused by reckless drivers.

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reported that 731 fatalities occurred in the state in 2024. The report indicated that 75% of traffic fatalities that occurred that year involved four specific driving behaviors that could be considered reckless driving. These behaviors include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt.

While these actions alone don’t typically guarantee a reckless driving charge, a reckless driving charge is a possibility. Drivers with multiple dangerous driving traffic stops are 23% more likely to be involved in a collision in the three years following their second reckless driving stop or offense.

For all the reasons described above, when a driver is a repeat offender of behavior linked to reckless driving, the legal repercussions are stricter. As a result, so are case outcomes, further underscoring the importance of retaining a Seattle reckless driving attorney.

More Reasons to Hire a Seattle Reckless Driving Lawyer

In most cases, hiring a Seattle reckless driving attorney is essential for building a strong defense. An attorney can explain your options to you and explain your rights within the law. Not only this, but a dedicated reckless driving lawyer fights tirelessly to protect your rights.

You might also need legal counsel to assist with plea negotiations in your case. A lawyer who is familiar with the local judicial system and knows how to talk to the prosecutor is an invaluable resource. This could lead to incarceration alternatives, such as a diversion program or the installation of an ignition interlock device on your car. This last option is typically reserved for reckless driving convictions that result from a DUI charge reduction.

It is especially important for anyone who is charged with reckless driving and has prior similar convictions or charges to have a lawyer represent them in their case. A lawyer can advise a defendant on how their past criminal record might affect their current case. They may be able to help mitigate the likelihood of harsher penalties from an existing criminal record.

Ultimately, it is in your interest to minimize the consequences of any current charges and protect your record as much as possible. A reckless driving charge will stay on your driving record for seven years without expungement, but it will stay on your criminal record indefinitely, potentially affecting your ability to find certain employment or even get approved for housing in the future.

Why Choose Us?

Peters Associates, LLC, is a crucial ally for criminal defense in Seattle. We understand reckless driving laws and know how to identify case details that can be leveraged to gain ground in reckless driving cases. For us, successful criminal defense is the highest level of fulfillment as legal advocates. It is this affinity for defending criminal charges that sets us apart from the competition.

FAQs About Seattle, WA Reckless Driving Law

How to Get a Reckless Driving Charge Dropped?

To potentially get a reckless driving charge dropped, a qualified Seattle reckless driving lawyer can apply one of several possible criminal defenses. One popular defense strategy is to challenge the interpretation of the term ‘reckless.’ The law itself is fairly vague and open to wide interpretation. Other defense strategies include questioning probable cause for the traffic stop or, depending on the circumstances, negotiating an alternative charge and/or sentence.

How Long Does Reckless Driving Stay on Your Record in WA?

A conviction for reckless driving will stay on a person’s driving record in Washington indefinitely. Speeding tickets and other traffic infractions are eligible for expungement, but reckless driving is not eligible for expungement or vacation, as it is called in Washington. This can impact future employment or housing, as it is a criminal offense that will show up on a background check.

Is Reckless Driving a Felony in Seattle?

No, reckless driving is not a felony in Seattle, Washington. In fact, it is a gross misdemeanor. However, anyone who is convicted of prior reckless driving or of a similar offense, or if a DUI is reduced to a reckless driving charge, could incur more severe penalties for subsequent charges, whether it is a DUI or driving-related.

How Much Does a Traffic Lawyer Cost in Washington State?

The cost of a traffic lawyer in Washington state will depend on the type of case. For instance, a traffic lawyer for a speeding ticket will be less expensive than a traffic lawyer for a reckless driving or DUI charge. Also, the complexity of the case, the experience of the attorney, the area of jurisdiction, and the attorney’s fee structure can affect pricing for a traffic lawyer.

If you’re looking for a Seattle reckless driving attorney to represent you in your case, you should look to the team at Peters Associates, LLC. Contact our office today to learn more about what we can do for you.