A reckless driving charge can turn an ordinary drive into an uncertain situation in a matter of minutes.
Many drivers don’t know that reckless driving in South Carolina is more than a traffic ticket. This is a criminal offense that can affect your license, insurance rates, and driving record.
If you are wondering what happens after a reckless driving charge in South Carolina, here is a look at what you might expect.
What Is Reckless Driving?
South Carolina law defines reckless driving as operating a vehicle with a “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of others or property. That might sound dramatic.
However, reckless driving charges can happen in a variety of different situations. Drivers may be charged for:
- Excessive speeding
- Aggressive lane changes
- Tailgating
- Weaving through traffic
- Racing
- Running multiple stoplights or signs
Unfortunately, reckless driving can be subjective. What one officer considers reckless, another may view as careless or poor judgment.
After the Traffic Stop
For most people, the process starts during the traffic stop. An officer may issue you a citation. If it is a more serious situation, you could also be arrested.
Unlike a standard speeding ticket, reckless driving requires a mandatory court appearance.
After the citation is issued, the case moves into the court process. Depending on where the incident occurred, the case may be handled in a municipal or a magistrates’ court.
During the first appearance, the court will look at:
- The charge
- Possible penalties
- Future hearing dates
- Plea options
At this point, you may want to plead guilty and move on.
Keep in mind that reckless driving cases are not always open-and-shut situations. Your criminal defense attorney can raise serious questions about:
- The officer’s observations
- Road conditions
- Traffic patterns
- Dashcam footage
- Witness statements
- Whether the driving behavior actually met the legal definition of recklessness
Depending on your situation, you might have more options than you thought.
What About Your Insurance Company?
This type of charge could affect what you pay for insurance. These companies treat reckless driving as a serious violation. Sometimes, a single conviction can lead to higher premiums.
For younger drivers, commercial drivers, or anyone who relies heavily on driving for work, that financial impact can become a major concern.
Do You Lose Your License?
A reckless driving charge in South Carolina does not automatically suspend your license. Many times, you will get a 6-point violation. If you accumulate too many points, that can lead to a license suspension.
Keep in mind that the impact on your license depends on the specific circumstances of the case, including your driving history and whether the incident involved excessive speed, an accident, or injuries.
What Happens with a Conviction?
Not every charge leads to a conviction. However, it can happen. If convicted of a reckless driving charge in South Carolina, you may face:
- Fines
- Points on your driving record
- Possible jail time
- Increased insurance costs
- Long-term driving record consequences
Remember that the severity of the penalties depends on the circumstances. For example, a case involving excessive speed or an accident may be treated more seriously than one involving a brief driving mistake with no injuries or damage.
You Still Have Options
Fortunately, reckless driving cases can sometimes be negotiated, reduced, or challenged. Once again, this all depends on the facts of the case. Your lawyer may be able to argue that:
- The evidence is insufficient
- The officer misinterpreted the situation
- The driving behavior did not rise to the level of recklessness
- Another resolution would be more appropriate
In some situations, prosecutors may agree to reduce the charge. They may even work out an alternative outcome designed to lessen the long-term impact on the driver’s record.
That does not mean every case disappears. But you should avoid assuming the worst before fully exploring your legal options with an attorney.
A Reckless Driving Charge Is Serious in South Carolina
What happens after a reckless driving charge in South Carolina? You can face some serious penalties, including fines, points on your driving record, and higher insurance rates.
For this reason, you will want to have an experienced legal team on your side.
At Truslow & Truslow PA, we can look at the facts of the case and help you find your best options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.