In Alabama, driving unsafely can lead to a reckless driving arrest. This article explains Alabama's reckless driving law and the penalties you'll face for a conviction.
In Alabama, a person can be convicted of "reckless driving" for driving:
In other words, a person who drives dangerously, and is at least negligent in doing so, can be convicted of reckless driving.
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor in Alabama. The consequences of a conviction depend on the circumstances. But the possible penalties are provided below.
A first reckless driving offense carries five to 90 days in jail and/or $25 to $500 in fines.
Motorists convicted of a second or subsequent reckless driving offense are looking at 10 days to six months jail time and/or $50 to $500 in fines.
In addition to these fines, the court must also impose "assessment" fees ranging from $35 to $1,010.
Any motorist convicted of reckless driving faces a license suspension of up to six months. And a third reckless driving conviction within a 12-month period will result in license revocation. A reckless driving conviction will also add six demerit points to the motorist's driving record.
In some states, it's possible for a driver who's charged with driving under the influence (DUI) to "plea bargain" for a lesser charge. When a DUI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it's sometimes called a "wet reckless."
Alabama law doesn't restrict or prohibit plea bargaining in DUI cases. So, for someone who's charged with driving under the influence, convincing a prosecutor to reduce the charge to reckless driving is a possibility.
The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Alabama can be serious. If you've been arrested for or charged with reckless driving, get in contact with an experienced defense attorney. A qualified attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on how best to handle your situation.