In Tennessee, reckless driving is a criminal offense and can lead to serious penalties. This article explains how the law defines reckless driving and the consequences of a conviction.
A Tennessee motorist can be convicted of "reckless driving" for:
The term "willful" refers to conduct that is intentional or purposeful. And "wanton" generally means the person understood but disregarded the consequences of the conduct. (Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-205.)
In Tennessee, reckless driving is a class B misdemeanor. Convicted drivers are looking at up to six months in jail and a maximum of $580 in fines. Any motorist who racks up two reckless driving convictions within a one-year period faces a 12-month license suspension.
A reckless driving conviction will also add six demerit points to the motorist's driving record. Accumulating 12 or more points in a year can lead to a license suspension of six to 12 months.
In Tennessee, 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."
The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Tennessee 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.