Driving recklessly has many adverse effects. A conviction or entering a plea of guilty or no contest will result in accumulating demerit points to your Nevada driver’s license. The authorities will suspend your license if you accumulate 12 demerit points within a year. A single charge of reckless driving can result in up to eight penalty points.

We assist residents of the Las Vegas region with keeping reckless driving charges off their driving records. Since our attorneys and the rest of the Hinds Injury Law Las Vegas team know the risks, we strongly try to lessen the effects of moving offenses. We can offer you the assistance you require whether you were issued a ticket for speeding, reckless driving, or another infraction.

What Counts as Reckless Driving?

Any driving action that endangers other people’s safety and well-being is considered reckless. In addition to receiving a ticket for exceeding the posted speed limit, driving too fast could result in a reckless driving prosecution. Reckless driving charges may result from the following actions:

Street racing
exceeding the posted speed limit by at least 25 miles per hour
Passing another car when it is not safe
evading police officer
Tailgating

Points regarding your record put your driving privileges at risk, which puts your ability to make it to work or pick up your kids from school in jeopardy. There is a lot at stake, but there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself from unauthorized demerit points. We dedicate our law office to defending your freedom to drive long-term interests, and we understand the importance of responding effectively to these accusations.

Overview of Las Vegas Reckless Driving Laws

Recent Nevada traffic code laws changing some citations to civil infractions have not affected reckless driving. The authorities can punish reckless driving, a criminal misdemeanor, with jail time. They may also impound your vehicle, and a conviction can impact your driving record. A misdemeanor conviction will cause eight demerit points on your license. The authorities will automatically suspend your license for six months if you accumulate 12 points within 12 months.

If you face reckless driving charges, you should consult an attorney immediately. The state legislature has written the reckless driving law broadly, and they may even charge “just” speeding as reckless driving.

Criminal Reckless Driving Defined

NRS 484B.653 defines reckless driving. It is unlawful for a person to:

(a) Drive a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property on a highway or premises to which the public has access.

(b) Drive a vehicle in an unauthorized speed contest on a highway or premises to which the public has access.

(d) Operate a car in an unpermitted trick driving display on a public highway.

(e) Assist in a trick driving exhibition that is not legal on the public highway

If, while violating the provisions of subsections 1 to 5, inclusive, of NRS 484B.280, NRS 484B.270, paragraph (c) or (a) of subsection 1 of NRS 484B.350, NRS 484B.283, subsections 1 to 4, inclusive, of NRS 484B.363 or subsection 1 of NRS 484B.600, if a driver of a motor vehicle on a highway or premises to which the public has access causes a collision with a pedestrian or a person riding a bicycle, an electric bicycle or an electric scooter, the violation constitutes reckless driving.

What are the consequences of a conviction for reckless driving?

Here are some of the punishments or consequences for reckless driving and speed contests, trick driving, and facilitating trick driving.

Reckless Driving Punishment

The authorities shall punish a first-time reckless driving conviction:

(1) By a fine that is at least $250 but not more than $1,000; or

(2) By fine and imprisonment in the county jail for over six months.

Punishment for the second offense:

(1) By a fine that is at least $1,000 but not more than $1,500; or

(2) By fine and imprisonment in the county jail for over six months.

(1) By a fine of not less than $1,500 but not more than $2,000; or

(2) By fine and imprisonment in the county jail for over six months.

Speed Contests

Those who transgress paragraph (b) or (c) relating to speed contests and trick driving or commit a violation that includes reckless driving according to subsection two are guilty of a misdemeanor:

(a) For the first offense:

(1) Shall be punished by a fine of not less than $250 but not more than $1,000;

(2) Shall undertake community service for a minimum of 50 hours and a maximum of 99 hours; and

(3) Is punishable by imprisonment at the county jail for not more than six months.

(b) For the second offense:

(1) Shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000 but not more than $1,500;

(2) Shall perform not less than 100 hours, but not more than 199 hours, of community service; and

(3) May be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months.

(1) Shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,500 but not more than $2,000;

(2) Shall perform 200 hours of community service; and

(3) May be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months.

Paragraph 4 of this law may sentence a person to a fine, community service, and/or jail time. The court must issue an order suspending the person’s driver’s license for at least six months but not more than two years and requiring the person to give up any driver’s licenses they currently possess.

Furthermore, for the first offense, the judge may impound any vehicle registered to the person who transgresses subsection (b) or (c)one for 15 days if the vehicle is used to commit the offense. For the second and each subsequent offense, the judge shall impound any vehicle registered with the offender for 30 days when the vehicle is employed to commit the violation under subsection one’s paragraphs (b) or (c).

Trick Driving

A person found guilty of a high misdemeanor if they are found guilty of trick driving and:

(a) For the first offense:

(1) Will result in a fine of at least $1,000 but not more than $1,500;

(2) Shall perform not less than 100 hours, but not more than 199 hours, of community service; and

(3) May be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 364 days.

(b) For the second offense and each subsequent offense:

(1) Shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,500 but not more than $2,000;

(2) Shall perform 200 hours of community service; and

(3) May be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 364 days.

Facilitating Trick Driving

Anyone who breaches subsection 1’s paragraph (e) is guilty of:

(a) Misdemeanor for the initial offense and:

(1) Will be penalized with a $1,000 maximum fine.

(2) shall undertake community service for a minimum of 50 hours and a maximum of 99 hours; and

(3) May be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six months.

(b) A high misdemeanor and a felony are charged for the second offense and each subsequent one:

(1) Shall be punished by a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $1,500;

(2) Shall perform not less than 100 hours, but not more than 199 hours, of community service; and

(3) May be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 364 days.

Driver's License issues for Speed Contests and Trick Driving

In addition to any fine, community service, and imprisonment imposed, the court:

(a) May issue an order suspending the driver’s license of the person for some time not to exceed two years, not to exceed six months, and having that individual surrender those driver’s licenses possessed at the time, and

(b) The authorities may issue an order to impound any vehicle registered to the person for 30 days if the vehicle is used to commit a trick driving offense.

Felony Reckless Driving

Additionally, a person who does any act or neglects any duty imposed by law while driving or in actual physical control of any vehicle on a highway or premises to which the public has access intentionally or recklessly disregarding the security of others or their possessions if an action or omission of duty directly contributes to death or substantial bodily harm to another person is guilty of a category B felony and will result in a sentence of incarceration in state prison for a minimum term of not less than one year and a maximum term of not more than six years and by a fine of not less than $2,000 but not more than $5,000.

Definitions

If authorities charge you with reckless driving, your attorney must review the definitions of this crime to ensure that your alleged conduct falls under this statute.

(a) To “facilitate” is to organize, schedule, or publicize a prohibited trick driving display or to lend a hand in organizing, scheduling, or promoting an unlawful trick driving demonstration or taking part in one part in any other prohibited trick driving display-related activity, including but not limited to:

(1) Utilizing a vehicle to slow, impede, divert, or otherwise block traffic to facilitate or aid an unlicensed trick driving display; or

(2) Filming an unlicensed trick driving display on video or in another way to promote an unlawful display.

(b) “Organize” means to plan, schedule, promote, or assist in planning, scheduling, or promoting an unauthorized speed contest on a public highway, regardless of whether there is a cost to participate in the illegal speed contest.

(c) “Trick driving display” means utilizing a vehicle to carry out stunts, tricks, or other actions on a public road upon which traffic has diverted, slowed, blocked, or impeded to make such performance possible, like tricks, maneuvers or stunts, or having those stunts, tricks, or maneuvers recorded or otherwise filmed.

Reckless Driving as a Lesser Charge to a DUI Offense in Nevada

The prosecution may choose not to drop the case if law enforcement arrests you in Nevada for a DUI violation. However, a knowledgeable Las Vegas reckless driving attorney may be able to persuade them to drop the reckless driving charges. Even if the plea agreement is accepted, most defendants in Nevada still have to follow the regular DUI punishments. These can include participating in a Victim Impact Panel and DUI schools.

There are advantages to admitting guilt to reckless driving. Which are:

Following the completion of the sentence, charges for careless driving in Nevada but not DUI will appear on the defendant’s criminal record. In contrast to DUI crimes, employers throughout Las Vegas tend to be more forgiving of reckless driving.
If you plead guilty to careless driving instead of a DUI conviction, the incident will not count against you if you are ever again charged with a DUI offense. It also means that if you’re arrested for DUI again after this one, it will be considered your first DUI crime rather than a subsequent one. It is crucial since repeat offenders in Nevada face harsher penalties for DUI offenses.

Sadly, pleading guilty to careless driving in Nevada adds eight demerit points to your license. If you are convicted of a DUI, your license may get suspended, but you will not accumulate any demerit points. On the contrary, you will not accrue any demerit points.

How a Las Vegas Reckless Driving Defense Lawyer Can Help

A Las Vegas, reckless driving defense lawyer can be a valuable asset if you face charges for reckless driving. Reckless driving is a serious offense in Nevada, and the penalties can be severe, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time. If you face these charges, you need an experienced attorney to help you understand your rights and defend your case.

Here are some ways a Las Vegas reckless driving defense lawyer can help you:

Explain the charges. A reckless driving defense lawyer can explain the charges against you and the potential penalties you face. They can also help you understand the legal process and what to expect as your case progresses.
Develop a defense strategy. Your attorney can help you develop a defense strategy tailored to your case. They can review the evidence against you and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Negotiate with prosecutors. Your attorney can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges or penalties you face. They may be able to reach a plea bargain that is in your best interest.
Represent you in court. If your case goes to trial, your attorney can represent you. They can argue your case before a judge and jury, cross-examine witnesses, and present evidence to support your defense.
Protect your rights. Your attorney can protect your constitutional rights throughout the legal process. They can contest any illegally obtained evidence and strive to ensure that you receive fair treatment.

If you are facing charges for reckless driving in Las Vegas, Hinds Injury Law Las Vegas is here. We can provide the guidance and support you need to defend your case and protect your rights.

Find a Lawyer Near Me

You should retain the services of a criminal attorney if you are accused of reckless driving. It is crucial to fight the charges and avert a conviction or harsh fines because a conviction for this crime could profoundly impact your life. We can represent you and refute these accusations at Hinds Injury Law Las Vegas. Call our law firm if you have any questions or need more information at (702) 940-1234 to discuss your case more detail and receive defensive advice.