Reckless driving is a lower-level charge than most people assume — but it still goes on your record, still hits your insurance, and it’s often used as the fallback charge when police can’t make a DWI or a more serious offense stick. A Houston reckless driving lawyer can make sure it doesn’t cost you more than it should.
What the Law Requires
- Willful or wanton disregard: The charge requires driving in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property — a higher bar than simple carelessness or a moving violation.
How Texas Punishes It
- Misdemeanor: A fine of up to $200, up to 30 days in county jail, or both.
Why It Still Matters
Even though the direct penalty is modest, a reckless driving conviction stays on your driving record, can trigger a significant insurance increase, and is frequently used by prosecutors as a bargaining chip in more serious cases like DWI. Whether your driving actually met the “willful or wanton” standard, rather than ordinary negligence, is worth fighting.
Charged With Reckless Driving? Contact Blass Law Now
Contact Blass Law for a confidential case evaluation or call (713)-664-4000 to keep this off your record.