In Florida, Reckless Driving is the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner demonstrating a willful or wanton disregard for safety. As a criminal offense, Reckless Driving may carry misdemeanor or felony penalties, depending on whether the incident resulted in serious bodily injury.
The crime of Reckless Driving is defined under Section 316.192, Florida Statutes. Under the statute, Reckless Driving consists of two factual elements:
- The Defendant drove a motor vehicle, and
- The Defendant did so with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
WILLFUL OR WANTON CONDUCT REQUIRED
The term “willful” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely. “Wanton’ means that the accused drove the vehicle with a conscious and intentional indifference to consequence and with knowledge that damage was likely to be done to persons or property. Fleeing a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle is reckless driving.
If you have been arrested, or issued a citation for Reckless Driving contact Jon D. Schwartz, for a free consultation. 1-800-559-4320
Our attorneys handle cases throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
