Manassas, VA criminal defense attorney Nicole Naum talks about the defenses that might be available to a charge of reckless driving, even if a crime was committed. She explains that reckless driving is generally defined as the willful and deliberate disregard for the safety of others or their property while operating a vehicle on a public highway. There are additional statutes covering variations of reckless driving, including excessive speed, street racing, and other dangerous behaviors.

Each statute requires the prosecution to prove every element of the offense. For example, a potential defense may be that the incident did not occur on a public highway but in a private area, such as a shopping plaza, which could affect how the charge is applied. Even if a case cannot be won outright on the merits, there are strategies to mitigate its impact. Individuals with clean driving records may benefit from traffic school, community service, or other interventions, which can sometimes lead to dismissal or reduced consequences.

She emphasizes that, regardless of the specific charge or circumstances, there are meaningful ways to defend against or mitigate all types of reckless driving cases.