Vancouver, WA asked in Criminal Law, Traffic Tickets and Juvenile Law for Washington

Q: Will my 17-year-old face jail for reckless driving in WA?

My 17-year-old son was issued a criminal citation for reckless driving as he was caught driving 120 mph in a 70 mph zone. He has no prior citations or offenses, there are no additional charges, and he has a court date scheduled. Will he face jail time?

3 Lawyer Answers
Cristine Beckwith
PREMIUM
Answered

A: Sorry to hear. There is a good chance that he can avoid jail time if he is represented by a good attorney. Best of luck.

Antone Alfred Weber agrees with this answer

A: Reckless driving is a gross misdemeanor. Maxim penalties are up to 364 days in jail, and a $5000 fine. If found committed, he will also have a 30-day license suspension and a mandatory 3-years of SR-2 (high-risk) insurance to have a license.

The reality is, as my colleague says, jail time is not likely. An attorney may find an error that they can use to get the charge dismissed. If not, they could negotiate with the prosecutor. Count on 1-2 years probation, fines, driving classes and good behavior (no new traffic violations). If successful, the charge could be dismissed. Call and talk with a traffic lawyer. Most offer a free consultation.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Facing a reckless driving charge in Washington State can be daunting, especially for a 17-year-old. While the maximum penalty for reckless driving is up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine citeturn0search0, it's important to note that such severe consequences are not typical, particularly for a first offense.

In Washington, a reckless driving conviction is classified as a gross misdemeanor, which may result in a mandatory driver's license suspension of at least 30 days citeturn0search0. Additionally, the court may impose other penalties such as fines, probation, or mandatory completion of a traffic safety course. However, jail time is generally reserved for more severe cases or repeat offenders.

Given your son's age and clean driving record, the court may consider alternative sentencing options, such as probation or community service, instead of incarceration. It's advisable to consult with a criminal defense attorney who can assess the specifics of the case and advocate for the best possible outcome.

In preparation for the court appearance, gathering supporting evidence, such as character references, proof of enrollment in a defensive driving course, or evidence of safe driving habits, can be beneficial. These materials may help demonstrate your son's commitment to responsible driving and his willingness to learn from this experience.

If you need assistance finding legal representation or preparing for the court hearing, feel free to ask for further guidance.

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