Hawaii Reckless Driving & Speeding Charges
Committed to Getting your Reckless Driving & Speeding Charges Dropped or Reduced in Honolulu
Many accidents occur daily because of reckless driving. Some statistics suggest that up to 33% of car accidents in America are because of reckless driving. Speeding-related crashes alone account for $40.4 billion in economic costs each year and claimed 11,674 lives in 2008. Teens are particularly culpable when it comes to reckless driving.
If you are facing reckless driving charges in Honolulu, contact the Law Office of Steve Cedillos today. We can help get your charges dropped or reduced.
What are the Speeding Laws in Hawaii?
Driving above the speed limit in Hawaii is illegally speeding. If you are found to be driving more than 30 miles above the speed limit in Hawaii, the charge is elevated to reckless driving. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense in Honolulu and can result in a jail sentence of up to 30 days and a fine of up to $1,000, among other possible fines. Additional penalties may include driver's license suspension.
What Is Considered Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving can include activities such as:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield right of way
- Failure to obey traffic signs
- Making improper turns
- Improper passing
- Improper following
- Improper or erratic lane changes
- Illegal driving on shoulder
- Racing
- Failing to signal
- Failing to observe warnings on vehicle
While the Law Office of Steve Cedillos recognizes that reckless driving is a real problem, it also understands that it is all too common to be accused of something you didn't commit or to be saddled with a reckless driving charge when you have a perfectly rational explanation for your driving behavior.
As a Honolulu criminal defense lawyer, I can make sure that you are fairly represented to the court. Call my firm today at (808) 201-0496 to discuss your case.
Penalties for Reckless Driving
If you have been charged with reckless driving, it is important that you are aware of the consequences you might face. According to the Hawaii Revised Statutes §291-2:
"Reckless driving of vehicle or riding of animals; penalty. Whoever operates any vehicle or rides any animal recklessly in disregard of the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving of vehicle or reckless riding of an animal, as appropriate, and shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than thirty days, or both."
Your license can also be suspended, depending on the discretion of the courts and Department of Transportation, and at the very least you will have three to six points applied to your license. For more information on reckless driving, check out the Honolulu DMV links by clicking here.
How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, a speeding ticket stays on your record for 10 years, and could lead to higher fines in the future if you are charged with speeding again.
How to Fight a Reckless Driving Charge in Honolulu
When you hire the Law Office of Steve Cedillos, I will do everything within my power to get your charge dismissed or reduced. A common defense to this charge is to attack the vagueness of the law on this subject and to establish that it makes more sense for an individual to receive a non-criminal traffic violation instead of a criminal charge of reckless driving.
To learn more about reckless driving and to begin crafting the best defense possible, contact my office now at (808) 201-0496. Let me put my extensive litigation experience and more than 30 years of legal practice to work for you today! Call now to get started.