Reckless Driving Attorney

Serving Wyoming & South Dakota

Being charged with reckless driving can have serious legal and financial consequences. In both Wyoming and South Dakota, reckless driving is more than just a traffic ticket—it’s a criminal offense that can lead to jail time, fines, and a suspended license. Whether you were accused of speeding excessively, driving aggressively, or causing an accident, you need experienced legal representation to protect your future.

At Just Criminal Law, our experienced reckless driving lawyers defend clients throughout Wyoming and South Dakota who are facing reckless or careless driving charges. We understand how these cases are prosecuted and how to challenge the evidence effectively to help minimize penalties or have charges reduced.

Call (307) 300-2240 or contact us online today for a personalized consultation.

What is Reckless Driving?

Reckless driving is generally defined as operating a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.” Unlike a typical traffic violation, reckless driving implies intentional or grossly negligent behavior behind the wheel.

Prosecutors must show that the driver’s actions went beyond mere carelessness. In both Wyoming and South Dakota, reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense, meaning it will appear on your record and can affect your insurance, employment, and driving privileges.

Examples of reckless behavior can include:

• Excessive speeding well over the posted limit
• Weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds
• Tailgating or road rage
• Running red lights or stop signs deliberately
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Participating in street racing or exhibitions of speed

If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, it’s important to take the situation seriously and contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Wyoming Reckless Driving Penalties

In Wyoming, reckless driving is defined under Wyoming Statutes § 31-5-229. It is treated as a misdemeanor offense and carries the following penalties:

First Offense:

• Up to 6 months in jail
• Fines up to $750
• Possible driver’s license suspension

Subsequent Offenses:

• Up to 6 months in jail per offense
• Additional fines and longer suspensions

Wyoming also recognizes “careless driving” as a lesser offense, which applies when a driver operates a vehicle “without due regard for the safety of others.” In some cases, a skilled defense attorney can negotiate to have a reckless driving charge reduced to careless driving, which carries smaller fines and no criminal record.

A conviction for reckless driving in Wyoming will also result in points on your driving record, potentially leading to higher insurance rates or loss of driving privileges if you accumulate too many points.

South Dakota Reckless Driving Penalties

South Dakota law defines reckless driving under SDCL § 32-24-1 as driving “in a manner which endangers the safety of any person or property.” Like Wyoming, this is a Class 1 misdemeanor, meaning it is treated as a criminal offense.

Penalties may include:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines up to $2,000
• Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
• 8 points added to your driving record

South Dakota also distinguishes between reckless and careless driving. While both are serious, careless driving is a lesser violation that doesn’t carry the same criminal stigma. Our team can often argue that your actions did not rise to the level of “willful disregard” necessary for a reckless charge.

Repeat offenses, reckless driving resulting in injury, or combining reckless driving with DUI can all lead to harsher penalties, including felony charges.

Defending Against Reckless Driving Charges

When you work with Just Criminal Law, we examine every aspect of your case to identify opportunities for defense. Potential strategies include:

• Challenging the Evidence: We can question the accuracy of speed readings, police reports, or witness statements.
• Arguing Lack of Intent: Reckless driving requires “willful” disregard—if your actions were negligent but not intentional, the charge may not hold.
• Negotiating a Reduction: In some cases, we can work to have the charge reduced to careless or improper driving to avoid a criminal record.
• Procedural Defenses: If law enforcement made errors in the traffic stop or violated your rights, we may be able to seek a dismissal.

Our goal is always to protect your record, your license, and your future.

FAQs About Reckless Driving in WY & SD

Is reckless driving a felony?

Generally, reckless driving is a misdemeanor in both Wyoming and South Dakota. However, if it results in serious injury or death, it could lead to felony-level charges.

Will a reckless driving conviction stay on my record?

Yes. It is a criminal conviction and will appear on your record unless it’s dismissed, reduced, or expunged.

Can reckless driving affect my insurance?

Absolutely. Insurance companies often classify reckless driving as a high-risk offense, leading to significantly higher premiums.

Can I go to jail for reckless driving?

Yes. Both Wyoming and South Dakota impose potential jail time—up to six months in WY and up to one year in SD.

What should I do after being charged?

Contact a Gillette reckless driving lawyer immediately. Do not admit guilt or pay the fine before speaking with an attorney who can evaluate your options.

Contact Just Criminal Law

A reckless driving charge can impact your job, insurance, and driving privileges for years to come. Don’t face it alone. The skilled attorneys at Just Criminal Law represent clients throughout Wyoming and South Dakota.

Our legal team will fight to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and pursue the best possible outcome for your case.

Contact Just Criminal Law by calling (307) 300-2240.