Reckless Stunt Driving
Over the past couple years, Georgia lawmakers have been cracking down on dangerous driving behaviors and enacting hefty penalties to try and deter activities such as speeding, laying drags, and reckless stunt driving. Reckless stunt driving is a relatively newer law but if you or a loved one had been charged with reckless stunt driving in Georgia, you need to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Richard Lawson and his team have been defending Georgia drivers for over 25 years. Their experience is unparalleled and they understand what it requires to obtain a successful outcome for your case. Whether you just got charged or you are scrambling to figure out what to do, contact our Roswell Reckless Stunt Driving Attorneys today. Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week because we believe you shouldn't have to wait until the next business day to have your questions answered. Call us today!
O.C.G.A. 40-6-390.1
Georgia law O.C.G.A. 40-6-390.1 is the reckless stunt driving statute. There are two parts to this offense:
- The accused must be proven to have engaged in either street racing or laying drags, AND
- That operating a vehicle in that manner showed reckless disregard for public safety
The next question is, "what constitutes reckless disregard for public safety"? It is important to note that the statute does not require that the driver was intentionally reckless. Instead, it requires a showing that the driver behaved recklessly, or that they acted without thinking or caring about the consequences of their actions. There is no set standard for what is considered driving with reckless disregard for public safety but through the years, courts have found that people driving at excessive speeds, trying to evade the cops with high speeds, and weaving through traffic could met the standard.
What is the Penalty for Reckless Stunt Driving?
If convicted of reckless stunt driving, a person will be guilty of a high and aggravated misdemeanor. However, upon a fourth conviction in a ten year period, the defendant would be guilty of a felony.
1st Conviction within 10 years |
Fine between $500 and $1,000 and between 10 days and six months in jail |
2nd Conviction within 10 years |
Fine between $750 and $1,500 and between 90 days and six months in jail |
3rd Conviction within 10 years |
Fine between $2,500 and $5,000 and between 120 days and 1 year in jail |
4th Conviction within 10 years |
Felony conviction with fine between $5,000 and $7,500 and prison term between 1 to 5 years |
In addition to fines and jail time, a reckless stunt driving conviction in Roswell will result in an automatic suspension of your driver's license. Even if you plead "no contest" (nolo contendere), it is considered a conviction for license suspension purposes.
Beyond a license suspension, you could also have your vehicle seized. This process, known as "forfeiture," permanently transfers ownership of the vehicle to the state.
There are limited exceptions to this rule. If the vehicle in question is the only means of transportation for a family, the court may allow the title to be transferred to another family member who needs the vehicle for work or essential travel. However, this transfer is only permitted once and must demonstrate that forfeiture would cause significant financial hardship to the family.
Contact Our Reckless Stunt Driving Lawyers in Roswell Today
If you are facing a Reckless Stunt Driving charge, it is essential to consult a skilled Roswell Reckless Stunt Driving Lawyer as soon as possible. The consequences of a conviction can be severe, affecting your freedom, finances, and ability to drive legally. A knowledgeable attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and work toward the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today to help protect your rights, freedom, and future!