Reckless driving in Oklahoma is a misdemeanor crime, and a conviction in Tulsa can lead to large fines and lengthy jail sentences.
A reckless driving conviction in Oklahoma can also attach points on your driver’s license, leading to higher insurance rates and a suspended or revoked license. A consultation with an experienced Tulsa criminal attorney can help you fight this charge and minimize fines and penalties.
Defining Reckless Driving in Oklahoma
Reckless driving in Tulsa is defined as driving a motor vehicle in a careless or wanton manner without regard for the safety of persons or property or in violation of speed limits, according to Oklahoma statute title 47 § 11-801.
Violating the conditions of section 11-801 or speed limits alone is not enough by itself to convict the defendant of the crime of reckless driving. The prosecutor must also prove that the defendant was driving in a “careless or wanton manner.”
For example, the defendant must not only be speeding, but also must be speeding to such an extent that his conduct would constitute culpable negligence or driving in a manner that poses an articulable danger to other persons on the roadway. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-801
Speeding, intoxication, driving while impaired, skidding sideways to force others off the road, passing in the face of oncoming traffic, or anything that takes away the driver’s full attention to driving (such as the use of a cell phone) are all factors that could constitute a charge of reckless driving in Tulsa.
No person may be convicted of reckless driving in Oklahoma unless the prosecutor proves beyond a reasonable doubt each element of the crime. These elements are:
- driving;
- a motor vehicle;
- in a careless or wanton manner;
- without regard for the safety of persons or property or that violated lawful speed limits or that exceeded the speed that a careful and prudent person would have considered reasonable and proper given the conditions or sufficient in order to stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Oklahoma
is punishable by 5 to 90 days in jail, a fine between $100 and $500, or both.
A subsequent conviction of reckless driving in Tulsa is punishable by 10 to 180 days in jail, a fine between $150 and $1,000, or both. Okla. Stat. tit. 47 § 11-901
Free Consultation: Tulsa Criminal Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know is accused of reckless driving in Oklahoma, please contact a Tulsa criminal defense attorney to discuss your available legal options.
Consult with an experienced attorney today at Wirth Law Office – Tulsa. Calling 918-756-9600 or toll free at 1-888-447-7262.
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