--- title: "Reckless Driving Defense Attorney" url: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/reckless-driving-defense-attorney/ date: 2014-10-31 modified: 2026-06-03 author: "The Law Office of Chad F Bank" image: https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/iStock-676408880.jpg type: page lang: en --- # Reckless Driving Defense Attorney ## Rhode Island Reckless Driving Defense Attorney Reckless driving is a very serious criminal offense. It is a major moving traffic violation and often carries heavier penalties than a careless driving offense. In the state of Rhode Island **reckless driving** is defined as anyone operating a motor vehicle in a manner that puts the lives of others in danger. The penalties and fines associated with reckless driving offenses can have a major impact on your reputation and future. Rhode Island law is ambiguous in its definition and categorizes reckless driving offenses as misdemeanors. If charged call Rhode Island Reckless Driving Defense Attorney Chad F Bank today.!(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/iStock-676408880-300x200.jpg) 31-27-4 Reckless driving and other offenses against public safety. Any person who operates a motor vehicle recklessly so that the lives or safety of the public might be endangered or operates a vehicle in an attempt to elude or flee from a traffic officer or police vehicle shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the first conviction and a felony for the second and each subsequent conviction. (http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/title31/31-27/31-27-4.htm) In the state of Rhode Island reckless driving penalties are solely at the discretion of the sentencing judge. These penalties can include - a suspended drivers license - the loss of all driving privileges - substantial fines - driving school - community service Do not allow reckless driving charges to ruin your future and do not leave your driving record to chance. If you or someone you know has been charged with reckless driving contact The Law Office of Chad F Bank immediately. Call 401-573-2265 to schedule your free consultation today. ### Reckless Driving Defense If you or a loved one has been charged with reckless driving in Rhode Island contact Rhode Island Reckless Driving Defense Attorney today at 401-573-2265 to schedule your free consultation. Our (https://www.chadbanklaw.com/) office is conveniently located in Downtown Providence 02903 across from the Garrahy Courthouse. ##   ## Frequently Asked Questions Do I need a lawyer for a reckless driving charge in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:44:18-04:00 ### [ **** Do I need a lawyer for a reckless driving charge in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8014) Yes. Reckless driving in Rhode Island is a criminal misdemeanor that carries possible jail time, license suspension, large insurance premium increases, and a permanent criminal record. The avoided insurance cost over 3 to 5 years often exceeds the legal fee multiple times over. An experienced defense lawyer can identify weaknesses in the prosecution case (radar calibration, officer observations, video evidence), negotiate reduction to a non-criminal infraction, or take the case to trial when the evidence is weak. Self-representation on a reckless driving charge usually produces a guilty plea to the original charge, with all the criminal record and insurance consequences that come with it. How long does a reckless driving case take in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:44:14-04:00 ### [ **** How long does a reckless driving case take in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8013) A typical reckless driving case in Rhode Island District Court resolves in 3 to 6 months from arraignment, depending on continuances and pre-trial motions. Simple cases without contested factual issues can resolve in a single appearance or two through plea negotiation. Cases involving suppression motions (challenging the stop or evidence) or contested trials take longer. Cases that include additional charges (DUI, eluding, leaving the scene) take longer because the defense and prosecution must work through all charges simultaneously. The earlier the defense engages, the more leverage exists for reduction or dismissal. Is reckless driving the same as DUI in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:44:08-04:00 ### [ **** Is reckless driving the same as DUI in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8012) No. Reckless driving and DUI are separate criminal charges in Rhode Island with different elements and different penalties. DUI requires proof of impairment from alcohol or drugs; reckless driving requires proof of willful or wanton disregard for safety regardless of impairment. The two charges sometimes appear together when a driver is both impaired AND driving dangerously, in which case the prosecution may file both. Reckless driving also appears as a reduced charge in DUI plea negotiations because it carries no automatic license suspension on the DMV side and avoids the DUI-specific collateral consequences like SR-22 high-risk insurance. Will reckless driving raise my insurance in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:44:03-04:00 ### [ **** Will reckless driving raise my insurance in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8011) Yes, significantly. A Rhode Island reckless driving conviction typically doubles or triples your insurance premiums for 3 to 5 years. Some carriers drop drivers with reckless driving convictions entirely, forcing you into the high-risk insurance market with SR-22 filing requirements. Total insurance impact across the priorable window can run $5,000 to $15,000 in increased premiums on top of the court costs and fines. Fighting the reckless driving charge to reduce it to a civil infraction often pays for itself many times over in avoided insurance increases. Most experienced traffic lawyers can produce a reduction that saves the client significantly more than the legal fee. Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:43:57-04:00 ### [ **** Can reckless driving be reduced to a lesser charge in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8010) Yes. Reckless driving in Rhode Island can often be reduced to a non-criminal civil traffic infraction like speeding or careless driving through plea negotiation, particularly for first offenders with no significant prior record. The reduction eliminates the criminal record consequences and reduces the insurance impact significantly. Reduction is more likely when the defense identifies weaknesses in the prosecution case (radar calibration, officer observations, video evidence), when the defendant has no prior criminal history, and when the alleged conduct sits at the lower end of the reckless driving spectrum. Experienced defense counsel familiar with the local prosecutors significantly improves the chances. Is reckless driving a criminal charge in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:43:51-04:00 ### [ **** Is reckless driving a criminal charge in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8009) Yes. Reckless driving in Rhode Island is a criminal misdemeanor, not a civil traffic infraction. This is a crucial distinction. Civil infractions like speeding tickets carry only fines and go to the Traffic Tribunal. Criminal misdemeanors like reckless driving carry possible jail time, go to Rhode Island District Court, and produce a permanent criminal record visible on background checks for employment, housing, and licensing. The criminal classification means you have the right to a lawyer and the right to a trial, but it also means the prosecution can pursue jail time that civil infractions cannot. What are the penalties for reckless driving in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:43:46-04:00 ### [ **** What are the penalties for reckless driving in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8008) Reckless driving penalties in Rhode Island include up to 6 months jail and fines from $85 to $500 for a first offense. Second and subsequent offenses can carry up to 1 year jail and higher fines. License suspension is also part of the standard penalty package, typically 30 to 180 days for first offense. The conviction goes on your criminal record permanently and triggers significant insurance premium increases that often double or triple your rates for years. Reckless driving also adds substantial points to your Rhode Island driving record that count toward the 12-point mandatory suspension threshold. What is reckless driving in Rhode Island?(https://www.chadbanklaw.com/author/chadbankadmin/)2026-05-23T23:43:41-04:00 ### [ **** What is reckless driving in Rhode Island? ](#collapse-1-8007) Reckless driving in Rhode Island is a criminal misdemeanor (not a civil traffic infraction) under R.I. Gen. Laws § 31-27-4. The charge applies to driving any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Common reckless driving scenarios include excessive speeding (typically 25+ mph over the limit), street racing, weaving through traffic at high speed, and aggressive maneuvers in heavy traffic. Penalties include up to 1 year jail (6 months for first offense), fines from $85 to $500, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record. Reckless driving frequently appears as a reduced charge in DUI plea negotiations. ## Reckless Driving Defense Office Location ### Rhode Island Reckless Driving Defense Attorney The Law Office of Chad F Bank $ https://www.chadbanklaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/cropped-the-law-office-of-chad-f-bank-logo-square.jpg 127 Dorrance St Providence , RI 02903 Phone: 401-573-2265