Have You Been Charged with Reckless Stunt Driving in Georgia?
In 2021, Georgia introduced a new law to address the increase in street racing cases. Legislators intend to crack down on offenders to send a message and the penalties are severe. If you or a loved one have been charged with reckless stunt driving or street racing in Georgia, it is in your best interest to give our office a call before taking any steps in your case. Our office is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Georgia Law O.C.G.A. § 40-6-390.1
Reckless stunt driving occurs when a person participates in drag racing or laying drag in reckless disregard for the safety of others on a highway or private property if they do not have express authorization from the owner of the property.
Under the statute, to be convicted, the State must prove that you were engaging in drag racing or laying drag and that you were driving in reckless disregard for the safety of others. Both of these are required to be convicted of reckless stunt driving.
Many people have been calling reckless stunt driving offenses racing. It is important that you understand the difference between the two because reckless stunt driving in Georgia carries far greater penalties than racing. However, if you have been charged with street racing in Georgia under the reckless stunt driving statute, then you need to call an experienced Georgia Street Racing Lawyer immediately. Your license is at stake and the penalties are severe. In addition, pleading nolo is not the answer for these types of cases because the nolo plea is treated as a conviction.
Penalty for Reckless Stunt Driving Conviction in Georgia
If convicted of reckless stunt driving in Georgia, you will be charged with a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature.
First Conviction: The penalties will include a fine between $500 and $1,000 and between 10 days and six months in jail.
Second Conviction: For a second conviction in a 10-year period, the penalties will increase to a fine between $750 and $1,500 and jail time between 90 days and 12 months.
Third Conviction: For a third conviction in a 10-year period, the accused will face a fine between $2,500 and $5,000 and between 120 days but not more than 12 months. They will also be treated as a habitual violator and will be subject to a 5 year license revocation.
Fourth Conviction: A fourth conviction within 10 years will result in the accused being charged with a felony punishable by a fine between $5,000 and $7,500 and one to fine years in prison as well as being deemed a habitual violator. However, if the incident results in an injury to another or damage to property over $1,000.00, the first 12 months of such sentence shall not be suspended, probated, deferred, or withheld by a sentencing court.
In addition to fines and jail time, Courts do have the power to seize your vehicle and license after three violations of reckless stunt driving.
Defenses to Reckless Stunt Driving in Georgia
When charged with a traffic ticket or a traffic related offense in Georgia, there are always defenses our experienced Georgia Reckless Stunt Driving Attorneys can use to defend your case. Do not make the mistake of thinking you have no options and you should just plead guilty! Let us investigate your case and present all of your options to you.
One of the defenses we will look into is whether there was enough evidence for a conviction in your case or if the evidence was obtained lawfully. If there is no real evidence that you were racing or laying drag, then you cannot be convicted of laying drag.
Another defense is negating one of the elements required under Georgia law. If you were not driving with “reckless disregard”, our Reckless Stunt Lawyers in Georgia will work to get the charges reduced or dismissed.We understand that you may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and are prepared to help! Call us today for a free case evaluation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Reckless Stunt Driving Charge in Georgia?
Yes! Even if you are innocent, you still need a Georgia Reckless Stunt Driving Attorney. It is understandably upsetting to have to pay for help when someone is wrongly accused. However, unfortunate things happen to nice people and when an innocent person is accused of a crime, they need legal help even more than the guilty. Whether you have been charged with street racing in Georgia or reckless stunt driving in Georgia, you need to call our offices today. The guidance from our experienced attorneys can make all the difference in your case.
Even if you were participating in reckless stunt driving, you could still use an attorney! We will help mitigate the penalties against you because we understand how difficult it can be to live your life without a license. No matter the specifics of your case, our lawyers are here to help.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one have been charged with reckless stunt driving in Georgia or street racing in Georgia, call us now. Our office has been handling traffic violations for over 50 combined years. We have practiced in nearly every Court in Georgia and have an invaluable knowledge of Georgia laws and defenses. Take the first step towards getting your freedom back by calling our office.