Understanding Reckless Operation in Ohio
In Ohio, reckless operation is defined as “the operation of a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property” under O.R.C. Section 4511.20. Related offenses include reckless operation while off-road or while on a watercraft. This reckless driving offense is vague because it allows a law enforcement officer or a prosecutor to determine whether the offense rises to the level of “willful and wanton disregard.”
More extreme civil traffic violations can sometimes lead to these charges, especially aggressive driving, following too closely, speeding over 90 miles per hour, street racing, or weaving in and out of traffic. Alternatively, an OVI charge can be reduced to reckless driving under R.C. Section 4511.20.
If you were arrested for reckless driving for operating a vehicle with a wanton or willful disregard of the safety of another person or property under ORC Section 4511.20 then contact an experienced reckless driving attorney at Joslyn Law Firm. We represent clients charged with a wide variety of traffic offenses in Ohio, near Cincinnati, and throughout Hamilton County.
Penalties for Reckless Operation Charges in Ohio
Reckless driving is a misdemeanor which carries with it a maximum penalty is a fine of $150. For a second offense with a year of a prior conviction, the charge is a fourth degree misdemeanor with a potential maximum sentence of up to 30 days in jail and fines up to $250. For a third offense within a year, reckless driving can be charged as a third degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
A conviction for reckless operation causes four “points” to be placed on your Ohio driver’s license, as provided in Ohio’s R.C. 4510.036(C).
Elements of Ohio Revised Code Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle in Ohio
Elements of O.R.C. Section 4511.20 for operating a vehicle with a wanton or willful disregard of the safety of another person or property include:
- Operating a vehicle;
- On any street or highway;
- In wanton or willful disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Related offenses for reckless operation include:
- reckless operation while off-road under O.R.C. 4511.201l; and
- reckless operation while on a watercraft under O.R.C. 1547.07).
Additional Resources About Reckless Operation in Ohio
4511.20 Operation in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property – Visit the LAWriter website for Ohio Laws and Rules on traffic laws involving the operation of motor vehicles under Chapter 4511.
Contact a Reckless Operation Lawyer in Ohio
If you are arrested for reckless operation in Ohio, near Cincinnati or the surrounding areas in Hamilton County, then contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at Joslyn Law Firm. We represent clients on a wide variety of traffic offense and motor vehicle crimes including reckless operation for speed, aggressive driving or other circumstances.
