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Teenager Arrested for Alleged Reckless Driving after Bus Accident

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Police in Washington D.C. recently arrested a man whose car collided with a Metrobus along the 11th Street bridge in Washington. The defendant, a 19-year old man, was charged with reckless driving and unauthorized use of the vehicle. 5 persons, including the defendant, were immediately taken to a hospital after the crash but were not admitted for treatment.

Allegations of Arresting Officers

Police claim that the car, a Toyota Camry, which the defendant was driving, was a stolen vehicle. But they admit not knowing when or from where the vehicle was stolen. No further details on the incident have yet been provided.

Reckless Driving in Washington, D.C.

Reckless driving is a criminal traffic offense in the District of Columbia, which has reportedly one of the strictest laws on reckless driving. Section 50.2201.04 of the District of Columbia Code generally prohibits anyone from driving a vehicle at a speed above the established maximum limit.

What Constitutes Reckless Driving?

  • driving in a careless manner
  • At a speed or manner that is likely to endanger a person or property

Penalties for reckless driving

If found guilty, a person charged with reckless driving faces a maximum jail sentence of 90 days and/or a fine, and also may suffer the administrative penalty of license suspension. Certain factors surrounding the incident may aggravate the crime of reckless driving and may lead to a more severe penalty. The following factors can aggravate the crime of reckless driving:

  • Operating a vehicle at a speed higher than 30 mph over the stated speed limit
  • Causing bodily harm as a result
  • Causing property damage exceeding $1,000

Importance of Criminal Defense Attorney

The charge of reckless driving can be subjective, as it involves the arresting officer’s assessment that the defendant’s behavior was ‘careless’ or that he or she was driving at a ‘speed or manner likely to endanger person or property’.

Eyewitness accounts and other factors surrounding the crash can lead to a different conclusion. If you are charged with reckless driving, your criminal defense attorney can help by assessing your situation, gathering eyewitness testimony, obtaining expert witness testimony, and weighing the prosecution’s evidence against you.

In Washington, D.C., the criminal defense attorneys at Lotze Mosley, LLP, have years of experience in reckless driving cases, helping clients obtain acquittals, favorable plea negotiations, and reduced sentences.

We invite you to call us today at (202) 393-0535 to speak to an attorney immediately about your situation.

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