Often called a “careless and reckless driving” charge (or “CNR” for short), a charge of reckless driving is one of the more serious traffic offenses a person can receive.
When a person receives a speeding ticket for a high rate of speed, law enforcement officers will occasionally decide include an additional charge of careless and reckless driving to accompany the speeding charge. However, you can also be charged solely with careless and reckless driving for committing other actions on the roadway.
A careless and reckless driving charge can be given when a law enforcement officer believes that somebody is driving:
- carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others; or
- without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property.
A careless and reckless driving charge is considered a Class Two (2) misdemeanor in North Carolina, which means a conviction for careless and reckless driving can appear on your criminal record, and is subject to high fines, and even jail time.
Additionally, a careless and reckless driving conviction is four (4) license points, and will cause a substantial increase in your insurance premiums. One careless and reckless driving charge alone will not suspend your license; however, if your charge of careless and reckless driving is paired with other speeding charges in the same year, or already existing license points on your driving record, you could be at risk for a license suspension.
A careless and reckless driving charge is a serious traffic offense and can have lasting effects on your driving and criminal record. It is best to speak with an attorney to assess the impact a careless and reckless driving conviction could have on you and what your options are.
If you have received a careless and reckless charge, please feel free to contact Kreger Brodish to schedule a consultation.
