Bakersfield Reckless Driving Lawyer

Charged With Reckless Driving In Kern County?

A reckless driving charge in California is not a simple traffic ticket. It is a criminal offense that can affect your record, your license, and your future. If you were stopped, cited, or arrested after an incident on the road, you may be unsure what really comes next.

In Bakersfield, many reckless driving cases are handled in criminal court at the courthouse in Kern County. That means you are facing a legal process that can feel unfamiliar and intimidating. You may be worried about jail, points on your license, and how this could affect your job.

At Humphrey & Thompson, we focus our work on criminal defense. Our attorneys, including Mr. Humphrey and Mr. Thompson, bring decades of courtroom experience and board certification in criminal law from the State Bar of California. We are here to help you understand your options and to defend you at every stage of your case.

To schedule a consultation, call or fill out our online contact form today.

What is Reckless Driving?

Under California Vehicle Code §23103, reckless driving is defined as operating a vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Unlike ordinary traffic violations such as speeding, reckless driving involves behavior that shows a conscious disregard for safety.

Examples of actions that may lead to a reckless driving charge include:

• Excessive speeding well above the posted limit
• Street racing or speed contests
• Aggressive driving, including tailgating and unsafe lane changes
• Running red lights or stop signs at high speed
• Driving in a way that endangers pedestrians, cyclists, or other motorists

Law enforcement officers have broad discretion when issuing reckless driving citations. As a result, drivers in Bakersfield may be charged even when no accident occurred. Our Bakersfield reckless driving lawyer can analyze whether the officer’s judgment was reasonable and whether the evidence supports the charge.

Penalties for Reckless Driving in California

Reckless driving is typically charged as a misdemeanor in California, and the penalties can be severe. If convicted, you may face:

• Jail time: Up to 90 days in county jail
• Fines: Between $145 and $1,000 (not including penalty assessments)
• Points on your license: Two points added to your driving record
• Probation: Informal probation for up to two years
• Driver’s license suspension: Especially for repeat offenses

If reckless driving results in injury to another person, the penalties increase significantly and may include:

1. Up to six months in jail
2. Fines up to $1,000
3. Mandatory restitution to the injured party

Accumulating points on your license can also trigger DMV consequences, including a negligent operator suspension. Additionally, insurance companies often raise premiums dramatically after a reckless driving conviction.

Legal Defense to Reckless Driving

Every reckless driving case is unique, and the best defense strategy depends on the facts. Common legal defenses include:

Lack of Willful or Wanton Conduct

If your behavior amounted to ordinary negligence rather than reckless disregard, the charge may be reduced or dismissed.

Insufficient Evidence

Prosecutors must prove reckless driving beyond a reasonable doubt. Weak observations, faulty speed measurements, or inconsistent testimony can undermine their case.

Emergency Situations

If you were responding to an emergency—such as avoiding a collision or transporting someone for urgent medical care—your actions may be legally justified.

Mistaken Identity or Unlawful Stop

If the officer stopped the wrong vehicle or conducted an improper traffic stop, critical evidence may be suppressed.

Reckless Driving vs. Speeding in California

Many drivers are surprised to learn that excessive speeding can escalate into a reckless driving charge. While speeding is typically an infraction, reckless driving is a misdemeanor and far more serious.

Key differences include:

• Speeding usually results in fines and one point
• Reckless driving can involve jail time and two points
• Reckless driving carries long-term criminal consequences

If you were charged with reckless driving instead of speeding, legal representation is especially important.