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:
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines up to $1,000
- 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.
Reckless Driving FAQs
The following are a few frequently asked questions about reckless driving charges:
Is reckless driving a criminal offense in California?
Yes. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor and creates a criminal record if convicted.
Will I go to jail for reckless driving in Bakersfield?
Jail is possible, especially for repeat offenses or cases involving injuries. However, an attorney may be able to reduce or avoid jail time.
How long does reckless driving stay on my record?
A reckless driving conviction typically stays on your driving record for up to 10 years and can affect insurance rates for several years.
Can reckless driving charges be reduced?
In many cases, yes. Charges may be reduced to speeding or another lesser offense through negotiation or legal challenges.
Do I need a lawyer for reckless driving?
Because reckless driving is a misdemeanor with serious penalties, hiring a Bakersfield reckless driving lawyer is strongly recommended.
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Recognized by The State of California As Board Certified Criminal Defense Experts
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- Jenna B.
My husband hired Jared Thompson to defend him against bogus charges. Their price was affordable and well worth the work they put in. Even though the DA's office was not helpful and kept delaying the case over and over, Mr. Thompson and his team never gave up. It was finally dismissed and we couldn't be more happy with the outcome.
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- Former Client
Jared and his staff, not exaggerating were on top of it all. If I called to talk to the girls in the front they handled everything right away, Jared reputation for being THE BEST matched him perfect. We had issues with the anger management classes and the staff really cared and helped us. Jared helped my son who was facing some serious charges but he genuinely cared about the whole truth and we got blessed tremendously! we are forever grateful and truly couldnt have imagined the outcome had we NOT hired him! Loved them thank you so much sincerely!
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- Joe S.
His experience and knowing what to do helped and he has wisdom in sharing and saying the right thing to calm you in whatever you are going through. At times I was talked to as if I knew the law but when questioned what he was talking about he would take the time to explain. He is a very busy man so it seemed like he was hurried but would come back to explain. Happy with the outcome and glad that we were able to find a great attorney.
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- Saijel P.
Kyle and his team are absolutely amazing! With my whole case they kept it completely stress free. Kyle will explain everything in a way you could actually understand. I highly recommend him. He's honest, fair and compassionate and fantastic to work with.
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- Tina H.
My son was wrongfully accused and charged with assault. I hired Mr. Humphrey to represent him because I heard he was the best and as my son is 19 years old, I did not want this bogus charge going on his record. Mr. Humphrey did an excellent job of representing my son from day one. I am happy to say that the charges were dropped and the case was dismissed. I HIGHLY recommend Kyle J. Humphrey.
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He was straight forward, informative, and very easy to work with from inception to completion. I strongly suggest reaching out to Mr Thompson should you need the services offered by his office!
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I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to Kyle Humphrey at Humphrey & Thompson for his help with an unexpected case. He was highly thorough and made sure I understood every part of the process, which was especially important as this was my first and only legal matter. Many thanks to you and your team!
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IF you are caught in a bad situation in life and are looking for a Lawyer and investigator to fight, do their job well in fighting to prove your innocence in your case, you need Kyle and Victor on your side!!!
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Molestation and Sexual Abuse of Minors
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Sex Offense
Juvenile Client Has Felony Sex Offense Case Dismissed and Is Not Required to Register
Why Drivers Turn To Our Firm
When your freedom and license are on the line, you need more than a name from a quick search. You need a team that understands criminal law in depth and that has stood in front of Kern County judges many times. Our firm is a boutique criminal defense practice, so your case does not get passed around or lost in a large office.
You work directly with seasoned attorneys like Mr. Humphrey and Mr. Thompson. Our lawyers are board-certified in criminal law by the State Bar of California, which means we have met advanced standards in this field and have been tested on complex criminal issues. We bring that same level of preparation and focus to reckless driving cases that we bring to more serious felony matters.
Over the course of more than 5,000 criminal cases, we have appeared in both state and federal courts, including courts here in Kern County. We have taken cases through motion hearings, negotiations, and jury trials. This depth of experience allows us to evaluate your situation and to identify which facts, legal issues, and local practices are likely to shape the outcome.
Clients often come to us after feeling overwhelmed by a citation or arrest on a Bakersfield roadway. Many have never been in criminal court before. Our role is to bring order to that chaos, explain what the charge really means, and build a plan that focuses on protecting your record and your ability to move forward.
Call to discuss your reckless driving case with our team today.
