California
Careless & Reckless Driving Lawyer in California
Careless or reckless driving is one of the most serious moving violations — in many states it is a misdemeanor with jail exposure. An attorney can often negotiate it down to a simple infraction that protects your record.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Charges like this one start with a short call. A licensed California attorney reviews your case and explains your options before you pay anything.
Request a free consultation- Win rate
- 98%
- Drivers helped
- 5,000+
- Saved for drivers
- $7M+
- Avg. insurance savings
- $1,422
How it works
Three steps from ticket to result.
- STEP 01
Share your ticket
Upload your citation and basic details in minutes.
- STEP 02
An attorney takes over
A licensed attorney files with the court and negotiates on your behalf.
- STEP 03
Get updates until it's done
We keep you posted at every step — most cases end with a reduced or dismissed charge.
Why it matters in California
What a careless & reckless driving costs in California
- Typical fine
- $145–$1,000 (misdemeanor)
- License points
- 2 points
- Insurance impact
- A reckless conviction ends Good Driver Discount eligibility and drives 25%+ increases for years.
- License risk
- Misdemeanor under VC § 23103 with 5–90 days of jail exposure; 2 points toward negligent operator suspension thresholds.
Frequently asked questions
What is reckless driving under California law?
Driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property under VC § 23103 — a misdemeanor, not an infraction. Exhibition of speed and speed contest charges live in the same neighborhood and carry similar stakes.
Can reckless driving be reduced to an infraction?
Frequently — a common resolution is amending to a speeding infraction or another 1-point violation, which eliminates the criminal record. The strength of the state's evidence and your record determine what's achievable.
What is a 'dry reckless' and why do people plead to it?
A 'dry reckless' is a plain VC § 23103 plea used to resolve DUI cases without the alcohol allegations — no DUI priorability in most respects and lighter DMV fallout. If you're coming from a DUI charge, it's often a good outcome; if you started at reckless, the goal is going lower still.
Will a first offense mean jail?
Statutorily 5 to 90 days is possible, but first offenses without injury rarely see custody when defended. The reliable harms — the misdemeanor record, the 2 points, and years of inflated premiums — are what a negotiated reduction prevents.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Tell us about your case and we'll connect you with a licensed attorney who can evaluate your options — no obligation.
Request a free consultation