South Dakota
Careless & Reckless Driving Lawyer in South Dakota
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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota
What a careless & reckless driving costs in South Dakota
- Typical fine
- Up to $2,000 and/or 1 year jail (Class 1 misdemeanor)
- License points
- 8 points
- Insurance impact
- Reckless driving is among the heaviest surcharges insurers apply — 25%+ increases for several years are common.
- License risk
- 8 points is over half the 15-point annual threshold, and courts can also suspend your license directly on conviction.
Frequently asked questions
What does a reckless driving conviction cost in South Dakota?
It's a Class 1 misdemeanor — up to a year in jail and $2,000 — plus 8 points, possible license suspension, and a criminal record. It's the most serious non-DUI traffic charge on the books here.
Can reckless be negotiated down to careless driving?
That's the standard defense objective: careless driving is a lesser offense that sheds most of the points and the criminal gravity. State's attorneys often accept it when the evidence of willful disregard is thin.
I was charged after a crash — what should I expect?
Accident cases get charged as reckless more aggressively, but a collision doesn't prove the conscious disregard the statute requires. That gap is where attorneys in our network focus the defense.
Will this show up on background checks?
Yes — as a misdemeanor conviction it appears on criminal background checks, not just your driving record. Keeping it off the record now is far cheaper than expungement later.
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