Tennessee
Careless & Reckless Driving Lawyer in Tennessee
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee
What a careless & reckless driving costs in Tennessee
- Typical fine
- Up to $500 and/or 6 months jail (Class B misdemeanor)
- License points
- 6 points
- Insurance impact
- Reckless driving is one of the costliest convictions an insurer can see — 25%+ increases for years are common.
- License risk
- 6 points plus a criminal misdemeanor record; courts can also impose license restrictions on conviction.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as reckless driving in Tennessee?
Willful or wanton disregard for safety under § 55-10-205 — prosecutors charge it after aggressive driving, high speeds, and crashes. It's a Class B misdemeanor carrying up to six months in jail, not an ordinary ticket.
Can reckless driving be pled down in Tennessee?
Frequently — to speeding or another lesser violation that removes the criminal exposure and most of the points. The willful-disregard element is hard to prove, and attorneys in our network use that leverage in negotiation.
I was charged after an accident — is that automatic reckless?
No. A crash alone doesn't establish willful or wanton disregard, though prosecutors often charge it that way. Making the state actually prove the mental element is where these cases are won.
Will a reckless conviction show on background checks?
Yes — it's a misdemeanor criminal conviction, visible to employers and landlords, not just your driving record. Tennessee expungement is possible later in some cases, but avoiding the conviction now is far better.
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