Texas
Careless & Reckless Driving Lawyer in Texas
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 Texas 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 Texas
What a careless & reckless driving costs in Texas
- Typical fine
- Up to $200 fine and/or up to 30 days county jail
- License points
- No points — but it's a jailable misdemeanor above ordinary Class C tickets
- Insurance impact
- Reckless driving is one of the worst signals to insurers — 25%+ premium increases for years are common.
- License risk
- A criminal conviction with up to 30 days jail; it also gives DPS grounds toward suspension and stays on background checks.
Frequently asked questions
How is reckless driving different from a normal Texas ticket?
Ordinary tickets are fine-only Class C misdemeanors; reckless driving under § 545.401 carries up to 30 days in county jail and a criminal record. It's charged after street racing allegations, aggressive driving, and crashes.
Can reckless driving be reduced in Texas?
Often — to speeding or another fine-only violation, which eliminates jail exposure and the criminal record. The state must prove willful and wanton disregard, and that mental element is where attorneys in our network attack.
Was I charged with reckless just because I crashed?
It happens frequently, but a collision alone doesn't establish willful disregard. Making the prosecutor prove the statutory mental state — not just the accident — is how these cases get won or pled down.
Will reckless driving show up on employment background checks?
Yes — it's a criminal misdemeanor conviction, not just a driving-record entry. Texas expunction or nondisclosure may be possible later in limited cases, but keeping it off the record now is far cheaper.
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