By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney | DUI & Traffic Violations – Calvert County, Maryland
Reckless Driving Lawyer Huntingtown, MD | Traffic Defense Attorney
If you were pulled over in Huntingtown and hit with a reckless driving charge for what felt like a minor mistake, you’re not the only one.
I’ve seen drivers charged with reckless driving just for going a little too fast or making a lane change that annoyed an officer.
It happens more often than you think, especially along busy stretches like Route 4.
Here’s the truth: not every traffic mistake is “reckless.”
But if you don’t challenge it, that overcharged citation can stick—and it can wreck your record.
What Is Reckless Driving in Maryland?
Under Maryland law, reckless driving means operating a vehicle with “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of others.
That sounds serious—and in the proper context, it is.
But here’s the problem: some officers use this charge loosely.
You could be accused of reckless driving for:
- Accelerating to merge onto Route 4
- Changing lanes without signaling
- Slightly exceeding the speed limit
- Swerving to avoid road debris or potholes
- “Driving aggressively” during a traffic slowdown
None of these, by themselves, may rise to the level of criminal reckless driving.
However, if the officer believes you were being careless, they can still file the charge.
Why This Charge Is So Serious
Reckless driving isn’t just a traffic ticket—it’s a misdemeanor offense in Maryland. That means:
- Up to 6 points on your license
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Increased insurance premiums
- A criminal record if convicted
- Risk of license suspension, especially if you already have points
Even if you’ve never been in trouble before, a reckless driving charge can follow you for years.
How I Fight Overcharged Reckless Driving Cases
I’ve helped plenty of drivers in Huntingtown and across Calvert County fight back against excessive or unfair charges.
When I take on a reckless driving case, I don’t treat it like a traffic ticket—I build a full legal defense.
Here’s what I look for:
- Did actual danger support the officer’s claim?
- Did your driving rise to the level of “willful disregard”?
- Were there road conditions that explained your actions?
- Can we reduce the charge to a lesser offense, or get it dropped entirely?
Sometimes, the charge is flat-out wrong.
At other times, we can demonstrate that you were reacting to conditions, rather than driving recklessly.
Why Drivers in Huntingtown Call Me
- I know the roads, patrol patterns, and courtrooms in Calvert County
- I’ve defended hundreds of reckless driving and moving violation cases
- I work fast, communicate clearly, and don’t back down
- I protect your record like it’s my own
“If you made a mistake on the road, that doesn’t make you a criminal. My job is to push back when the system overreaches—and get you a fair outcome.”
— Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
Let’s Talk Before You Plead Guilty
If you’re facing a reckless driving charge in Huntingtown, don’t just pay the fine or plead guilty. Let’s talk about your options—and fight for a result that keeps your record clean.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
