By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney – St. Mary’s County, Maryland
Reckless Driving Charge in Mechanicsville, MD | St. Mary’s Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you were charged with reckless driving on one of the open, rural roads in Mechanicsville, I understand exactly how it happens.
You may have been late to work, trying to pass a slower vehicle, or just enjoying a clear stretch of road.
You did not intend to endanger anyone.
But that does not matter to the law.
I am Jonathan L. Haskell, a criminal defense attorney serving St. Mary’s County.
I have defended numerous clients from Mechanicsville and the surrounding areas who were shocked to discover they were facing criminal charges for what seemed like routine driving.
Reckless Driving in Maryland Is a Criminal Offense
Most people think a reckless driving ticket is similar to a speeding ticket.
That is not true. In Maryland, reckless driving is a misdemeanor criminal offense, not a simple traffic violation.
That means it goes on your permanent criminal record and can result in:
- Fines up to $1,000
- Six points on your driver’s license
- Possible jail time in extreme cases
- Insurance rate hikes
- Loss of employment or clearance in sensitive roles
The most common charge I see in Mechanicsville is driving with willful disregard for the safety of persons or property, especially on rural roads like Golden Beach Road, Budds Creek Road, or Route 5.
What the Law Says vs. What You Meant
Reckless driving charges do not require intent to harm anyone.
The officer only needs to believe you were operating your vehicle in a manner that posed a danger to others. That includes:
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Tailgating on a winding road
- Passing without a safe distance
- Taking curves aggressively
- Accelerating to pass on blind hills
Even if you felt in control and never had a close call, the law focuses on perception and risk, not your intention.
Rural Roads Make Things Worse
Open roads may feel less risky because there is less traffic, but they also invite faster speeds and bolder maneuvers.
In Mechanicsville, officers frequently patrol known speeding areas and rural cut-throughs, especially in the early morning and late evening hours.
If you were pulled over in one of these areas, you are likely dealing with an officer who believes your actions created unnecessary risk, even if no one else was around.
I have seen reckless driving charges filed after:
- A driver passed three cars on a straight stretch
- A teen accelerated past a group of cyclists
- Someone was clocked at 65 mph in a 35 mph zone, even with no other cars present
In each case, the drivers had no criminal history, no accidents, and no intent to hurt anyone.
Yet they still ended up in court with a criminal citation.
How I Defend Rural Reckless Driving Charges
My job is to separate facts from assumptions.
I review everything about the stop, including:
- Speed measurement tools and calibration records
- Dashcam or bodycam footage
- Officer testimony and field notes
- Road conditions at the time of the stop
- Any driving history that may help reduce the charge
In many cases, I can argue for a reduced offense, such as negligent driving, which carries fewer points and no criminal record.
If this is your first offense, you may also qualify for Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) to avoid conviction and protect your insurance rates.
Do Not Try to Handle This Alone
Reckless driving may not sound serious until you are standing in front of a judge.
Do not make the mistake of treating this like a regular traffic ticket.
If you pay the fine, you are pleading guilty to a crime.
“You may not have meant to drive recklessly, but the law is not interested in your intent. What matters is how your driving appeared to the officer and the court.”
— Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
Charged with Reckless Driving in Mechanicsville? Let Me Help.
If you were pulled over on a back road in Mechanicsville and handed a reckless driving ticket, you need a lawyer who understands how local prosecutors and judges treat these cases.
Call 301-627-5844 today to speak with me, Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq.
Serving clients in Mechanicsville, Golden Beach, and throughout St. Mary’s County
You do not have to face this charge alone. Let me help you protect your license, your record, and your reputation.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
By Jonathan L. Haskell, Esq., Criminal Defense Attorney
DUI & Traffic Violations – St Mary’s County
