Reckless Driving Attorney
A reckless driving charge carries more than a fine — it adds points to a driving record and can affect insurance and licensing for years. At DeVore Law, PLLC, reckless driving charges are handled exclusively by Devin S. DeVore, who represents clients throughout Knoxville and East Tennessee.
Because “willful or wanton disregard” is a subjective standard, the specific facts of the stop and the driving conduct are where these cases are usually won or lost.
Reckless Driving in Tennessee — What You Need to Know
A person commits reckless driving by driving any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Reckless driving is a Class B misdemeanor, carrying up to six months in jail, a fine up to $500, plus a separate $50 court assessment.
A reckless driving conviction also adds six points to a Tennessee driving record. Accumulating twelve points within a twelve-month period can trigger a license suspension independent of any court-imposed penalty, making the license consequences often more significant than the criminal fine itself.
How DeVore Law, PLLC Can Help
The Reckless Driving Case Timeline
Here is how a typical case moves through the system:
What “Willful or Wanton” Requires
Willful Conduct
Evidence the driver intentionally engaged in the dangerous conduct, not simply a lapse in attention.
Wanton Disregard
Conduct showing a conscious indifference to the safety of others, a higher standard than ordinary negligence.
Points and Licensing
Six points attach on conviction, and reaching twelve points in twelve months can independently trigger suspension.
Common Areas of Focus
The Officer’s Characterization
Reckless driving is often charged based on an officer’s subjective read of the driving conduct, which can be challenged with dash cam footage.
Point Accumulation
Existing points on a driving record can make a new reckless driving charge far more consequential than the fine suggests.
Reduction to a Lesser Offense
In many cases, negotiating down to a lesser traffic violation is realistic and protects the client’s record.
CDL and Insurance Impact
Commercial drivers and those with marginal insurance standing face outsized consequences from a reckless driving conviction.
What to Expect — The Defense Process
While each case differs, most Knoxville reckless driving cases follow these general stages:
01
Case Review
We review the citation, dash cam footage, and driving record to evaluate the strength of the state’s case.
02
Point Mitigation Strategy
We assess how to protect the client’s license and insurance standing alongside the criminal charge.
03
Negotiation
We negotiate toward a reduced charge where the facts and driving history support it.
04
Resolution
We finalize the case through dismissal, plea, or trial.
Why Work With Devin DeVore for Your Reckless Driving Case
Reckless driving defense at DeVore Law, PLLC is not delegated between attorneys. Devin DeVore personally handles every case, offering:
Direct access to your attorney
Personal handling of every case
Membership in the Tennessee and Knoxville Bar Associations
Familiarity with local courts and traffic prosecutors
Practical advice focused on protecting your license
His approach combines direct courtroom experience with practical, realistic guidance for every client.
Speak With a Knoxville Reckless Driving Attorney
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, Devin DeVore can review the stop and help protect your driving record.
Contact DeVore Law, PLLC to schedule a consultation.