Reckless driving is more than a traffic ticket. It is a criminal charge.
Under 47 O.S. § 11-901, reckless driving is defined as the operation of a motor vehicle in a careless or wanton manner without regard for the safety of persons or property. The legal standard applied in court is objective: the prosecution must prove that the driver's conduct fell significantly below what a reasonable and prudent person would do under similar roadway conditions. A first-time conviction is treated as a misdemeanor, carrying a penalty of five to ninety days in the county jail and a fine ranging from $100 to $500. However, effective November 1, 2026, critical legislative amendments will elevate the charge to a Class D2 felony if the reckless driving results in a collision. A Class D2 felony exposes the reckless driver to up to two years in state prison and a mandatory 20% time-served requirement.
A first Reckless Driving conviction is a misdemeanor punishable by 5 to 90 days in the county jail, or a fine between $100 and $500, or both. A second conviction carries up to 6 months in jail. It generates a permanent criminal record, adds severe points to your driving record, and is classified as a "serious traffic violation" threatening commercial driver's licenses (CDLs).
Reckless driving is highly subjective. We challenge the officer's characterization of your driving, present dash camera or body camera footage that contradicts the officer's account, call witness testimony, and argue that your driving did not rise to the level of "willful or wanton disregard." Many reckless driving cases can be negotiated down to lesser traffic infractions.
We defend reckless driving cases in courts across northeastern Oklahoma, including state, federal, and tribal jurisdictions.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation. A former prosecutor will review your case and outline your best defense options.