Reckless Driving Attorney in Fort Wayne

Charged With Reckless Driving In Indiana? Contact Arnold Terrill Ridenour

If you are facing a reckless driving charge, you are probably worried about your license, your job, and what will happen in court. A reckless driving conviction can mean a criminal record, possible jail, and serious consequences for your future. You do not have to figure this out alone.

Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C. is a Fort Wayne criminal defense firm with more than 75 years of combined experience in Indiana courts. Our attorneys focus their work on defending people accused of crimes, including serious traffic offenses like reckless driving. We work to provide straightforward guidance from the moment you call, so you understand what is at stake and what can be done.

Whether this is your first criminal charge or one of several prior cases, we are here to help you make informed decisions before you step into an Allen County courtroom.

Reach out to a reckless driving attorney in Fort Wayne at (888) 912-7220 or contact us online. At Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., we provide the dedicated, high-caliber defense you need, and your first consultation is always free.

Understanding Reckless Driving Under Indiana Code

Indiana law defines reckless driving through several specific behaviors. To secure a conviction, the state must prove you recklessly engaged in one of the following:

• Endangering Speed: Driving at an unreasonably high or low rate of speed that endangers safety or property.
• Obstructing Traffic: Driving so slowly that it blocks the proper flow of traffic.
• Unsafe Passing: Passing another vehicle on a slope or curve where your vision is obstructed for less than 500 feet.
• In-and-Out Weaving: Intentionally weaving in and out of a line of traffic.
• Refusing to Yield: Speeding up or refusing to give half the roadway to a driver attempting to pass you.
• School Bus Violations: Recklessly passing a school bus with its stop arm extended (often charged as a Class A Misdemeanor).

Penalties and the Risk of Jail Time

Because reckless driving is a misdemeanor in Indiana, a conviction carries criminal penalties that far exceed a simple fine. Our firm works tirelessly to prevent these outcomes:

Criminal Grading

• Class C Misdemeanor: The standard charge. Penalties include up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.
• Class B Misdemeanor: If the act results in property damage, the charge is elevated, carrying up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the act causes bodily injury, you face up to one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Habitual Traffic Violator (HTV) Status

One of the most dangerous aspects of a reckless driving conviction is its impact on your long-term driving status. Reckless driving is considered a "Major Violation" by the Indiana BMV. Under IC 9-30-10, accumulating two or three major violations within a 10-year period can trigger an automatic 10-year or lifetime license suspension. As a reckless driving attorney in Fort Wayne, we understand these stakes and fight to protect your right to drive.

What To Do After A Reckless Driving Charge

The hours and days after a reckless driving citation or arrest can feel chaotic. You may be tempted to ignore the situation or quickly plead guilty just to get it over with. Those choices can have long-term consequences, especially for your driving privileges and criminal record. Taking a few careful steps now can protect you later.

Start by gathering and organizing all of the paperwork you received. The ticket or charging documents should list the specific allegation, as well as the court, which in Fort Wayne is often Allen Superior Court, and the date and time of your first appearance.

Try not to discuss the details of the incident with anyone other than your attorney. This includes avoiding social media posts, text messages about what happened, or long discussions with friends about the case. Statements you make informally can sometimes be misunderstood or used later. Until you have had the chance to speak with a lawyer, it is usually safest to limit your comments to basic information.

Here are practical steps to take after a reckless driving charge:

• Read your ticket and court notice carefully and note your appearance date and location.
• Avoid posting about the incident online or discussing details with anyone but your lawyer.
• Write down your memory of the stop or accident while it is still fresh.
• Gather any related documents, such as insurance information or prior driving records.
• Contact a reckless driving lawyer in Fort Wayne as soon as you can to review options.

Our firm understands that these situations rarely happen at convenient times. We make ourselves available around the clock so you can reach someone for guidance when an urgent question comes up. When you work with us, we explain what to expect at your first appearance, what the potential range of outcomes may be, and how we plan to approach your case in the Fort Wayne courts.

Why Drivers Choose Our Reckless Driving Defense in Fort Wayne

Most people come to us after a traffic stop or accident that escalated faster than they expected. They are scared of losing their license, and they are unsure how seriously the prosecutor and judge will treat a reckless driving charge. Our role is to bring clarity and direction to that situation, backed by decades of focused criminal defense work in Indiana.

Our attorneys bring together more than 75 years of combined experience handling criminal cases in state and federal courts. That time in the courtroom has taught us how Indiana judges and prosecutors typically approach reckless driving and other traffic-related misdemeanors. We use this background to anticipate likely concerns in your case and to prepare you for what could happen at each step.

Our team also includes a former felony prosecutor. That history on the other side of the aisle gives us direct insight into how the State builds and evaluates criminal traffic cases. We understand how officers are trained to describe driving behavior, how the State may use speed readings or witness statements, and where weaknesses in that evidence can appear.

Reckless driving cases often involve real risks to driving privileges. One of our attorneys achieved what a judge called nearly impossible, restoring driving privileges for a client who had 48 suspensions and a 10-year habitual traffic offender ban. 

In another matter, our firm helped a probation violation client secure release in about two weeks when others in similar situations were facing more than a year of penalties. These outcomes depended on the specific facts and law in those cases, but they show how committed preparation and targeted strategy can change a difficult situation.

How We Defend Reckless Driving Cases In Fort Wayne

Reckless driving charges in Fort Wayne can have serious consequences, and a strong defense begins with a careful review of both the facts and your personal priorities. From the first call, the focus is on understanding what happened, evaluating the State’s evidence, and identifying what outcomes matter most to you.

• Review the citation, court notice, and any paperwork from the traffic stop, along with your driving history and any professional or licensing concerns.
• Gather and analyze evidence such as police reports, dashcam or bodycam footage, and officer statements, using former prosecutor insight to assess the State’s case.
• Examine whether the facts truly support a reckless driving charge, including how speed was measured, how the stop was justified, and how your driving is described.
• Develop defense strategies that may include challenging the traffic stop, questioning speed accuracy, arguing the conduct was not reckless under Indiana law, or presenting mitigating factors.
• Account for local court practices in Allen Superior Court and surrounding courts to prepare for hearings and guide negotiations with prosecutors.
• Tailor the defense to your goals, whether protecting a CDL or professional license, minimizing record impact, or avoiding jail, while providing clear, candid guidance throughout the process.

Talk With Our Fort Wayne Defense Team

A reckless driving case can affect your license, your record, and your future in ways that are not always obvious at first. Having a seasoned criminal defense team by your side in Fort Wayne can make a meaningful difference in how you understand your options and how you move forward.

At Arnold Terrill Ridenour, P.C., we draw on more than 75 years of combined criminal defense experience, including the insight of a former felony prosecutor and recognized leadership in the local bar. We are straightforward about the strengths and challenges in your case, and we stay in contact so you are never left wondering what is happening.

If you are facing a reckless driving charge in this part of Indiana, reach out to us to discuss your situation before your next court date. We will listen, answer your questions, and explain how we can assist you in a clear, realistic way.

Call (888) 912-7220 or reach out online to speak with our reckless driving lawyer in Fort Wayne today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my license for reckless driving?

A reckless driving conviction can lead to license suspension, especially if you have prior violations. The length and type of suspension depend on your record, the facts, and how the court applies Indiana law. We review your driving history and the charge to explain your specific risk.

Can your team keep me out of jail?

Jail is a possibility in many reckless driving cases, but it is not automatic. The outcome depends on your record, the allegation, and how the court views your situation. We work to present your case in the strongest light and to pursue options that limit or avoid jail where possible.

How will a reckless driving lawyer actually help me?

We investigate the facts, review reports and video, analyze how the law applies, and discuss your options. Our attorneys negotiate with the State when appropriate and prepare your case for hearings. Having a lawyer on your side can help you avoid mistakes and make informed decisions.

What should I expect at my first court date?

At an initial appearance in Fort Wayne, the court typically advises you of the charge and potential penalties and addresses your plea and future dates. The process can be fast and confusing. We guide you through what to expect beforehand and stand with you in court when you appear.

How quickly can I speak with your attorneys?

We strive to respond quickly because we know reckless driving charges raise urgent questions. Our team is available 24 hours a day for new criminal matters, and we work to schedule consultations as soon as we reasonably can. When you call, you will not be left waiting for weeks.

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