Careless & Reckless Driving Lawyer in California
Careless or reckless driving is one of the most serious moving violations — in many states it is a misdemeanor with jail exposure. An attorney can often negotiate it down to a simple infraction that protects your record.
- 98%
- Win rate
- 5,000+
- Drivers helped
- $7M+
- Saved for drivers
- $1,422
- Avg. insurance savings
Ticket Takedown has a 98% win rate across more than 5,000 traffic ticket cases, saving drivers over $7M in fines and insurance increases.
How it works
- 1
Share your ticket
Upload your citation and basic details in minutes.
- 2
An attorney takes over
A licensed attorney files with the court and negotiates on your behalf.
- 3
Get updates until it's done
We keep you posted at every step — most cases end with a reduced or dismissed charge.
What a careless & reckless driving costs in California
| Typical fine | $145–$1,000 (misdemeanor) |
|---|---|
| License points | 2 points |
| Insurance impact | A reckless conviction ends Good Driver Discount eligibility and drives 25%+ increases for years. |
| License risk | Misdemeanor under VC § 23103 with 5–90 days of jail exposure; 2 points toward negligent operator suspension thresholds. |
Frequently asked questions
Driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property under VC § 23103 — a misdemeanor, not an infraction. Exhibition of speed and speed contest charges live in the same neighborhood and carry similar stakes.
Frequently — a common resolution is amending to a speeding infraction or another 1-point violation, which eliminates the criminal record. The strength of the state's evidence and your record determine what's achievable.
A 'dry reckless' is a plain VC § 23103 plea used to resolve DUI cases without the alcohol allegations — no DUI priorability in most respects and lighter DMV fallout. If you're coming from a DUI charge, it's often a good outcome; if you started at reckless, the goal is going lower still.
Statutorily 5 to 90 days is possible, but first offenses without injury rarely see custody when defended. The reliable harms — the misdemeanor record, the 2 points, and years of inflated premiums — are what a negotiated reduction prevents.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Tell us about your case and we'll connect you with a licensed attorney who can evaluate your options — no obligation.
Request a free consultation