Careless & Reckless Driving Lawyer in South Dakota
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 South Dakota
| Typical fine | Up to $2,000 and/or 1 year jail (Class 1 misdemeanor) |
|---|---|
| License points | 8 points |
| Insurance impact | Reckless driving is among the heaviest surcharges insurers apply — 25%+ increases for several years are common. |
| License risk | 8 points is over half the 15-point annual threshold, and courts can also suspend your license directly on conviction. |
Frequently asked questions
It's a Class 1 misdemeanor — up to a year in jail and $2,000 — plus 8 points, possible license suspension, and a criminal record. It's the most serious non-DUI traffic charge on the books here.
That's the standard defense objective: careless driving is a lesser offense that sheds most of the points and the criminal gravity. State's attorneys often accept it when the evidence of willful disregard is thin.
Accident cases get charged as reckless more aggressively, but a collision doesn't prove the conscious disregard the statute requires. That gap is where attorneys in our network focus the defense.
Yes — as a misdemeanor conviction it appears on criminal background checks, not just your driving record. Keeping it off the record now is far cheaper than expungement later.
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