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WHAT IS RECKLESS DRIVING IN NEVADA?
Reckless driving in Nevada is driving a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard of the safety of persons or property. It is more serious than careless driving and reflects a conscious disregard for the risks created by the driving behavior.
WHAT THE PROSECUTION MUST PROVE
To convict you of Reckless Driving in Nevada, the prosecution must prove each of the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
The defendant operated a motor vehicle
The defendant drove with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property
If the prosecution cannot prove any single element beyond a reasonable doubt, you cannot be convicted.
PENALTIES FOR RECKLESS DRIVING IN NEVADA
First Reckless Driving
Misdemeanor. Up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine, plus license demerit points.
Second or Subsequent
Gross misdemeanor. Up to 364 days in jail and/or up to $2,000 fine.
Reckless Driving Causing Death
Category B felony. 1 to 6 years in prison.
THOMAS'S DEFENSE TIPS
Insights from Thomas Boley — Las Vegas criminal defense attorney with 18+ years defending reckless driving charges
DUI charges are sometimes reduced to reckless driving through plea negotiations — this is called a 'wet reckless' and carries significantly lighter consequences, including a shorter record seal waiting period.
The 'willful or wanton' standard is higher than mere negligence. Aggressive driving or speeding alone may not meet this threshold without additional evidence of conscious disregard for safety.
The above represents general observations from years of criminal defense practice in Nevada. Every case is different — contact Thomas for advice specific to your situation.
COMMON DEFENSES TO RECKLESS DRIVING
Every case is unique, but these are the defenses most commonly raised in reckless driving cases in Nevada:
Driving was not willful or wanton — merely careless
Emergency circumstances justified the driving behavior
Insufficient evidence of recklessness
Mechanical failure caused the dangerous driving