Source: http://www.drivinglaws.org/resources/oregon-reckless-careless-driving-laws-penalties.htm
Timestamp: 2017-11-20 15:40:36
Document Index: 741571649

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 161', 'in fine', '§ 161', 'in fine', 'in fine', 'in fine', '§ 153', '§ 813']

Oregon’s Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties | DrivingLaws.org
Oregon’s Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties
Read about Oregon’s reckless careless driving laws and the consequences of a conviction.
(Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 161.085, 811.140 (2017).)
The consequences of an Oregon reckless driving conviction depend on the circumstances. But generally, reckless driving is a class A misdemeanor. A conviction carries up to a year in jail and a maximum $6,250 in fines. The convicted motorist also faces license suspension for a period of:
one year for a second offense within five years, and
three years for a third offense within five years.
(Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 161.615, 161.635, 809.411, 809.428 (2017).)
Oregon has another offense called “careless driving.” A motorist can be convicted of the offense for driving in a manner that endangers the safety of persons or property. Unlike with reckless driving—which requires proof that the driver knowingly did something risky behind the wheel—motorists can be convicted of careless driving without realizing the dangerousness of their driving.
But the penalties for careless driving are generally less severe than those for a reckless driving conviction. Possible penalties for careless driving include:
Careless driving. Usually, careless driving is a class B traffic violation and carries $130 to $1,000 in fines.
Careless driving involving an accident. A motorist who causes an accident while driving carelessly is guilty of a class A traffic violation and is looking at $220 to $2,000 in fines.
Careless driving involving injuries or fatalities. Careless driving offenders who cause “serious physical injury” or death to another person face $200 to $2,000 in fines, 100 to 200 hours of community service, and must complete a traffic safety course.
(Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 153.018, 153.021, 811.135 (2017).)
In some states, it’s possible for a driver who’s charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) to plea bargain for a lesser charge. When a DUI is plea bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it’s sometimes called a “wet reckless.”
However, Oregon law prohibits plea bargaining in DUII cases. So, if you’re charged with a DUII in Oregon, plea bargaining for a wet reckless generally isn’t an option. (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 813.170 (2017).)
The consequences of a reckless driving conviction in Oregon can be serious. If you’ve been arrested for or charged with reckless driving, get in contact with an experienced criminal defense attorney. A qualified attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on how best to handle your situation.