While Missouri doesn’t have a “reckless” driving law, they do have statute 304.012, which states that drivers should exercise a high degree of care when they drive.
If a cop can’t figure out what to charge you with, you might be getting a careless and imprudent driving ticket. It is an extremely broad, catch-all category.
Careless and imprudent driving can be anything from pulling out in front of someone, to causing an accident. Conversely, if you are charged with driving while intoxicated, we can get that reduced down to careless and imprudent driving.
Your attorney should put you in a position to make sure a careless and imprudent driving ticket doesn’t affect your driving record, or your criminal history. At MRD Lawyers we do this routinely, and we want to help you.
CARELESS AND IMPRUDENT DRIVING – TRAFFIC STATUTE
Section 304.012 Motorists to exercise highest degree of care
Citation: MO Rev Stat § 304.012 (2018)
- Every person operating a motor vehicle on the roads and highways of this state shall drive the vehicle in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed so as not to endanger the property of another or the life or limb of any person and shall exercise the highest degree of care.
- Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a class B misdemeanor, unless an accident is involved then it shall be a class A misdemeanor.
PENALTY OF CONVICTION
As stated in the statute above, careless and imprudent driving convictions are a class B misdemeanor — unless there is an accident involved, in which case it is increased to a class A misdemeanor. A class B misdemeanor can result in up to six months of jail time and $1000 in fines, while a class A misdemeanor is up to a year in jail with a maximum fine of $2000. When combined with court fees and the potential points on your license, it’s easy to understand why an experienced legal team is so important. Trust MRD Lawyers to represent your best interests and on your day in court.