Reckless Driving 23103(b) CA
I was cited for reckless driving 23103(b) for attempting to drift my car in a parking garage in Santa Cruz County. I was only going 15-20 mph and only the inside tire spun and left a skid mark. My court date is in a couple of weeks and I'm not sure whether or not to get an attorney, and I don't know what to expect in court. Should I get an attorney? What punishment should I expect?
Re: Reckless Driving 23103(b) CA
It's not good news. The statute says
Quote:
Quoting 23103 CVC
23103. (a) A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
(b) A person who drives a vehicle in an offstreet parking facility, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 12500, in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.
(c) Persons convicted of the offense of reckless driving shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than five days nor more than 90 days or by a fine of not less than one hundred forty-five dollars ($145) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment, except as provided in Section 23104 or 23105.
But, consider yourself lucky. Here's what 23109.2 says:
Quote:
Quoting 23109.2 CVC
23109.2. (a) (1) Whenever a peace officer determines that a person was engaged in any of the activities set forth in paragraph (2), the peace officer may immediately arrest and take into custody that person and may cause the removal and seizure of the motor vehicle used in that offense in accordance with Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 22650). A motor vehicle so seized may be impounded for not more than 30 days.
(2) (A) A motor vehicle speed contest, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 23109.
(B) Reckless driving on a highway, as described in subdivision (a) of Section 23103.
(C) Reckless driving in an offstreet parking facility, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 23103.
The bottom line: if it were me, I'd get an attorney.
Barry