Fighting Careless and Reckless Driving Charges in Guilford County, NC
Guilford County Law Enforcement has wide discretion in deciding whether to issue a speeding ticket or a Careless and Reckless Driving charge. You do not need to drive erratically to be charged with a C&R.
Our Careless and Reckless Driving Traffic Lawyers are accustomed to fighting for our clients in and out of the courtroom. If you get ticketed for C&R, you need a professional legal defense team on your side.
Let us represent you. Contact us today!
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Greensboro Careless and Reckless Tickets
A knowledgeable C&R Attorney explains how to fight a Careless and Reckless charge.



My attorney, Patrick Apple, and paralegal Diana Aguilar just recently got my case dismissed through masterfully navigating the legal system while all the cards and evidence were stacked against me. Mr. Apple’s poise, timing, and care made all the difference in the successful outcome of my case. Hiring this team has been the greatest decision I have ever made. I am truly grateful for their precision, dedication, and execution of the law during what seemed like an impossible situation and highly recommend their services. “Thank you!” is not enough.
Where do I start? Professionalism? Courtesy? Expertise? Empathy and compassion? All the above. With this firm and its incredible staff/team, you are not just A number or dollar sign; you are treated like a human being with all the dignity to which you are entitled. Attorney Patrick Apple exceeded my expectations and even hopes by More than I can imagine. Attorney Dummit took an incredible amount of time out of his day to speak with me on a human level, not just about my case, but what I seem to be struggling with that brought me to them. I would never recommend another firm. I am ever so grateful to the Dummit Fradin Team for their hard work and dedication to people like me. I thank you, my family thanks you, and I know those that you have helped that haven’t spoken up also thank you. You have given me another chance at making my life better. Again, I say thank you.
Patrick Apple was great to work with. He was responsive and did exactly what he said he would do on our initial consultation call. My reckless driving charge was dismissed, and the speeding charge of 26 over was reduced to a 9 over while utilizing the prayer for judgment. I hope to never need a lawyer in the future, but I will use him again and again if need be.

Meet Our Greensboro Careless and Reckless Driving Lawyers
Aggressive or Reckless, What’s the Difference?
Despite being distinct crimes according to North Carolina law, reckless driving and aggressive driving are frequently used interchangeably. Consequently, there is often some confusion surrounding these charges. Aggressive driving is the more serious charge. While reckless driving is classified as a lesser offense and is included in the charge of aggressive driving.
North Carolina Law § 20-140 defines reckless driving as:
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Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway or any public vehicular area carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others shall be guilty of reckless driving.
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Any person who drives any vehicle upon a highway or any public vehicular area without due caution and circumspection and at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property shall be guilty of reckless driving.
North Carolina General Statute § 20-141.6 defines aggressive driving as:
Someone who is both speeding and guilty of at least two of the following:
- Running through a red light
- Running through a stop sign
- Illegal passing
- Failure to yield right-of-way
- Following too closely


Examples of Careless and Reckless Driving
Careless Driving Examples:
- Failing to signal while changing lanes.
- Ignoring traffic signs or signals.
- Driving while distracted, such as texting or eating.
- Tailgating or following another vehicle too closely.
- Failing to yield right of way to pedestrians or other vehicles.
- Speeding in residential areas or school zones.
- Making sudden lane changes without signaling.
- Not adjusting speed to road or weather conditions.
- Improperly merging or entering/exiting a highway.
- Driving while fatigued or drowsy.
Reckless Driving Examples:
- Excessive speeding well above the posted limits.
- Drag racing or participating in street racing activities.
- Running red lights or stop signs deliberately.
- Engaging in aggressive and dangerous maneuvers, such as weaving through traffic.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Engaging in road rage incidents, such as tailgating, honking excessively, or making threatening gestures.
- Performing stunts or reckless driving behavior that endangers other road users.
- Intentionally evading law enforcement by engaging in high-speed chases.
- Driving on sidewalks, in bicycle lanes, or in other non-designated areas.
- Passing in a no-passing zone or on a curve where visibility is limited.
How Could a Greensboro Careless and Reckless Driving Charge Affect You?
Careless and Reckless Driving
This charge is a class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina and could result in:
- automatic suspension of your license for 30 days
- up to 60 days in jail
- fines up to $1,000
- 4 points on your license
- possible license suspension
Aggressive Driving
A charge of aggressive driving is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor and carries a greater offense than reckless driving.

Contact Us
Because the consequences of these types of convictions can be harsh, it is important to have an experienced Greensboro Traffic Lawyer at your side. We have a whole Team of Legal Professionals defending clients just like you. For more information about our Greensboro Office or for other Practice Areas offered at this location, see our Greensboro Office Location page.
Request your free C&R consultation with one of our trusted Traffic Lawyers in Guilford, Alamance, or Randolph Counties.
One mistake shouldn't remove you from the road or give you a permanent criminal record. We can help!