Negligent Driving is a misdemeanor punishable up to 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. Sometimes, DUI charges can be reduced to a Negligent Driving in the First Degree during the course of negotiations.
A conviction for Negligent Driving First Degree does not require any mandatory jail time, DOL license suspension or ignition interlock requirements on first-offense DUI’s.
Negligent Driving First Degree
A person is guilty of Negligent Driving in the First Degree if he or she operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property, and exhibits the effects of having consumed liquor or marijuana or any drug or exhibits the effects of having inhaled or ingested any chemical, whether or not a legal substance, for its intoxicating or hallucinatory effects. This offense is a simple misdemeanor that carries a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000.00 fine.
Defenses
It is a defense to Negligent Driving First Degree that by means of “exhibiting the effects” of having consumed a drug that the driver has a valid prescription for the drug consumed, and has been consuming it according to the prescription directions and warnings.
Negligent Driving Second Degree
A person is guilty of Negligent Driving in the Second Degree if he or she operates a motor vehicle in a manner that is both negligent and endangers or is likely to endanger any person or property.
Defenses
It is a defense to Negligent Driving in the Second Degree that the driver was operating the motor vehicle on private property with the consent of the owner in a manner consistent with the owner’s consent. Negligent Driving in the Second Degree is a traffic infraction and is subject to a penalty of $250.00 dollars.
If you or someone you care about is charged with a Negligent Driving in Skagit County or Whatcom County, call attorney Alexander Ransom today for a free, no-pressure case evaluation. Alexander has a reputation in the legal community as an aggressive, effective and experienced criminal defense attorney. He is here to assist you through these difficult times.
