Reckless driving and IID…What you should know

If you have been arrested and you’re facing a reckless driving charge in the Seattle area then there are certain things you need to know.  One of which is the possibility an ignition interlock device (IID) may be imposed and how that happens. The definition of reckless driving is driving a motor vehicle in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Notice this definition does not contain any language about alcohol, so why would someone dealing with this offense also have to worry about an ignition interlock device? Here is everything you need to know about a reckless driving charge and the imposition of an IID from a Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney.

Did the reckless driving charge involved alcohol?

First you will need to consider whether the reckless driving charge is in any way related to a DUI. Whether it is a amendment from a DUI charge or whether it is an additional count that accompanies a DUI charge. If so and either of these scenarios apply then a conviction carries a 30 day drivers license suspension. If the driver wants to be able to drive during the 30 day suspension they will need to apply for a restricted license. One of the requirements would be to get an IID installed in the vehicle for the 30 days. After the 30 days are over the driver can get the IID removed and get their drivers license reinstated by paying a reinstatement fee.

Does the driver charged with reckless driving have history of DUI arrests?

Secondly an IID may be imposed at the arraignment of a reckless driving. I have seen this happen when there was an additional count of DUI. I have also seen this happen with there was some evidence the driver may have consumed alcohol and there was only a reckless driving charge. This would be pretty rare in my opinion since if that were the case a driver would just be charged with a DUI or something called a negligent driving first degree. But like I said I have seen a situation where there was insufficient signs of alcohol consumption to charge a DUI or negligent driving first degree.

Overall the situations are pretty limited when a reckless driving and IID may come into play together. Even if the driver had a prior history of DUI arrests and they were only charged with a reckless driving I doubt a Judge would impose an IID at an arraignment unless there was some slight evidence of alcohol consumption involved in the facts of the case.