Reckless Driving Attorney in Cincinnati

The "hidden" costs of a reckless driving conviction often outweigh the immediate court fines. Because our team consists of former prosecutors, we ensure you understand the full scope of the risks.

Criminal and Traffic Penalties

• Fines: Ranging from $150 for a minor misdemeanor to $500 for a third-degree misdemeanor.
• Jail Time: While a first offense typically carries no jail time, repeat offenders face up to 30 or 60 days in the Hamilton County Justice Center.
• Points: A conviction adds 4 points to your Ohio driving record. If you reach 12 points in a two-year period, your license is automatically suspended.
• License Suspension: Under ORC § 4510.15, a judge has the discretion to impose a "Class 5" suspension, which can take you off the road for six months to three years.

Collateral Impacts

A reckless driving conviction is a permanent part of your criminal record. This can lead to a massive spike in insurance rates—sometimes doubling or tripling your premiums—and can even lead to policy cancellation. For those with Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL) or jobs requiring a clean driving record, a conviction can be a career-ending event.

Why Drivers Turn To Our Firm

Our firm is led by Shane “The Shark” Herzner, a former Assistant Prosecutor who now uses that background to defend people accused of crimes and serious traffic violations. Having handled criminal cases for more than 25 years, including many DUI and OVI matters, we are familiar with the patterns that often appear in reckless driving allegations. 

We understand how officers document aggressive driving, how speed is usually measured, and how the state may present the case in Hamilton County Municipal Court or other Cincinnati-area courts. This allows us to prepare for the arguments you are likely to face.

We also know that your situation is personal. No two reckless driving cases look exactly the same, and no two clients have the same concerns. Some are focused on avoiding jail, others worry most about keeping a commercial driver’s license, and many are trying to prevent long-term damage to their record. We take time to learn your priorities and build a defense plan around them. Throughout the case, we work to keep you informed, explain what is happening, and answer your questions in plain language.

How We Defend Reckless Driving Cases in Cincinnati

Effective reckless driving defense starts with understanding exactly what the state claims you did. We obtain and review the complaint, the officer’s report, and any available videos or photographs. When speed is an issue, we look at how it was measured, whether by pacing, radar, or laser, and whether the equipment and method appear reliable. When the allegation is about aggressive maneuvers or unsafe behavior, we examine how those observations were documented and whether there may be another explanation.

Our Cincinnati reckless driving attorney puts his former prosecutor's perspective to play a direct role in this analysis. Having been on the other side, we know how the state typically evaluates reckless driving cases, what evidence they consider strong, and where they may have concerns. We use that insight to anticipate how a prosecutor might argue your case and to identify points where the evidence could reasonably be challenged. That can matter both in negotiations and, when necessary, at trial.

We also pay close attention to your goals. Some clients want to contest the charge, others want to explore whether a reduction to a less serious offense is realistic, and some want to focus on limiting license points and protecting their job. We discuss these priorities with you early so that our strategy reflects what is most important to you. Throughout the process, we explain your options, likely risks, and potential benefits of each path.

When you hire our firm for reckless driving defense, we typically take steps such as:

• Requesting discovery materials, including police reports and any available video evidence
• Reviewing the stop, the officer’s observations, and how the alleged conduct was documented
• Identifying legal or factual issues that may support negotiation or a contested hearing
• Advising you about possible outcomes, from dismissals to reductions and available sentencing ranges
• Preparing you for court appearances and speaking on your behalf in hearings and discussions with the prosecutor

Throughout your case, we keep you updated on developments and next steps. Before each hearing, we explain what will happen and what role you will play, so you are not walking into a courtroom uncertain about what to expect. Our goal is to combine thorough preparation with clear communication, so you feel supported while we work to protect your rights.

Talk With Our Cincinnati Reckless Driving Lawyer Today

A reckless driving charge in or around Cincinnati is not something to ignore, but it is also not something you have to face alone. With more than 25 years in criminal defense and a background as a former Assistant Prosecutor, our firm is prepared to help you understand your options and decide on a path forward.

When you contact Shark Law, you can expect a straightforward conversation about your situation, the court listed on your ticket, and the possible approaches to reckless driving defense in this area. We work to combine thorough preparation with attentive communication, so you know what is happening and why at each stage of the case.

To discuss your reckless driving charge in a confidential consultation, call (513) 924-4378 or fill out this online form today.