Reckless conduct charges in Georgia are finger printable misdemeanor offenses, meaning they stay on your record forever if you plead guilty. In 2014, we are seeing a wave of reckless conduct charges in the news, since the Cobb County death of the young child left in a hot car. Reckless conduct charges due to leaving children in unattended vehicles is by far the most vilified and publicized crime of 2014.
Reckless Conduct Law
Georgia's reckless conduct code reads:
"A person who causes bodily harm to or endangers the bodily safety of another person by consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that his act or omission will cause harm or endanger the safety of the other person and the disregard constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care which a reasonable person would exercise in the situation is guilty of a misdemeanor."
The reckless conduct law can include a wide variety of actions as it relates to the care of your children. In the past, I have defended clients accused of reckless conduct because a child was left home alone for a short period of time, a child had escaped out of my clients' apartment and was found wondering the their parking lot, and children were left in the care of a teenage sibling. As you can see, reckless conduct charges are used in many situations where cops conclude that a parent's conduct endangered their child.
Reckless Conduct Punishment
Reckless conduct in Georgia is a misdemeanor offense, meaning it is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a $1000 fine, though that punishment is rarely given. In reckless conduct cases, I almost always suggest that my clients take proactive steps to defend their case, including attending some parenting classes, if appropriate, and speaking to a counselor or other family professional if necessary.
While a reckless conduct charge can ruin a clean criminal record, the way you handle your case will make a difference in the outcome. We always work with our clients and negotiate with prosecutors for alternatives to prosecution and alternatives to pleading Guilty in reckless conduct cases. Of course, some cases go to trial if an agreement cannot be reached for a favorable resolution to the case.
We Are Reckless Conduct Lawyers
If you have been cited or arrested for reckless conduct in Georgia, give our office a call today or fill out our contact form to discuss the details of your case. Our team of defense attorneys represents hundreds of clients a year in courts all around Metro Atlanta and will give you our valuable insight on defending your case. Don't let a reckless conduct charge ruin your good name; call us today to get started building your defense.