Legal Question in Traffic Law in Ohio

Re: Reckless Operation

Reckless Op is a minor misdemeanor, the same as a speeding ticket. The maximum fine for a speeding ticket is $100 plus court costs for a first offense. There is no jail time.

The main difference between a reckless op and a speeding is that reckless op carries 4 points as opposed to the 2 for speeding. If you have had no speeding or other moving violations in the past 2 years, the 4 points probably won't impact your driving ability. Once you get 12 points within a 2 year period your license is suspended.

Pleading guilty to a reckless op might affect your insurance rates. Because of that, along with the fines, it might be in your best interest to go in to your court date and see if the prosecutor would be willing to drop your reckless op down to a regular speed. If you have no other moving violations in the past 5 or 6 years, he or she may be willing to do so, and that would likely have a smaller impact on your insurance rates that a reckless op.

Generally for a minor misdemeanor a lawyer is not necessary, since you would probably be looking at $500 in fees to the lawyer. However, if you have any further questions or would like to discuss your situation more specifically, feel free to contact me.