MEET ROBERT SOUTHWELL

Reckless Driving Lawyer

Free Consultation | One-Time Flat Fee | Real-Time Case Updates

Got a reckless driving charge? You’re facing jail time, license suspension, and a permanent criminal record that follows you forever. I’m Robert Southwell, the reckless driving lawyer you need! As a former prosecutor, I know how law enforcement officers build these cases and exactly how to tear them apart. Whether you’re accused of excessive speeding, endangering life, or violating traffic laws, I defend clients across Salem and the Willamette Valley with one goal: get your charges reduced or dismissed and protect your driving privileges.
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(971) 336-7537

10+

YEARS OF

EXPERIENCE

84%

CASE SUCCESS

RATE*

500+

SATISFIED
CLIENTS

5 STAR

RATING ON

GOOGLE

* Cases that were: dismissed, acquitted at trial, beat highest charge, or client was satisfied with outcome.

ABOUT

robert southwell criminal defense lawyer

Attorney Robert Southwell, a nationally recognized criminal defense lawyer, has successfully litigated countless cases, helping thousands reclaim their freedom.

Comprehensive Defense for Reckless Driving Cases

Criminal allegations involving reckless driving require focused, strategic defense. Leveraging my significant trial experience, I handle cases involving speeding tickets that escalated to criminal charges, traffic accidents, improper driving, and serious moving violations. Whether authorities allege excessive speeding, faulty brakes, driving without regard for safety, or other reckless driving violations, I provide aggressive representation that protects your legal rights throughout the process.

 

As your attorney for reckless driving, I manage cases arising from accusations of dangerous driving behavior, traffic violations that resulted in criminal charges, driving record complications, or other serious traffic offenses statewide.

woman in need of a reckless driving lawyer

Reckless Driving Charges in Oregon: What the Law Says

Reckless driving means operating a vehicle in a manner that shows willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. Oregon law treats this as a criminal offense, not just a traffic ticket. 

Whether you’re accused of excessive speeding, driving near a stopped school bus, railroad crossing violations, or driving that endangered lives, these charges carry steep fines, jail time up to six months, mandatory license suspension, demerit points on your driving record, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, security clearances, and insurance rates.

Unlike a simple speeding ticket or traffic infraction, a reckless driving conviction can destroy your livelihood. Employers see it. Insurance companies deny coverage or charge you thousands more per year. Your ability to drive for work vanishes. The damage extends far beyond the courtroom.

If you’re facing these allegations, working with a skilled reckless driving lawyer is essential to protecting your rights and securing the best possible outcome.

My Areas of Focus:

How I Defend You Against Reckless Driving Charges

Case Investigation

As your reckless driving lawyer, I scrutinize every detail, reviewing police reports, officer narratives, and investigative files for mistakes or overreach. I examine the radar or lidar device used to measure your speed. I interview witnesses who saw what really happened. I consult accident reconstruction experts when traffic accidents are involved.

Evidence Analysis

All evidence including the officer's observations, speed measurements, witness statements, and vehicle data is examined for inconsistencies or procedural missteps. I challenge whether law enforcement officers followed proper procedures. I test the validity of speed-measuring devices. I pursue suppression of any unlawfully obtained evidence or constitutional violations during the stop.

Defense Strategy

Defenses may include officer error, faulty equipment, mistaken identification of your vehicle, or a lack of proof that you drove recklessly. Traffic conditions, mechanical problems, emergency situations, and other circumstances can support your case. I develop a defense tailored to your specific situation and the evidence, ready for negotiation or trial.

Negotiation & Resolution

Armed with facts from my analysis, I negotiate to reduce your reckless driving case to a simple traffic ticket, pursue community service instead of jail time, or seek a not guilty verdict at trial. I work to minimize demerit points, protect your driving record, and preserve your driving privileges. Your future and your ability to work guide every move in the process.

Why Partner with Southwell Law?

Success Stories

Real results. Real clients. Proven defense strategies.

Attorney Robert Southwell will fight tirelessly to achieve the best result possible in your case.

Get Experienced Legal Defense for Reckless Driving Charges

Reckless driving charges move fast. Your court date arrives before you know it. Delays cost you evidence, and a conviction costs you everything. Secure a reckless driving lawyer committed to protecting your future now. Available for consultations 7 days a week. Fill out your information below and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

528 Cottage Street NE

Suite 204B

Salem, OR, 97301

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Fill out your information below and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours

Contact Form

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get Experienced Legal Defense for Reckless Driving Charges

Reckless driving charges move fast. Your court date arrives before you know it. Delays cost you evidence, and a conviction costs you everything. Secure a reckless driving lawyer committed to protecting your future now. Available for consultations 7 days a week. Fill out your information below and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Flat fees. No surprises. Real-time updates.

528 Cottage Street NE

Suite 204B

Salem, OR, 97301

Map & Directions

Available for consultations 7 days a week

Contact Form

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FAQ

What's the difference between a speeding ticket and a reckless driving charge?

A speeding ticket is a traffic infraction. Reckless driving is a criminal charge. It means driving with willful or wanton disregard for safety. The difference: one hurts your insurance rates. The other can send you to jail, impact your licensing status, and comes with a permanent (non-expungeable) criminal record.

What penalties could I face for a reckless driving conviction?

Consequences include fines, jail time up to 364 days, mandatory license suspension, demerit points on your driving record, and a permanent criminal record. Many employers, landlords, and security clearance investigations see this conviction. Insurance rates skyrocket or coverage gets denied entirely. For those that drive for work, this can also jeopardize your employment opportuities.

How do you defend against reckless driving charges?

As your attorney for reckless driving, I examine the officer’s report for errors, test speed-measuring devices for accuracy, interview witnesses, and consult accident reconstruction experts when necessary. I challenge whether the evidence actually proves reckless driving occurred. A strong defense strategy relies on deep knowledge of traffic law and courtroom practice.

Can you help if I was stopped for excessive speeding?

Absolutely. I defend clients charged based on speeding violations, including excessive speeding that escalated to criminal reckless driving charges. I challenge the accuracy of speed measurements and question whether the speed alone proves reckless driving.

What if my reckless driving case involves a traffic accident?

I handle reckless driving cases tied to accidents. I work with accident reconstruction experts to challenge the prosecution’s narrative about what happened and how your driving caused harm. Liability isn’t always clear, and the evidence often supports your defense.

Will a reckless driving conviction affect my job?

It can. Many employers, especially those requiring driving, background checks, or security clearances, see reckless driving convictions. Some deny employment outright. That’s why fighting the charge matters so much.

Should I get a public defender or hire my own attorney for reckless driving?

Get your own reckless driving lawyer. Court appointed attorneys handle high volumes of cases. A private attorney focuses on your case exclusively, builds stronger relationships with prosecutors and judges, and has time to investigate thoroughly. Your driving privileges and livelihood deserve that level of attention.

What happens if I'm found guilty of reckless driving?

A guilty verdict means a permanent criminal record, license suspension, mandatory fines and fees, possible jail time, increased insurance rates or denial of coverage, employment complications, and years of consequences. That’s why aggressive defense from an experienced reckless driving attorney matters.

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