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Seattle:

206-441-0900

Eastside:

425-9988-DUI

Negligent Driving

Negligent Driving

Negligent Driving is considered to be driving that is done in a manner that was not only negligent but also likely endangered a person or property. There are two types of Negligent Driving in the State of Washington:

1. Negligent Driving in the First Degree

Negligent Driving in the First Degree is charged when the person allegedly exhibits the affects of having consumed alcohol and/or drugs. It is a misdemeanor charge and is filed in either a Municipal or District Court in Washington State. The maximum sentence one can receive if convicted is 90 days in jail and a fine of $1,000. A conviction can also lead to court supervised probation for up to two years.

2. Negligent Driving in the Second degree

Negligent Driving in the Second degree does not include the alcohol or drug component to it. It is considered a traffic infraction with a monetary fine of an amount up to $250.

The Seattle criminal attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys is a highly skilled, knowledgeable and experienced team dedicated to providing aggressive representation for those charged with or cited for Negligent Driving in Western Washington. The team creates success by working with its clients to create a strategy to overcome the allegations brought against him/ her. The team also works with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the allegations are considered in creating the most equitable and fair resolution possible.

Negligent Driving FAQs

Yes. Negligent driving citations can be issued for other behaviors like erratic lane changes or distracted driving.

Yes. Both first and second degree negligent driving violations will likely increase your insurance premiums.

A negligent driving charge will remain on your driving record for three years. A negligent driving in the 1st degree conviction will remain on your criminal record permanently unless it is vacated.

It means operating a vehicle while failing to use ordinary care, either by doing something a reasonably careful driver would not do or not doing something they would.

The key difference is the presence of intoxication. If you drive negligently AND are found to be using drugs and/or alcohol, the charge would be negligent driving in the first degree.

Criminal Defense

Negligent Driving Attorneys