Careless and Imprudent Driving Attorney in Jefferson County, MO

Helping Clients Fight Reckless Driving Charges in Festus

Missouri’s driving laws are designed to keep all road users safe. Under Missouri Revised Statute § 304.012, every person operating a motor vehicle must do so in a “careful and prudent manner” and exercise the “highest degree of care.” If you are caught driving in a way that endangers lives or property, you may face a charge for careless and imprudent driving in Missouri.

Because Missouri does not have a statute explicitly named “reckless driving,” the Careless & Imprudent (C&I) charge serves as a broad catch-all for aggressive or dangerous behavior. If you have been cited, you need a careless and imprudent driving lawyer in Jefferson County who can protect your driving record and your future.

Contact us today at 636-933-9151 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced reckless driving attorney in Missouri.

What is Considered Careless and Imprudent Driving?

A C&I charge is often subjective and based on the responding officer’s discretion. Common behaviors that lead to these citations include:

• Excessive speeding (typically 20+ mph over the limit or over 80 mph)
• Weaving in and out of traffic or aggressive lane changes
• Drag racing on city streets or rural highways
• Tailgating (following too closely)
• Stunt driving or “burnouts” (newly specified under 2025 updates to § 304.012)

Is Careless and Imprudent Driving a Misdemeanor in Missouri?

Yes. Unlike a standard speeding ticket, careless and imprudent driving in Missouri is a misdemeanor criminal offense. The classification depends on whether an accident occurred:

• Class B Misdemeanor: This is the standard charge for C&I violations where no accident occurred. It carries a penalty of up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $1,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the careless driving resulted in an accident, the charge is upgraded. This carries up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000.

Points and License Consequences

A conviction for reckless driving in Missouri (C&I) has a significant impact on your driving privilege. The Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) assigns points based on the jurisdiction of the ticket:

• 4 Points: For violations charged under State Law.
• 2 Points: For violations charged under Municipal Ordinance.

Accumulating 8 points within 18 months will result in an automatic 30-day suspension of your driver’s license. A misdemeanor conviction also remains on your permanent criminal record, which can impact employment opportunities and insurance premiums.

How Grafe & Batchelor P.C. Can Help

With over 30 years of combined experience, we understand that a single mistake shouldn’t ruin your life. We work to have C&I charges dismissed or amended to non-moving violations that don’t add points to your license or a misdemeanor to your criminal record.

Call us at 636-933-9151 to schedule a consultation and discuss your case with a dedicated careless and imprudent driving lawyer in Jefferson County.