Did You Know that Road Rage Is a Crime in California?

There are several different charges that could be filed if you lose your cool while driving in California.

Did You Know that Road Rage Is a Crime in California?

We all know how crazy it can be to drive in Southern California. Traffic is usually awful, and people are always in a hurry. It seems as though no matter where you go, other drivers are impatient and rude, and that no one is paying attention to the road. When you are dealing with these conditions, is it any wonder that so many of us lose our patience from time to time?

Road rage is relatively common, especially in Orange County, where it can take an hour to drive a relatively short distance. But before you lose control of your emotions and decide to go after another driver whose driving is making you loose your cool, you should know that road rage can be a crime in California.

First, it is important to note that there is a difference between merely aggressive driving and road rage. Many people drive aggressively — speeding, going from lane to lane or riding on people’s bumpers (tailgating). This type of behavior can lead to traffic accidents and tickets, but it doesn’t necessarily qualify as road rage. That is different, because it involves driving in a way that is meant to cause harm.

As a criminal defense lawyer Orange County, CA can explain, there are four possible criminal charges that may result from acts of road rage. These include:

  • Reckless driving: If you drive on a highway “…in a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property,” you could be charged with this infraction. This charge can lead to up to 90 days in county jail and fines of up to $1,000. If reckless driving causes bodily injury or great bodily injury to someone other than the driver, the penalties may be even higher.
  • Assault: If you threaten or attempt to apply force to another driver or pedestrian, and that other person reasonably believed that your actions would likely result in the application of force, you could be charged with assault. This is a misdemeanor crime, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 in fines.
  • Assault with a deadly weapon: If you use your car in a way that could be considered an assault, you could be charged with assault with a deadly weapon, since a car could be considered a deadly weapon. This crime is a wobbler, which means that it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense. For a felony, assault with a deadly weapon is punishable by up to 4 years in state prison.
  • Battery: If you actually hit or use fore against another person, you could be charged with battery. This offense is punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and/or fines of up to $2,000.

As demonstrated by the penalties for the above-listed crimes, road rage simply isn’t worth it. Instead, try taking deep breaths and remind yourself that you’ll get to where you need to go…eventually.

If you have been charged with a road rage-related crime or any other offense, the Chambers Law Firm can help. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation.

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