The state of Oregon asserts that some traffic offenses are so serious that, if you break these laws, you are charged with traffic crimes. Punishment for a crime includes a jail sentence. Reckless driving is considered one such traffic crime.

In Oregon reckless driving is defined under Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 811.140. Here it states that:

(1) A person commits the offense of reckless driving if the person recklessly drives a vehicle upon a highway or other premises described in this section in a manner that endangers the safety of persons or property.

(2) The use of the term “recklessly” in this section is as defined in ORS 161.085.

(3) The offense described in this section, reckless driving, is a Class A misdemeanor up to 1 year in prison and a fine.

The penalties Misdemeanors in Oregon are mentioned in 161.615 and 161.635 of he ORS. 161.615 lists prison terms for misdemeanors. Here it notes that sentences for misdemeanors shall be for a definite term. The court shall fix the term of imprisonment within the following maximum limitations:

• For a Class A misdemeanor, 1 year.
• For a Class B misdemeanor, 6 months.
• For a Class C misdemeanor, 30 days.

ORS 11.635 gives information on fines for misdemeanors. Here it states that (1) A sentence to pay a fine for a misdemeanor shall be a sentence to pay an amount, fixed by the court, not exceeding:

• $6,250 for a Class A misdemeanor.
• $2,500 for a Class B misdemeanor.
• $1,250 for a Class C misdemeanor.

The OR uniform minimum bail schedule for offenses lists reckless driving as a Major Traffic Offense and thus a Class A misdemeanor with a minimum fine amount of $1,113. As mentioned earlier there is also the threat of up to a year in jail and likely also license suspension.

As for the speeding ticket, the uniform bail schedule lists speeding over 85 mph in a 65 mph zone as a Class A traffic infraction with a minimum fine of $285.

To find out more about the penalties your husband may be facing and what to expect in court try contacting the OR Driver and Motor Vehicles Services and the Douglas County traffic court.

Keep in mind that California and Oregon are both members of the Drivers License Compact so the Oregon courts will inform the CA DMV if your husband is convicted of the speeding ticket and reckless driving offense. The CA DMV lists places out of state offenses on your California driving record and assess points. The CA violation schedule lists 1 point for speeding and 2 points for reckless driving.