Most states have laws that prohibit reckless driving, which also may be referred to as careless driving or dangerous driving in some states. Essentially, the prosecutor files reckless driving charges against a person who has been driving in a manner that shows purposeful, or willful disregard for other persons' safety, including other drivers, passengers, and/or pedestrians. Some states' reckless driving laws specify certain acts that automatically count as reckless driving, such as driving a certain amount over the posted speed limit, engaging a police officer in a chase, or passing another car on a two-way highway in an unsafe manner. Typically, reckless driving results in a misdemeanor charge, in which the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were driving in a reckless manner. If you are convicted of reckless driving charges, you could face serious penalties such as driver's license suspension, substantial fines, driver education courses, revocation of your probation or parole, and/or a jail sentence.