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Understanding A Reckless Driving Charge
You have had the worst day of your life. Maybe you lost your job or your spouse decided to leave you high and dry. You are upset and should not behind the wheel of a car, but you decide that you have things to do that can’t wait. Maybe you just had too many rounds with friends at happy hour. In any case, you make a bad decision and try to drive, thinking you can handle it. A few miles from the safe haven of home, flashing lights and sirens grab your full attention. This is not good.
What is Reckless Driving?
It’s not something you hear often but it is possible to be stopped by the police for Reckless driving. Reckless driving is irregular driving that doesn’t follow traffic rules and is unpredictable in nature. Traffic stops for Reckless driving are usually triggered by certain behavior.
If you consistently swerve, cross over lane markers or drift to the edge of the road, you are going to attract attention from law enforcement officers. Reckless, or reckless, driving frequently leads to field tests for sobriety, which can lead to a DUI conviction or worse.
Reckless Driving First Offense
Reckless driving (28 A.R.S. § 693) penalties can be severe in extreme circumstances. If you haven’t had a reckless driving conviction (this includes DUIs and related violations) in two years, it will count as a first offense. In Arizona, this is a class 2 misdemeanor. Convictions can result in:
Four months in jail
$750 in fines
Driver’s license suspension for 90 days
Second Offense
If you have been convicted of a reckless or Reckless driving offense in the last 2 years, the charge imposed is a class 1 misdemeanor. This can result in:
six months in jail with a mandatory 20 days up front
$2,500 in fines
On the first offense, the judge has some discretion on whether to suspend your license. On a second offense, license suspension becomes mandatory. This includes any convictions within the past 7 years. You will lose your license for up to one year.
Defense Against Reckless Driving
It is not impossible to beat an Reckless driving charge. The more you do to help your case, the better chance you have to explain your behavior was normal under the circumstance. The first thing you are going to need is a great DUI and Reckless Driving lawyer.
If there are other reasons, besides impaired faculties, that explain your reckless driving, then you need evidence to make your case. For example, consider whether the weather, road defects or your vehicle’s condition could have been the culprit for your irregular but unavoidable behavior. Try to get weather reports, auto repair records or pictures of the location you were stopped to build your case.
If you were also charged with a DUI, it is critical to consult with your attorney about the best strategy to defend yourself against the charges leveled.
Hire An Attorney
Hiring a Reckless Driving Lawyer is vital because this is not an ordinary traffic citation. A Reckless driving citation is a criminal offense. In order to avoid exorbitant fines, loss of your license and jail time, you need all the help you can get.
Criminal charges can keep you from getting a job and they can impact your credit rating. Get the best representation available to prevent one mistake from ruining your entire life.
Author Bio:
Evan M. Levow, Esq. is an award-winning New Jersey DWI defense attorney at Levow DWI
Law who has been successfully representing drivers arrested on DWI charges in New Jersey for
decades. In addition to his dedication to representing his clients, Evan is also committed to
giving back by helping educate drivers throughout the country about DUI laws and safe driving practices.
If you find yourself facing a DWI or other traffic crime in New Jersey get the help you need by contacting Evan M. Levow, Esq. For more information go to his website at: https://www.nj-dmv-dwi.com/
