Reckless driving is more than a minor traffic violation. Drivers who put themselves and others at risk don’t walk away with just a ticket. Police officers in Hawaii can arrest people for reckless driving in a variety of circumstances.
People who speed excessively, who drive the wrong way on a one-way street or who otherwise display a disregard for the safety and well-being of others on the road could face reckless driving charges. The state statute even allows for the prosecution of an individual who recklessly rides an animal in public.
Many people expect to just pay a fine when facing accusations of breaking traffic statutes. However, the penalties for reckless driving tend to be more serious than the penalties imposed for less serious traffic infractions.
Reckless driving is a criminal offense
An officer doesn’t simply issue a ticket when they suspect someone of reckless driving. They may arrest the driver or gather evidence to submit to prosecutors to bring charges against that individual. Should the driver accused plead guilty or get convicted, the consequences they face can be significant.
A reckless driving charge is a misdemeanor offense. The courts can sentence a defendant to up to 30 days in jail and $1,000 in fines. The offense can also add between three and six points to a driver’s record. In more egregious cases, the driver could be at risk of a license suspension. Unlike traffic offenses, which remain visible on a driver’s record for up to 10 years, a criminal conviction creates a lifetime record of misconduct in most cases.
There are numerous defenses to reckless driving allegations. Sometimes, there is a reasonable explanation for behavior in traffic that might otherwise be inappropriate and reckless. Much depends on the perspective of the police officer who witnessed the conduct or the prosecutor bringing the charges. A compelling narrative can go a long way toward undermining the validity of reckless driving accusations.
Both local residents and tourists may find themselves accused of reckless driving and worrying about the consequences. They may have the option of taking their case to trial to avoid a conviction. Learning more about Hawaii’s traffic statutes can be beneficial for those accused of unsafe conduct on the road.