Drivers who fail to follow traffic statutes are at risk of various consequences, even if they are from out of state and are unfamiliar with local rules. If they cross paths with a police officer, a traffic stop might ensue. In addition to the delay and embarrassment of a traffic stop, there’s also the potential for a costly citation in most cases.
Police officers can issue tickets for infractions ranging from speeding to failing to use a turn signal when merging on a highway. In some cases, traffic violations are serious enough to warrant criminal charges instead of a citation. If a police officer accuses a driver of reckless driving, they may not walk away from the encounter with just a ticket. Instead, they may have to go to court to avoid a criminal record.
Reckless driving carries serious consequences
Individuals accused of reckless driving or recklessly riding on an animal on public roads can face criminal charges. If they plead guilty, the courts can impose penalties based on state statutes. The maximum penalties possible include up to $1,000 in fines and 30 days of imprisonment.
How do people fight reckless driving charges?
The definition of reckless driving is relatively broad. It is open to the interpretation of the police officer. Reckless driving can include any behavior that displays a disregard for the safety of others. Driving on the wrong side of the road, excessive speeding in residential neighborhoods, racing and a host of other common traffic behaviors can sometimes lead to reckless driving charges instead of just a ticket.
When that happens, a driver accused of unsafe behavior may need to challenge how the police officer described the situation. What looked like dangerous behavior might have been a reaction to an animal on the road or a personal medical emergency.
Drivers can sometimes avoid a conviction by working with a defense attorney to present a different version of events in court. Other times, it may be possible to negotiate with prosecutors to reduce the charges from a criminal allegation of reckless driving to a less severe traffic citation.
Reviewing the situation that led to reckless driving charges with a skilled legal team can potentially help people to avoid jail time and a four-figure fine. Reckless driving allegations can be expensive and can also lead to a lifelong criminal record if people don’t respond properly.