Every traffic stop has the potential to be costly and disruptive. A ticket or citation can cost hundreds of dollars or more. The state also keeps a record of recent tickets by adding points to a driver’s record. Too many points accumulated in a short amount of time could lead to a driver’s license suspension.
The potential penalties for traffic tickets reflect the severity of the alleged traffic violation. More serious misconduct in traffic can lead to particularly significant penalties. Reckless driving is one of the more serious traffic offenses. Those who fail to demonstrate adequate care while operating a motor vehicle, possibly by drastically exceeding the posted speed limit, could receive a citation for reckless driving instead of a less serious offense.
What are the potential consequences of a reckless driving citation?
Reckless or careless driving is a crime
Technically, all traffic citations are indicative that someone broke the law. However, traffic infractions are usually less serious than outright criminal activity. Reckless driving is one of the offenses that actually leads to a criminal record if the motorist pleads guilty.
Reckless driving can lead to a Class 2 misdemeanor charge. The fines could cost the motorist up to $1,000, and they could also be at risk of jail time and a driver’s license suspension. The state can also add four points to the motorist’s record, which can put their license at risk and influence what they pay for insurance.
How can drivers fight back?
Frequently, those accused of reckless driving can potentially negotiate with the prosecutor. A criminal defense attorney familiar with fighting traffic tickets could potentially secure a plea to a lesser offense, such as a simple speeding ticket rather than a misdemeanor charge.
In some cases, it may even be possible to defend against the allegations by explaining the situation to the courts. A police officer’s limited insight into the situation may not accurately reflect what happened in traffic. A motorist may be able to avoid entering a guilty plea when there is a reasonable explanation for conduct that seemed reckless to law enforcement professionals.
Responding appropriately to allegations of reckless driving can make a major difference for motorists. Depending on what led to the traffic ticket at issue, there might be a variety of ways to limit the consequences of a reckless driving citation.