Reckless driving is defined by law as anyone who drives with willful and wanton disregard for other people’s property and safety. When someone is driving so carelessly that they could almost cause an accident or hurt someone, it is reckless driving.
Reckless driving offenses are more serious than many other traffic infractions. If you have been charged, reach out to an experienced defense attorney from Leifert & Leifert. A dedicated Wellington reckless driving lawyer could fight for you.
What are the Common Reckless Driving Scenarios?
Reckless driving can involve different scenarios. Often, it is because a person is driving too fast and carelessly. It is usually speed plus some other dangerous maneuvering. It could be speed and weaving in and out of traffic without signaling, speed passing on the right, or just weaving in and out of traffic. It can also be taking turns at a high rate of speed without checking an intersection. Someone spinning their tires or anything that is likely to cause an accident, injury, or damage could be charged with reckless driving.
What are the Penalties for Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is extremely serious in Wellington. When a driver endangers someone’s person or property, the Court, Prosecutor, and police officers in the community will take action against the driver. The authorities vigorously pursue reckless driving cases to make sure they do not happen again and to punish the driver for their reckless driving. The maximum punishment for reckless driving when no alcohol is involved is 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. A conviction will also lead to points on the individual’s driver’s license.
Reckless driving is relatively serious because the allegation is that the individual was being reckless, not careless or negligent, but purposely and willfully doing something to endanger another person’s property or health. For a first offense, a reckless driving lawyer in Wellington may get the sentence reduced and possibly dismissed depending on the facts of the case and the person’s driving record.
Difference Between Speeding Tickets and Reckless Driving
Speeding is not a crime; however, reckless driving is. A reckless driving charge is a criminal charge that one could be arrested for and convicted. For a misdemeanor, the driver could be put on probation, go to jail, lose their driver’s license, and be assigned other tasks by the judge. A speeding ticket is a simple infraction with a fine that one must pay or go to driving school. A reckless driving charge is a criminal charge that requires a court appearance by the driver and/or their attorney unless they get a successful resolution of the case.
Due to the fact that reckless driving cases are more severe than a speeding ticket, it is crucial for a defendant to contact an accomplished defense lawyer from Leifert & Leifert right away.
Appearing in Court After Being Charged with Reckless Driving
When someone is charged with reckless driving, they or their attorney must appear in Court. If they do not have an attorney, they must appear for court every hearing. If they do have an attorney, they do not need to appear in court unless their attorney tells them otherwise. If the defendant obtains a seasoned criminal lawyer, they should not expect to have to appear in court for a regular reckless driving case unless there was an accident, or they have a history that requires more attention from the Judge and Prosecutor.
Contact a Wellington Reckless Driving Attorney
If you have been charged with reckless driving, you should reach out to a seasoned attorney from Leifert & Leifert today. A Wellington reckless driving lawyer could advocate for you and help you understand your legal options. Call our team today.
