A Reckless Driving charge is a serious offense. It is considered an Unclassified Misdemeanor. Accompanying the criminal designation, a first offense Reckless Driving charge includes 5 points on your driver’s license and anywhere from a $100 to $300 fine. In certain cases, a 30 day jail sentence is also a possibility.
So what does it mean to be charged with Reckless Driving? According to Section 1212 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law:
“Reckless driving shall mean driving or using any motor vehicle… in a manner which unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the public highway, or unreasonably endangers users of the public highway.”
Police officers are looking for motorists who operate their motor vehicle in such a way as to interfere with the free and proper use or unreasonably endangers others on the public highway. Some factual circumstances that have led to a motorist being charged with Reckless Driving include:
· Excessive Speed combined with following too closely and failing to signal a lane change
· Driving off the road while Speeding
· Speeding combined with a disregard for pedestrians
· Speeding combined with a DWI
On a positive note, a charge for Reckless Driving can, in many instances, be plea bargained down to a lesser offense. If you are charged with Reckless Driving it is highly recommended you seek legal representation. Being found guilty of a crime is a very big deal. This may impact your ability to obtain work, housing, etc. Always feel free to contact The Kessler Law Firm for a free consultation.
