The Potential Consequences of Reckless Driving
A qualified reckless driving lawyer should be well aware of the potential consequences of a reckless driving conviction on your record. In fact, your entire legal team should recognize the importance of retaining quality legal representation to protect one’s rights when navigating the justice system. This is because justice is often elusive if you choose to represent yourself. Without a firm understanding of motor vehicle laws and related laws of the state, as well as the prosecutor’s methods and judge’s ruling history, it can be nearly impossible to effect a positive outcome.
As a drunk driving attorney from a firm like Rispoli & Borneo can explain, When your reckless driving lawyer accepts a case, one of the highest priorities is to determine if your rights were violated in any way. As often happens, the justice system fails at some point along the way, whether it was the actions taken by the arresting officer, the prosecutor, or even the judge. A skilled and respected reckless driving lawyer has the knowledge required to identify these failings, which may lead to a reduction of the charges, or even a case dismissal. Have your case analyzed at no cost to you by calling an accomplished legal office and scheduling a consultation with a reckless driving lawyer.
Typical Penalties Assessed Upon a Reckless Driving Conviction
Whether or not the reckless driving charge against you qualifies as a misdemeanor, any criminal conviction carries serious penalties. And unless you are able to get an expungement with the help of a lawyer, a reckless driving conviction will permanently remain on your criminal record. Actual penalties for a reckless driving conviction vary from case to case. Because your reckless driving lawyer will know the details of your case, they can provide a more accurate best to worst case scenario of what penalties you may incur if convicted. Here is a general overview:
· Financial penalties in the form of one or more fines. No one likes to pay fines, but when convicted of reckless driving, a person can expect to pay at least one and possibly more. Each fine ranges from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars.
· Incarceration in the county or municipal jail. Your reckless driving lawyer will advise you as to whether a conviction will be considered a misdemeanor or a felony. If there are extenuating circumstances (such as a fatality or serious injury resulted from your actions), you may be facing prison time in a federal facility. The duration of time that a judge will sentence someone convicted of a reckless driving charge is generally guided by state mandates and minimum sentencing requirements. Again, your reckless driving lawyer can provide you with more information that is specific to your case.
· Suspension of driving privileges. While this in itself may pale by comparison to incarceration, the long term ramifications should not be discounted. Without the ability to legally drive, commuting to work may be difficult – if not impossible. If one’s job includes driving on behalf of a company, the individual may lose their job and it will likely be within the employer’s legal right to terminate the employee “with cause” because they can’t perform their job. And not having the ability to drive can significantly impact one’s character and social standing.
This is only a partial list of the potential consequences for a reckless driving conviction. Call a reckless driving lawyer today to learn more from our reckless driving lawyer.