While each state defines these offenses differently, if convicted, a person might face thousands of dollars in penalties and potential prison time. Knowing what to do and what your rights are if you are caught and charged with one of these felonies may make or break your case.
Defined risky driving
A reckless driving charge, also known as “driving to endanger” in certain jurisdictions, criminalizes action when someone exhibits a knowing disregard that their driving puts others at risk. Each jurisdiction will often have a wide range of reckless driving lawyer. If convicted, the potential sanctions grow in severity depending on criteria such as exceeding a speed limit, overtaking school buses, street racing, and other risky conduct.
There is no specific set of behaviors that indicate whether a driver’s acts are reckless; rather, the circumstances of each event enable the citation officer or a jury to reach a decision. Many persons are charged with reckless driving after being involved in an accident, while others are stopped and cited while driving.
Is drunk driving the same as DUI?
Drunk driving, sometimes known as DUI or DWI, is a separate criminal offense with higher consequences. States segregate these driving infractions to highlight the detrimental effects of alcohol and drugs on public safety. A DWI/DUI is predicated on a measured degree of alcohol supported by scientific procedures such as blood testing and breathalyzers, while reckless driving is a more broadly defined offense that may involve a variety of other behaviors. In certain situations, a person charged with dui may negotiate a plea agreement with the state prosecutor to lower the DUI conviction to careless driving, which carries a less severe punishment.
How is drunk driving punished?
Most states consider reckless driving to be a misdemeanor or the equivalent in their jurisdiction. Conviction frequently leads to penalties of several hundred or even thousands of dollars, as well as a few days to three months in prison. In certain areas, reckless driving accidents with aggravating characteristics like as severe speeding, emergency vehicle endangerment, and school zone violations may be punished as felonies.
Furthermore, the conviction will appear on the person’s driving record. This is critical if you reside in a state that has a traffic infraction points system, which impacts the cost of your auto insurance and may lead to a license suspension. Some states may additionally mandate driver safety or improvement programs, such as those needed in a reckless driving lawyer.
Misdemeanors and constitutional rights: What you should know?
Criminal defendants have the right to legal representation, even if they cannot afford one. This applies to all defendants charged with a felony, whether it be a state or federal offense. However, when charged with a misdemeanor, the right to counsel is not always guaranteed.
However, this does not preclude you from obtaining the assistance of an attorney if you are arrested or questioned on suspicion of a misdemeanor. If you are arrested or otherwise held by police, all interrogation should cease as soon as you request legal representation. This gives you the option to hire a criminal defense counsel to evaluate your case.