The police caught up with you driving way too fast on the Penn-Lincoln Parkway and hazardously swerving between lanes. They charged you with reckless driving, and now you’re worried about what will happen to your driving record and how big your fine will be. Mistakes can happen to anyone, but Pennsylvania punishes reckless driving harshly. It is critical that you hire an experienced attorney as soon as you can so they begin working on a strong defense for you.
Penalties For Reckless Driving
Pennsylvania’s strict penalties for reckless driving that include:
- Up to 90 days in jail
- $200 or more in fines
- Points on your driving record
- Possible six month license suspension
Actions That Can Lead To A Reckless Driving Ticket
Pennsylvania defines reckless driving as driving with willful or wanton disregard for other people’s safety. These include behaviors such as:
- Driving fast enough to put other motorists or pedestrians in danger
- Persistent, deliberate tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic lanes at top speed
- Driving the wrong way on expressways, off-ramps or one-way streets
What Pennsylvania Law Says About Reckless Driving
Pennsylvania states, generally, that any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving. Any person who violates this section shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $200 and undergo a license suspension of six (6) months. The fine doubles if you are convicted of reckless driving in active work zones and emergency response areas.
Steps To Take If You Are Charged
Criminal traffic violations such as reckless driving are criminal offenses and it is dangerous for you to risk ignoring them or trying to handle them yourself.
If you have been charged with a criminal traffic offense, your first step should be to immediately hire a criminal traffic lawyer. Prosecutors will not negotiate with you alone.
An experienced attorney will have worked with the prosecutors handling your case many times before. They can draw on their relationships and understanding of the local court system to lessen or dismiss your charges. If you are found guilty, your attorney may also be able to negotiate on your sentence.
Your Defense For Criminal Traffic Charges
Your attorney will develop lines of defense depending on the circumstances of your case. The prosecutor must prove you were driving recklessly and if you were not, your attorney will gather evidence to show you were obeying traffic laws.
Questions? Contact me.
Your rights are at stake and you need the best defense to keep them. I will fight using the strongest defense available to get your Reckless Driving charge reduced or dismissed so you can move on with your life.
