Will the judge go easy on me if this is my first reckless driving ticket?
In Maryland, reckless driving is a misdemeanor offense. This is different than a normal payable ticket. You would not be able to just pay a fine and then move on. As a first-time offender, the specific result you get will depend on a few different things:
- If you were speeding, how fast were you going?
- Was there alcohol involved?
- Was there an accident?
- Was anyone injured?
- How your clean driving record can help.
Were you speeding greater than 30 MPH over the limit?
A first-time offender speeding over 30 MPH can benefit from a skilled traffic lawyer. An attorney can properly prepare you for your day in court. Coming to court having taken the necessary steps, can result in a more favorable outcome. An experienced lawyer can help you avoid jail time and possibly keep your record clear.
Did your reckless driving ticket involve alcohol or drugs?
Sometimes law enforcement include a reckless driving offense when you are charged with a DUI. If this is your first DUI, and there was no accident, then your result will most likely be less severe than someone with their 5th DUI. Sometimes the reckless driving charge will be dropped by the prosecutor if you plea to the alcohol related offense.
What if the reckless involved an accident, or a near accident?
Your penalty will likely be less severe if your accident involved a minor fender bender with no injuries. On the other hand, if someone was seriously injured as a result of someone’s recklessness, then the court may consider a more severe outcome.
How your driving history can benefit you.
Perhaps you have been a cautious and careful driver. A clean driving record will show the court that you are not a habitual offender. A court may be more willing to exercise leniency for a first-time reckless driver offender. A Maryland traffic lawyer can show you the proper steps so that you are in an optimal position when you go to court.
Benefits of having a lawyer for your reckless driving charge…
- Lawyers know how to prepare you for a favorable result in court.
- Lawyers know how to negotiate with prosecutors.
- Lawyers understand the law.
- Lawyers know when to settle and when to take a case to trial.