Steps to Resolve a Reckless Driving Ticket
Understand the Charge: A reckless driving traffic ticket involves willful and/or wanton disregard for safety (speeding 30 MPH over the limit, aggressive driving).
Penalty: 60 days in jail, $1,000 fine, 6 points.
Preliminary Inquiry: You will first receive a letter from the court notifying you of your preliminary inquiry. If you have a lawyer, a preliminary inquiry will not be necessary. If you do not have a lawyer, then you will need to appear in person.
Trial Date: You will receive a letter from the court notifying you of your trial date. It is important to show up at your trial date.
Bench Warrants: If you fail to appear at either your preliminary inquiry or your trial date, the court could issue a warrant for your arrest. If this happens, then you can be taken into custody if you come into contact with law enforcement.
Prior Record: Your prior record will help the judge to determine your sentence. A clean driving record will indicate to the court that you are not a habitual offender. A clear driving history could result in leniency. On the other hand, a long history of poor driving may result in a more harsh sentence.
Benefits of having a lawyer for your reckless driving charge…
- Lawyers know how to prepare you for a favorable result in court.
- If you hire an attorney you will not have to show up for your preliminary inquiry hearing.
- Lawyers know how to negotiate with prosecutors.
- Lawyers understand the law.
- Lawyers know when to settle and when to take a case to trial.