what to say to a lawyer about getting a reckless driving reduced

by Cleo Lynch 7 min read

The best way of getting a DUI reduced to reckless driving is to solicit the help of an experienced DUI attorney. A DUI attorney will help you fight for your rights by entering into a plea bargain. When you enter into a plea bargain, the courts dismiss specific charges in exchange for a guilty plea on a lesser charge.

Full Answer

How can I get my reckless driving charge reduced to speeding?

Answer. In some instances, it may be possible to get a reckless driving charge reduced to a lesser offense. Most commonly, when this occurs, you may have the offense reduced to "improper driving." Reckless driving is generally considered to be more than just a traffic ticket or citation, like when you getting a speeding ticket.

What should I do if I receive a reckless driving ticket?

 · 2 attorney answers. There are certainly ways you can get your reckless driving charge reduced to a speeding infraction or some other non-criminal traffic infraction. Sometimes officers make mistakes (including writing the wrong numbers down on a ticket) when they pull people over for reckless driving. The biggest mistake they can make is to use ...

Should I get my DUI reduced to reckless driving?

 · When a Reckless Driving Charge Can Be Reduced to Improper Driving. Your first step should be to retain an experienced reckless driving attorney if you are charged with this …

Can I get my reckless driving charge dismissed?

Even if the case involving a given driver will likely not result in a dismissal, there are still options available for a driver to beat a reckless driving charge. Plea Strategies for Reckless Driving …

How can I reduce my reckless driving ticket in Virginia?

As long as you do not possess a commercial driver's license, the judge is permitted to be lenient in cases of reckless driving by recommending that you attend a driver improvement clinic or perform community service in lieu of the normal penalties for the charge.

How long does a reckless driving stay on your record in Virginia?

11 yearsHow long does a reckless driving conviction in VA stay on my DMV record? Reckless driving remains on your Virginia driving record for 11 years. However, if your Virginia traffic attorney is able to get the charge reduced, the reduced charge may remain on your record for a shorter period of time.

How can I get my reckless driving ticket reduced in NC?

An attorney can advise you on your rights, argue the case in court, and help you determine whether to plead guilty to a lesser charge or take the case to court. In many instances, an experienced attorney may be able to get the ticket dismissed or get the criminal charge reduced to a civil charge.

Can a reckless driving charge be dropped NC?

Even if you believe that you were guilty, you may have defenses to the reckless driving charges you face that can result in the charges being dismissed or being reduced to a much less serious offense.

Is 85 mph reckless in Virginia?

Many people also found it problematic that other states' thresholds were 15 mph or more above the posted speed limit for a reckless driving charge. The new amendment to Virginia code raises the Virginia reckless driving speed to 85 miles per hour regardless of the speed limit.

What is the penalty for reckless driving in Virginia?

Reckless driving crosses the mark from traffic infractions to a criminal charge, so it is a Class One misdemeanor. Class One misdemeanors come with a maximum fine of $2,500 and the possibility of jail time for up to 12 months, so it is serious.

What is a prayer for Judgement in North Carolina?

What is a Prayer for Judgment Continued in North Carolina? A PJC is a legal device used in some misdemeanors and traffic violations where the Court does not enter a final ruling or conviction in a case, even after the individual has been found guilty or pled guilty.

How do you get a prayer for Judgement in NC?

When the District Attorney calls your case and asks you how you plead, simply say something like: Your Honor, I plead guilty. I request Judgment be Continued. The District Attorney is not opposing my request. Also, I have my certified driving record here for your review.

How long does reckless driving stay on record in NC?

Reckless driving stays on your record in North Carolina for life. In addition to a lifetime mark on your record, North Carolina may also levy penalties that may include: 60 days in jail.

Will I go to jail for reckless driving in NC?

Reckless driving is classified as a class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina. This offense carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

How many points is reckless driving in NC?

4 PointsAbout North Carolina DMV PointsOffenseDMV PointsReckless Driving4 PointsHit and Run (property damage)4 PointsPassing a Stopped School Bus5 PointsSpeeding (75 mph or greater when limit < 70)Suspended34 more rows

How much is a reckless driving ticket in NC?

a $1,000 fineThe maximum penalty for your first reckless driving offense is a $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail. If you are a repeat offender or there were contributing factors, you could pay more and spend up to 60 days in jail. Under certain conditions, you could have your license suspended or revoked.

What is reckless driving?

In many cases, reckless driving charges are criminal offenses, and they have serious sanctions to go with them. For example, in the state of Virginia, a reckless driving charge is considered to be a class 1 misdemeanor and can result in six points on your driver's license, fines up to $2,500 and even up to a year in jail. ...

What do you need to admit to plea deal?

You need to admit what you did and take whatever punishment is agreed upon in the plea deal. If you do hope to arrange a plea, it is in your best interests to get a lawyer. Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf and maximize your chances of successfully getting the charges reduced.

Can you reduce charges if you have a prior conviction?

On the other hand, if you have prior convictions, you were egregiously reckless or you caused harm (like an accident) the prosecutor may not be willing to let you reduce the charges. When you do arrange a deal for reduced charges, this deal is going to be in exchange for you pleading guilty.

Can a prosecutor make a deal with you?

The prosecutor can choose if he or she wants to make a deal with you or not. Some factors that may make a prosecutor more inclined to offer a deal are: If you are a juvenile. If you have no prior offenses. If you truly seem remorseful and if the prosecutor does not believe you will commit the offense again.

Can reckless driving be reduced?

Answer. In some instances, it may be possible to get a reckless driving charge reduced to a lesser offense. Most commonly, when this occurs, you may have the offense reduced to "improper driving.". Reckless driving is generally considered to be more than just a traffic ticket or citation, like when you getting a speeding ticket.

Andrew William Lindsey

There are certainly ways you can get your reckless driving charge reduced to a speeding infraction or some other non-criminal traffic infraction. Sometimes officers make mistakes (including writing the wrong numbers down on a ticket) when they pull people over for reckless driving.

Mark Steven Paullin

So you are charged with a CRIME - not a traffic violation. That means a conviction forever is you are convicted. Most folks have better luck getting a local lawyer (Emporia) to handle their case. Good luck!

What are the penalties for reckless driving?

The penalties for reckless driving are very different than the penalties associated with improper driving convictions: 1 Reckless driving is generally a class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Your driver’s license can be suspended for up to six months, and six demerit points are assessed by the DMV, which will remain on your record for 11 years. This is on top of a permanent criminal record. 2 Improper driving is a traffic infraction and carries up to a $500 fine. There is no possibility of jail time or license suspension if convicted of improper driving. In addition, only three demerit points are assessed by the DMV, and those points will remain on your record for only three years instead of eleven.

How much is reckless driving?

The penalties for reckless driving are very different than the penalties associated with improper driving convictions: Reckless driving is generally a class 1 misdemeanor with penalties of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

How long does a reckless driving charge stay on your record?

In addition, only three demerit points are assessed by the DMV, and those points will remain on your record for only three years instead of eleven. A number of factors can affect whether or not you will be able to get a reckless driving charge reduced ...

What is the Virginia Code for reckless driving?

If you have been charged with reckless driving, Virginia Code § 46.2-869 allows the judge or prosecutor to reduce a reckless driving offense to improper driving if the culpability is slight. Numerous factors play into the determination of whether culpability is slight.

What is the speed limit for reckless driving in Virginia?

For example, Virginia Code § 46.2-862 makes driving 20 mph or more over the speed limit or over 80 mph reckless driving. Virginia Code § 46.2-852 very broadly defines reckless driving as driving recklessly or in a manner that endangers a person or his property. You should not take receiving a reckless driving ticket lightly because it is ...

How long does a driver's license stay on your record?

Your driver’s license can be suspended for up to six months, and six demerit points are assessed by the DMV, which will remain on your record for 11 years. This is on top of a permanent criminal record. Improper driving is a traffic infraction and carries up to a $500 fine. There is no possibility of jail time or license suspension if convicted ...

Can a lawyer reduce a charge?

Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may be able to reduce your charge or have it dismissed. While working towards a dismissal of the charge is always the goal, often a reduction of the charge is the best that can be done.

Defense Strategies for Reckless Driving Charges

Aside from the commonly employed traffic violation defense strategies, such as postponing, appealing, and seeing if an officer appears in court, a reckless driving charge presents the opportunity to employ other legal defenses, as well.

Plea Strategies for Reckless Driving Charges

If outright dismissal is not possible, a driver and their lawyer most likely can obtain some form of plea bargain with prosecutors that reduces the reckless driving charge to a lesser offense, most likely a civil traffic infraction.

Getting Legal Help with Reckless Driving Charges

Again, it is integral for a driver to consult with a lawyer about an existing reckless driving charge as soon as possible to begin creating a solid defense strategy against the charge.

Evidence That May Help You Fight Reckless Driving Charges

It is possible to get a reckless driving charge dropped (or at least reduced) with the help of a legal professional. However, whether or not this is possible does depend on the specifics of each case. Judges will only choose to drop cases that prove the individual’s minor culpability.

When Can a Reckless Driving Charge be Dropped?

Reckless driving cases are typically only dismissed if any of the evidence listed above can be found and be presented in court. The judge may drop a reckless driving charge immediately following the presentation of such evidence.

How to Reduce a Reckless Driving Charge

If there is not enough evidence to support the case being dropped, there is still a possibility that the charges can be reduced. In this case, the charges will be lessened to negligent or improper driving rather than reckless driving. These are not criminal offenses, so the driver’s criminal record will remain clean.

What if I Choose to Come to Court?

Anyone charged with reckless driving can choose to go to court with an attorney or represent themselves, speaking directly to the judge. A judge may, however, advise a defendant to obtain legal counsel. Having representation can substantially improve a defendant’s chances of getting the reckless driving charges dropped or reduced.

How to Fight a Reckless Driving Ticket: Tips from Experts

For anyone who has received a reckless driving ticket, getting the charge reduced or dismissed can be worth the time invested in the process. An attorney can assist in finding evidence against the charges and presenting this evidence to the court. In addition, there are things the defendant can do to help improve chances of a positive outcome.

Conclusions

Pleading down a careless driving ticket is possible with the right legal help. An experienced attorney will be able to inform you of your legal rights and will know how to get a careless driving ticket dismissed. The attorney will be able to look for evidence that supports your case.

Why is it important to be polite to law enforcement?

Virginia law states that in any case of reckless driving where the culpability of the driver is minimal, the judge can reduce the charge to “improper driving.”.

How long does it take for a violation to disappear in Virginia?

Improper driving is a 3- point traffic infraction. It disappears from your Virginia driving record in 3 years. It’s one of the lowest-level moving violations in Virginia. Improper driving can be a great result, compared to the 6-point misdemeanor conviction of reckless driving.

Can a judge give you a break for reckless driving?

Even if the evidence is sufficient to find you guilty of reckless driving, the judge can still give you a break aside from improper driving. Virginia law allows the judge to send you to a driver improvement clinic to have a traffic case reduced or even dismissed completely.

Can an officer be questioned on a cross examination?

At the very least, the officer can be questioned on cross examination if improper driving would be a more appropriate outcome. No matter how we get there, improper driving beats reckless driving. Driver improvement clinic.

Do judges like driving school?

Also, some judges don’t like drivers doing a driving school before coming to court. That’s because Virginia DMV awards five safe driving points for completing the driving school voluntarily. Some judges see that as double dipping. They don’t want you to get five bonus points and then obtain a reduced charge in court. With those judges, doing driving school without consulting an attorney might hurt your case.

Can you do driving school without an attorney?

With those judges, doing driving school without consulting an attorney might hurt your case. Along with improper driving and driving school, some judges use community service as a tool in traffic cases. It can be a way to punish defendants but also to give people a chance to earn a break on the charge.

Do judges dismiss speeding cases?

Some judges will dismiss certain speeds while reducing others. Some judges may not use driving school at all. Again, speak with a local attorney who knows the judge who will be handling your case to make sure you get solid advice. Also, some judges don’t like drivers doing a driving school before coming to court.

Why is a wet reckless charge more appealing than a driving under the influence charge?

The reason why a wet reckless is more appealing than a driving under the influence charge is because the consequences are much less severe. That is if it’s too late to get out of a DUI charge, of course.

How to get a misdemeanor dropped?

Therefore, for them to lower or drop the charges, you need sufficient evidence and/or proof to back up your case. It’s also important to note that you might land yourself with more severe punishment because you went up against the prosecution. They may feel that making an example out of you (if they find you guilty) is the best course of action.

What is a wet reckless charge?

This makes it easier to remember. Wet reckless means reckless driving due to alcohol. It’s less serious than a DUI, but more serious than just regular reckless (dry reckless) driving. A wet reckless isn’t a charge people can be arrested for, its existence is more for lowering the charge of driving under the influence. You are more likely able to get your DUI lowered to a wet reckless if it’s your first offense.

How to get a DUI dropped?

Understanding what the prosecution wants and obtaining a lawyer to advocate for you are two of the best methods to take when trying to get your DUI dropped to a reckless driving charge. DUI lawyers should always explain very clearly to you what angle they are going to take, and what offer the prosecution has put on the table.

What does it mean to get a lesser offense?

To get a lesser offense such as reckless driving or a traffic ticket instead of a DUI means you need to accept a plea bargain. Many don’t understand that this means you are pleading guilty, but just to a less serious offense.

Is a DUI more serious than reckless driving?

December 26, 2019. So you have been charged with a DUI, which on the scale of severity, is more serious than reckless driving. Although we should add that any sort of driving offense is serious and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you feel as if you are wrongly accused of and charged with a DUI or DWI, then you might want to attempt to get ...

Can you plead for reckless driving without cause?

You should not and cannot take advantage of the law and plead for a wet reckless without cause. There has to be good reason for you to fight this case. Your lawyer may go about the case by taking an angle. The angles traffic lawyers commonly take are whether the field sobriety/breathalyzer tests were legal, if you were stopped with or without probable cause, etc. Your lawyer will go to bat for you, so make sure to do your homework before you decide which lawyer/law firm to go with. You can also seek help on how to get back your license.