It’s a sight and sound that every driver dreads – seeing the lights of a cop car in your rearview mirror and hearing that police siren. If you are pulled over by law enforcement, you could simply get a warning and go on with your day. However, if you get any kind of a ticket, you should carefully review the paperwork to understand what you are facing.
In Connecticut, if you drive at excessive rates or speed or otherwise drive in an unsafe manner, you could be charged with reckless driving. This offense is not simply a traffic ticket – it is a criminal offense. If convicted, you could be sentenced to a fine or even sent to jail. The DMV will also issue a license suspension for 30 days or longer (for a subsequent conviction).
The Sills Law Firm represents clients throughout Connecticut who have been charged with a variety of criminal offenses – including reckless driving. We work hard to help our clients get the best possible outcome, which may include getting the charges reduced or even dismissed. Reach out to our law offices today to schedule a free initial consultation with a Connecticut reckless driving lawyer.
What Is Reckless Driving?
In Connecticut, reckless driving is a criminal offense – not an infraction or speeding ticket. It can be charged whenever a person operates a motor vehicle on a public highway, municipal road, parking area, school property, or a private road with a speed limit in a reckless manner. The statute specifically defines driving at a rate of speed greater than 85 miles per hour as a violation of this law.
It is possible to get a reckless driving charge for committing other traffic offenses, such as erratic driving (weaving between lanes, failing to stop at red lights, sudden stops, starts, and turns, etc.). The statute also states that driving on a highway, road, or parking area at a rate of speed that endangers the life of any person is considered reckless – which is often construed as 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit. Additionally, driving a motor vehicle with the clutch or gears disengaged or knowingly operating a vehicle with a defective mechanism can constitute reckless driving.
Most often, Connecticut drivers are charged with reckless driving for driving 85 miles per hour (mph) or more. While a police officer might give a driver a reckless driving ticket for speeding, it is NOT just a traffic ticket. It is a criminal offense.
A conviction for reckless driving carries serious consequences – including having a criminal record. This charge will also appear on your driving record. For this reason, if you have been charged with reckless driving, you should contact an experienced Connecticut criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Penalties for Reckless Driving in Connecticut
If you plead guilty or go to trial and are found guilty of reckless driving, the conviction will go on your criminal record. Depending on the situation, you may be sentenced to jail time for this charge.
A first-time conviction for reckless driving in Connecticut will result in a fine of up to $300 and/or up to 30 days in jail. You may also be sentenced to probation. If you are convicted of reckless driving a second time, the potential fine goes up to $600 and the prison term increases to up to a year. A judge could sentence you to probation as well.
This criminal charge is somewhat unique because – like driving under the influence (DUI) – it will result in both criminal and administrative sanctions. Specifically, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue a 30-day license suspension for a first offense. Each subsequent conviction will result in a 90-day license suspension.
If your license is suspended, then you will have to get it reinstated. The DMV charges a $175 fee for license reinstatement. You also have to submit paperwork to the DMV to have your license reinstated.
Of course, as with any type of traffic ticket, your car insurance company will be alerted about your reckless driving conviction. In most cases, having a driving-related conviction will result in increased insurance premiums. Your insurer may even decide to terminate your auto insurance policy.
In other words, reckless driving charges are a double whammy. Not only could you face jail time and a fine, but you will also deal with consequences related to your driver’s license. If you have a commercial driver’s license, this type of conviction could also affect your ability to work and earn a living. Because the potential penalties are so far-reaching, it is vital that anyone charged with reckless driving in Connecticut contact The Sills Law Firm immediately to schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney.
Fighting a Reckless Driving Charge
As noted above, most reckless driving charges are based on driving at dangerous rates of speed (usually over 85 mph). These cases often turn on the accuracy of the speed detection device (such as a radar or laser) that was used to determine your vehicle’s speed.
While police officers rely heavily on devices like radar guns, they aren’t always accurate. Our law firm will evaluate the police report and analyze the device data carefully in light of the time of day and other factors like weather. We will request the calibration history for the device, and review any photos and videos of the scene. In some cases, the laser may have accurately determined speed – but for a vehicle other than yours.
There are several possible defenses to a reckless driving charge. It may also be possible to get the case dismissed or the charge reduced so that you do not have a criminal conviction on your record. The key is to not simply accept the charge and plead guilty – but to work with a top-notch criminal lawyer who can fight to protect your rights.
Notably, there are cases in which a reckless driving conviction – or more specifically “wet reckless” – is a good outcome. If you have been charged with a DUI, then wet reckless (i.e., reckless driving involving alcohol) is often a better option than a DUI conviction. Be sure to talk to your attorney about potential outcomes for a DUI and related cases if you have been charged with any criminal offense related to driving in Connecticut.
How Our Law Firm Can Help
Reckless driving is more than just a traffic ticket. If convicted, you will have your driver’s license suspended – and may even be sent to jail. Our law firm will work with you to get the best possible result for a reckless driving charge.
The Sills Law Firm represents individuals charged with all types of criminal offenses, including those related to driving. We understand how scary it can be to be facing criminal charges, and help our clients understand their legal rights and the likely outcome for their case. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation with a member of our legal team, give our law offices a call at 866-970-9818 or fill out our online contact form.
