Is A Reckless Driving A Misdemeanor ?
Usually traffic offenses are referred to as infractions and include mechanical and non-dangerous moving violations. However, there are some traffic offenses that are termed as misdemeanors or felonies and are often punished by fines, revoking or suspending the driving license or even jail time. |
In most states, reckless driving is a misdemeanor because the way a person drives can cause injury to another person or damage property. However, in some cases reckless driving can be classified as a felony depending on the reason for driving in a reckless manner, the driver's prior history, and the damage caused by the driving Felony usually carries much harsher penalties compared to misdemeanor.
Reckless driving as a misdemeanor can be punishable by fine and/or incarceration in a country jail for period of less than one year. Usually when a person is arrested for a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving, he will be arrested and would have to post a bail bond. Only then can he stay at home. However, on the date that the court hearing is fixed for, the person has to be present in court along with his lawyer.
A person charged with a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving should take the charge seriously. This means the first step involves getting an experienced attorney who can fight the case. In most cases, the attorney will first look at all the available options and then work towards reducing the fine or jail time or get the police to drop the charges. The way fines and/or jail time are usually reduced is through plea bargain. Sometimes this is the best option available for a person charged with a misdemeanor crime of reckless driving.
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