Being granted the right to drive is a privilege, but a lot of people consider it a right. That said, there are some drivers out there who take “the right to drive” for granted and, due to that attitude, can end up losing their license or even going to jail when their driving habits violate the law. But even those that take care when behind the wheel have to make sure they don’t make a mistake and get charged with a traffic violation. When most people think about a “traffic violation” the first thing that comes to mind is a speeding ticket. But the truth is there are other types of traffic-related crimes that can get a driver in trouble. Some examples include DUI and Reckless Driving. The term “Reckless Driving” is a confusing one, conjuring images of driving much faster than the posted speed limit instantly coming to mind. But there is more to a Reckless Driving charge than just excessive speed, and it is a good idea to know what you are up against if you are charged with Reckless Driving.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you are facing charges of Reckless Driving:
● The official legal definition of Reckless Driving is driving in a way that is in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others.
● The facts needed to establish and prove a case for reckless driving vary from case to case. This means you have some room for interpretation, and within that room is where your defense will be built.
● Unfortunately, a Reckless Driving charge can be a sort of “catch all,” encompassing anything from driving too fast to weaving in and out of traffic to simply disobeying a traffic signal.
The confusion over what is considered Reckless Driving might lead you to believe that the charges are not that serious. However, Reckless Driving charges can be quite severe and result in harsh consequences. Among the possible forms of punishment is loss of your license and perhaps even a requirement that you spend some time behind bars. If you have been charged with Reckless Driving, let us help you.
For more information on Reckless Driving, and to learn what to do if you are charged with this crime, contact our office today. Call an experienced criminal defense attorney in Key West.