When most people get traffic tickets for speeding, they may be irritated at the expense and the hassle but normally aren’t extremely disturbed about the ticket. However, if you get a ticket for reckless driving in New York, it should be taken extremely seriously.
If you are convicted of reckless driving, you will have a criminal record with a misdemeanor conviction. This is much more serious than a traffic ticket. If you are convicted of reckless driving, you will have a criminal record which could make obtaining a job more difficult.
If you are convicted of reckless driving, your punishment depends on how egregious your driving was, as well as if it’s your first conviction or a subsequent conviction.
If your driving was reckless enough, you may go to jail for up to 30 days for a first offense, and longer if it’s your second or third offense. You will also incur a fine and five points on your driver’s license. If you accumulate 11 points in 18 months, you may lose your driver’s license. Your insurance rates will also skyrocket as a result of a reckless driving conviction.
Therefore, because of the serious nature of the charges, it’s important that if you receive a ticket for reckless driving that you fight it. You may have several defenses to the charges, or you may be able to plea bargain to a lesser offense. It’s important that you discuss the matter with a New York criminal defense attorney to see what your options are.
If you’ve received a ticket for reckless driving, call the New York Defense Attorneys at Friedman & Ranzenhofer at 585-484-7432. Our attorneys will be happy to help you with your ticket.