When you drive recklessly in New York, you can receive a serious charge for endangering the lives of other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, or for unreasonably interfering with a public highway. Since such actions are to be taken so seriously, police are given a lot of discretion as to determining what may constitute a reckless driving charge.
What Constitutes Reckless Driving?
There are a variety of things that a driver can do in New York that may constitute in reckless driving and therefore result in a charge. Such types of driving include:
- Speeding and driving off of the road
- Driving at a high speed without concern for others
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and committing various traffic offenses or accidents
- Driving through police barricades
- Driving across the centerline of traffic (while speeding)
- Starting to exist a ramp but then making a u-turn back and crashing into another vehicle
However, these actions by themselves don’t guarantee that a charge of reckless driving will be upheld. In order for the court to do so, the prosecutor must demonstrate that the driver showed carelessness and that their actions were irrational.
A charge of reckless driving in New York is one of the most serious driving offenses with which you can be charged. As such, there is a lot on the line for those in need of defending themselves. Therefore it’s so important to consult with a qualified New York traffic ticket attorney who can help to defend your rights.
A Misdemeanor
It’s important to understand that a ticket for reckless driving is not the same as a ticket for speeding. In fact, a charge of reckless driving is actually considered a misdemeanor in New York and carries a higher likelihood of jail time.
In order to be convicted for reckless driving in New York, the prosecution must be able to prove through evidence that the driving in question was more dangerous that basic negligent driving. Additionally, they must show that the driving offenses in question were joined by aggravating circumstances rather than just a singular traffic rule violation.
It’s important for those who have been charged with reckless driving to understand that while the burden of proof is greater, it is also more difficult to fight a reckless driving charge than a ticket for a regular traffic violation. Since a reckless driving charge is considered a criminal violation, the accused driver will most likely have to appear in court in front of a judge. But a qualified New York traffic law attorney can help you to defend yourself from such a serious charge.
AutoTrafficTickets.com Helps Those in New York Who Have Been Charged with Reckless Driving
If you have been charged with reckless driving in New York, it is best to contact an experienced New York traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible.
A knowledgeable and experienced traffic ticket attorney understands the relevant laws. AutoTrafficTickets.com can help you to receive the best outcome. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us today!
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