QUESTION

What are penalties for reckless driving?

Asked on Jan 01st, 2012 on Criminal Law - Nevada
More details to this question:
I just got a summons for reckless driving. At first I was influenced with alcohol and when they brought me to the precinct and did my BAC level was 0.015 .The officer gave me the summons. I was wondering what are the penalties for this summons when I go into court.
Report Abuse

41 ANSWERS

Criminal Defense Attorney serving Fullerton, CA at The Law Offices of John W. Bussman
Update Your Profile
Are you accused of reckless driving or DUI? Hard to tell you what to expect without a lot more details.
Answered on Jun 20th, 2013 at 2:00 AM

Report Abuse
Jacob P. Sartz
Generally speaking, if charged with the misdemeanor version of reckless driving, MCL 257.626, the offense is "punishable by imprisonment for not more than 93 days or a fine of not more than $500.00, or both." Further, convictions for this offense will also result in license sanctions, including suspension restricted driving privileges, or other sanctions at the discretion of the Secretary of State. Anyone charged with reckless driving should consider retaining a lawyer.
Answered on Jan 17th, 2012 at 5:51 PM

Report Abuse
Drug Charges Attorney serving Houston, TX at Cynthia Henley
Update Your Profile
Are you charged in a municipal or justice of the peace court? If so then it is a fine only.
Answered on Jan 13th, 2012 at 11:52 AM

Report Abuse
Michael J. Breczinski
Reckless Driving is a misdemeanor and can carry up to 93 days in jail and /or $500 fine plus court costs also you license gets suspended and you get 6 points on you license. You need an attorney.
Answered on Jan 10th, 2012 at 2:38 PM

Report Abuse
Speeding & Traffic Ticket Attorney serving Sherman Oaks, CA
4 Awards
Per the statute (VC 23103 - reckless driving)... persons convicted of the offense of reckless driving shall be punished by imprisonment in a county jail for not less than five days nor more than 90 days or by a fine of not less than one hundred forty-five dollars ($145) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that fine and imprisonment, except as provided in Section 23104 or 23105. That being said, I have resolved these cases with no jail time, minimum fines, and getting similar cases reduced to simple infractions. Also, as alcohol was involved, they may charge you with a "wet reckless," meaning alcohol was involved, which carries additional penalties.
Answered on Jan 09th, 2012 at 11:26 AM

Report Abuse
Automobile Attorney serving East Lansing, MI at Nichols Law Firm PLLC
Update Your Profile
It depends on the state. In Michigan it is a misdemeanor with penalties a little harsher than owi in the license sanctions.
Answered on Jan 08th, 2012 at 10:25 AM

Report Abuse
In Michigan, reckless driving is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days in prison and a fine of up to $500. Reckless driving is defined by the Michigan statute as driving on highway, road, or other place open to the general public (including parking lots) in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
Answered on Jan 06th, 2012 at 4:10 PM

Report Abuse
Personal Injury Attorney serving New Orleans, LA at Bloom Legal LLC
Update Your Profile
The exact penalties will vary depending upon the specific circumstances of your arrest. Generally, the guidelines are as follow: 1st Offense: -Fines of up to $200 and/or -Jail time of up to 90 days 2nd Offense: -Fines of $25-$500 and/or -Jail time of 10 days to 6 months.
Answered on Jan 06th, 2012 at 10:56 AM

Report Abuse
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Lake Charles, LA at Michael R. Garber
Update Your Profile
You'll get a fine and have to pay court costs if you plead guilty or no contest. How much the fine and court costs are will depend on where you're prosecuted. It all depends on the judge and the court.
Answered on Jan 06th, 2012 at 10:49 AM

Report Abuse
Steven D. Dunnings
Hire a lawyer. You can end up having your license suspended as well as fines and costs. You might also have to pay an annual driver's responsibility fee the the Secretary of State, although there is talk that the State legislature was going to abolish that. Jail is always a possibility, depending on your past driving/criminal history.
Answered on Jan 06th, 2012 at 10:29 AM

Report Abuse
DUI Attorney serving Albuquerque, NM
1 Award
In New Mexico, a reckless driving conviction can lead to some serious penalties. Pursuant to Section 66-8-113 NMSA 1978, "[e]very person convicted of reckless driving shall be punished, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 31-18-13 NMSA 1978, upon a first conviction by imprisonment for not less than five days nor more than ninety days, or by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor more than one hundred dollars ($100), or both and on a second or subsequent conviction by imprisonment for not less than ten days nor more than six months, or by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both." In addition, ".the director may suspend the license or permit to drive and any nonresident operating privilege for not to exceed ninety days."
Answered on Jan 06th, 2012 at 9:22 AM

Report Abuse
Criminal Law Attorney serving Howell, MI at Law Offices of Jules N. Fiani
Update Your Profile
93 days in jail and loss of license for 90 days.
Answered on Jan 06th, 2012 at 9:20 AM

Report Abuse
Sex Crime Attorney serving Dedham, MA at John DeVito
Update Your Profile
The maximum penalty for operating recklessly in Massachusetts is up to 2 years in jail and a fine of up to $200. It is rare that someone goes to jail for this type of offense, assuming no serious accident and no serious bodily injury. They are often resolved without a conviction and with payment in court costs.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 5:18 PM

Report Abuse
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Santa Rosa, CA at Michael T. Lynch
Update Your Profile
Simple reckless driving falls under Vehicle Code section 23103 and comes with a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail. That charge assumes no alcohol was involved, and no accident or injury took place. In addition to jail time, the court might impose an ignition interlock device be install in your vehicle.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 5:16 PM

Report Abuse
Criminal Trial Attorney serving San Jose, CA at Law Office of Thomas F. Mueller
Update Your Profile
Normally it would be a fine. However a good lawyer could probably get a reduction to an infraction. That would not show on your record as a crime.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 5:14 PM

Report Abuse
About half of what a DUI would have cost you. Stop drinking. It is very expensive if you get stopped by a cop.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 4:56 PM

Report Abuse
Criminal Law Attorney serving Boulder, CO
3 Awards
Reckless is a major traffic violation and carries 8 points on you DL (if you get 12 points in 12 months or 18 in 24 months, then you can be revoked for points). As a major traffic violation, it counts towards Habitual Traffic Offender status. You could get 90 days of jail. The real question is whether you were actually driving recklessly. This means that you knew there were risks to driving a certain way and you drove that way anyway - you knew the risk and took the risk. This is usually charge with really bad driving, not just somewhat bad driving (example, 10 mph over speed limit could be careless driving, where as 30 mph over the limit is likely reckless). Reckless is often the result where the cops cannot prove DUI or DWAI - it is often a plea bargain result. But, if your driving was sufficiently bad, maybe you were reckless. I suspect the offer will be to careless driving. They will try to make you do alcohol classes, but I think that is BS.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 4:52 PM

Report Abuse
Commercial Attorney serving New York, NY at Aaron M. Goldsmith
Update Your Profile
You are charged with a Misdemeanor and can face license suspension as well as traditional criminal penalties. You should contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to best protect your interests.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 4:41 PM

Report Abuse
Reckless driving is a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to 3 months in county jail. You should hire an experienced defense attorney, who may be able to get your case reduced down to an infraction.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 4:35 PM

Report Abuse
Family Attorney serving San Marino, CA
1 Award
Standard punishment for a reckless driving charge, if charged as a misdemeanor, are: In Los Angeles County 2-years summary (informal) probation (although you can face up to 90 days in county, for a first offense, with no car accident, it is unlikely that you would be sentenced to any jail term) $250 fine (plus penalty assessment - with court costs and fees, the overall fine will likely come to just over $1,000) The DA may also push to have you enroll in and complete the SB-1176 Program (a 12-hour wet-reckless driving program - but if you are charged with V.C. 23103 (and not 23103/23103.5), there is no requirement you do this program.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 4:34 PM

Report Abuse
Don't assume you will have any penalties if you can hire an attorney and fight the charge.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 4:30 PM

Report Abuse
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Andover, MA
Partner at Lewin & Lewin
4 Awards
In Massachusetts the charge of reckless driving is contained in Chapter 90, Section 24 of the General Laws. The penalty provision for reckless driving provides for a sentence to the house of correction from 2 weeks to 2 years and a fine of not less than $20 nor more than $200. A conviction also carries with it a 60 day loss of license for a first offense of reckless driving.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 4:22 PM

Report Abuse
Appellate Practice Attorney serving Clinton Township, MI at Thomas J. Tomko, Attorney at Law
Update Your Profile
In Michigan the penalties for reckless driving include a possible 93 days in jail, up to 2 years probation fines of $500 costs, 6 points on your record and 1-year of a suspended license. You should hire an attorney to represent you should you wish to fight the charges or negotiate a more favorable plea. I hope that this was helpful.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 4:18 PM

Report Abuse
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Castle Rock, CO
1 Award
The possible penalty depends upon whether there are prior offenses, but the penalties range from fines only all the way up to 6 months in jail (if there are priors). In addition, it is 8 points against your driving privilege which has greater consequences depending upon your age. Good luck!
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 2:08 PM

Report Abuse
Criminal Law Attorney serving Exeter, NH
Partner at Russman & Phinney
3 Awards
In New Hampshire the minimum penalties for Reckless Operation is a 60 day loss of license and a $500 fine with a 24% penalty assessment.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 11:15 AM

Report Abuse
Criminal Defense Attorney serving New York, NY at Raiser & Kenniff, PC
Update Your Profile
These are serious offenses in NY. Both the DWI and the Reckless Driving are crimes. The worst case scenario is that you would be sentenced to jail. You should find out whether you were charged with the misdemeanor or the felony reckless driving.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 11:11 AM

Report Abuse
The potential penalties are a year in jail, a $5,000 fine, probation and various probationary conditions, and a suspension of your driver's license.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 11:07 AM

Report Abuse
Criminal Law Attorney serving Ellicott City, MD at Law Office of William C. Wood, LLC
Update Your Profile
Reckless driving is punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000.00. If a guilty finding is entered, the MVA will assess 6 points on your license. If you have an otherwise clean driving record, you may be eligible for Probation Before Judgment, which would allow you to avoid the points. I would recommend consulting with an experienced traffic attorney to discuss your case.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 11:02 AM

Report Abuse
Appellate Practice Attorney serving Bloomfield Hills, MI at Law Office of William L. Spern
Update Your Profile
Reckless driving is a 6 point civil infraction with fines in excess of $300.00. Court cost will also apply if you contest the ticket. Pay it and drive carefully.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 11:02 AM

Report Abuse
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Westlake Village, CA
Partner at Roberts Law Group
4 Awards
You need an attorney. Reckless driving is a 2 point violation and most of the time filed as a misdemeanor. An attorney might be able to fight and/or reduce this charge. Your insurance will increase. You must do everything to lessen this charge.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:59 AM

Report Abuse
Small Businesses Attorney serving Livonia, MI at Klisz Law Office, PLLC
Update Your Profile
It is a 6 point misdemeanor crime. You certainly need a lawyer to try and avoid a conviction.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:56 AM

Report Abuse
Criminal Law Attorney serving Lancaster, NH at Harden Law Office
Update Your Profile
60 day loss of license, 500 fine. If bac is that low you may have defense. Contact a defense lawyer.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:50 AM

Report Abuse
Car Accidents Attorney serving Milwaukee, WI at Velez, Moreno & Vargas, LLC
Update Your Profile
The Court will inform you of the penalties you potentially face when you make your initial court appearance.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:47 AM

Report Abuse
Criminal Law Attorney serving Houston, TX
Partner at Thiessen Law Firm
3 Awards
It's a hybrid class B misdemeanor. You got real lucky not getting a DWI. Punishment range is still the same though ($2,000 180 days) but it's not nearly as bad as a DWI.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:45 AM

Report Abuse
Assault Attorney serving Phoenix, AZ
4 Awards
Reckless driving is a class 2 misdemeanor with a maximum jail sentence of 4 months. You can also lose your license and receive fines. If you have a prior reckless driving conviction the penalties are harsher. See the link below. You should retain counsel to assist you in your case; don't represent yourself.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:44 AM

Report Abuse
Gary Moore
You seem to indicate that you blood alcohol level was less than .08 percent. That would be the reason why you were not charged with dui. The penalties for reckless driving are a fine and four points on your New Jersey driving record. A suspension of your driving privileges, if your driving was actually reckless. Usually, the officer has gotten cared away and charged reckless driving when the charge sould be the lesser careless driving.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:44 AM

Report Abuse
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Federal Way, WA at Freeborn Law Offices P.S.
Update Your Profile
Reckless driving is what is classified as a gross misdemeanor, which means it is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000.00 fine. Unlike a DUI, there is not mandatory jail time. All jail time could be suspended. Depending upon the circumstances/facts of your case, and whether you have any other driving related offenses, you could also look at the suspension of your license. You should consult with an attorney.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:37 AM

Report Abuse
DUI Defense Attorney serving Phoenix, AZ
4 Awards
In Arizona ,Reckless Driving is a class 1 misdemeanor. It carries a penalty of up to 6 moths in jail and a $2500 fine. It also carries 8 points on your license. This means you will have to complete Traffic Survival School. If you already have points on your license the conviction may result in a suspension. You should contact a criminal defense attorney to assist you. Good luck.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:36 AM

Report Abuse
Criminal Attorney Attorney serving St. Louis, MO
That offense could put points on your driver's license which may cause your insurance rates to go up. You're probably better off paying an attorney to try and get it amended to a nonmoving violation.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:35 AM

Report Abuse
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Orange, CA at Law Office of Joe Dane
Update Your Profile
If it's code section 23103 of the Vehicle Code, you're still looking at a misdemeanor. Yes, it's much better than a DUI, but in the code, there's a mandatory 5 days in jail and/or a thousand dollar fine. It's also two points on your license as well. It's worth getting an attorney - either on you hire or the public defender if you financially qualify and the judge appoints them.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:34 AM

Report Abuse
James Edward Smith
This is a traffic misdemeanor so you face 6 months in jail, $1,000 file, suspension of your license and points on your DMV record. However, it usually gets plea bargained.
Answered on Jan 05th, 2012 at 10:33 AM

Report Abuse

Ask a Lawyer

Consumers can use this platform to pose legal questions to real lawyers and receive free insights.

Participating legal professionals get the opportunity to speak directly with people who may need their services, as well as enhance their standing in the Lawyers.com community.

0 out of 150 characters