Arizona Reckless Driving Lawyer
A driver could receive a “reckless driving” charge for any operation of a vehicle that poses a “reckless disregard for the safety of others,” according to Arizona Code Section 28-693. The law does not include a specific definition of “reckless disregard” – unfortunately leaving it largely to the police officer’s discretion. The best, and the first thing you should do, after receiving such a traffic citation and facing severe penalties, is to retain our reckless driving attorneys in Arizona. The team of traffic violation lawyers at Corso Law Group may be able to dismiss or reduce the charges against you.
The Consequences of Reckless Driving in Arizona
Reckless driving is a major moving traffic violation in almost every state. It is more serious than negligent driving, careless driving, or simply breaking roadway rules. Reckless driving typically results in hefty fines, driver’s license suspension or revocation, and the chance of incarceration in county jail. It is a criminal traffic offense, while careless driving is only a civil infraction. A criminal charge changes how the law treats offenders, and the way the driver should go about his or her legal defense. A conviction can follow you around for life.
If it’s the driver’s first offense, they will be guilty of a class 2 misdemeanor, punishable with up to 4 months in jail, fines of $750, plus surcharges, 8 points assessed against driver’s license and up to 2 years of probation. Driver’s license suspension of up to 90 days is also a possibility. Even if a driver has never had a reckless driving conviction in the past, they may face penalties for a second offense if there is a history of driving under the influence (DUI), or several other serious violations within the past two years. Second and subsequent offenders found guilty of reckless driving are guilty of a class 1 misdemeanor, with up to 6 months in jail, fines of up to $2,500, plus surcharges, 8 points assessed against driver’s license, and up to 3 years of probation. A second offense comes with a mandatory license suspension for a maximum of one year.
Arizona has flexible jurisdiction over what the penalties should be for reckless driving. Punishments may vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the infraction. If reckless driving caused personal injury or property damage to another party, the driver will face more severe penalties. A previous history of traffic violations may also lead to a more severe sentence. There is no telling what the court may assert as just or fair punishment in a reckless driving case. It’s important to safeguard yourself with the right Arizona reckless driving lawyer, not a court-appointed representative.
When to Hire an Arizona Reckless Driving Attorney
Reckless driving is a serious criminal offense in Arizona. You must retain your traffic violation lawyers when going to pre-trial hearings, or court dates for a reckless driving moving violation. A good lawyer will be able to push for a plea bargain with a lesser sentence. There is also a chance of convincing the state to dismiss the charges. Speak to our team of experts, to learn more about potential defense strategies in your particular situation. Contact Corso Law Group at (480) 471-4616 We also accept online consultation requests around the clock.
