5 Traffic Offenses That Could Lead to Jail Time

 Posted on April 05, 2022 in Criminal Defense

We all know that driving while intoxicated is illegal. However, DUI is not the only traffic offense for which you could be arrested or even sentenced to additional jail time. Wisconsin takes the rules of the road fairly seriously. Even getting too many regular traffic tickets can ultimately lead to criminal charges or a revoked license. If your traffic stop led to more than just a ticket you can pay and forget about, you should strongly consider working with an attorney. These more serious traffic offenses can leave you with a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life or even result in jail time.

Which Traffic Offenses Are Treated as Crimes?

Mild speeding or failing to stop completely at a stop sign is likely to get you ticketed and released. The ticket becomes part of your driving record, but you are unlikely to end up in jail or get stuck with a criminal record - unless you keep doing it repeatedly. However, these traffic offenses are considered criminal offenses:

• Hit-and-run - After a car accident - however minor - you are legally obligated to stop and exchange information at the least. In all but very minor accidents, you are also legally required to remain on the scene and wait for the police to take a report. Fleeing the scene after an accident can lead to hit-and-run charges.
• Suspended license - If you knew your license was suspended and drove anyway, you can be criminally charged. Revoked licenses are usually revoked because the state had safety concerns about a driver.
• Unauthorized borrowing - Even if you were not actually trying to steal a vehicle, it is still a criminal offense to drive a car without getting permission from its owner. You can be charged with this crime even if the car belonged to your family or household member.
• Not pulling over - If a police officer is trying to pull you over and you do not stop, or clearly establish a plan to pull over at a safer point, you could be charged with fleeing or eluding.
• Reckless driving - This catch-all charge encompasses any type of driving that reflects complete carelessness when it comes to safety, like excessive speeding or weaving in and out of traffic dangerously.

If you have been charged with any of these offenses, you should take it very seriously. Depending on the circumstances and the specific crime you are charged with, you could be at risk of being sent to jail.

Call a Wisconsin Traffic Crimes Attorney

Bucher Law Group, LLC is experienced in defending those charged with traffic offenses, from tickets to DUI. Our Waukesha County traffic crimes lawyers will strive to minimize the impact of your charge. Call 262-303-4916 to arrange a free consultation.

Source:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/statutes/346.61