Are Criminal Charges Possible for Reckless Driving in Wisconsin?

 Posted on October 27, 2022 in Criminal Defense

In the state of Wisconsin, reckless driving can be prosecuted as a criminal offense. It is defined as operating a vehicle in a careless or negligent manner, which endangers the safety of others. If you are convicted of reckless driving, you could face significant penalties, including fines and possible jail. In this blog post, we will discuss what reckless driving is, the penalties for a conviction, and some defenses to consider if you are charged with this crime.

Understanding the Offense of Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is prohibited by Wisconsin Statute 346.62, which provides that "No person may endanger the safety of any person or property by the negligent operation of a vehicle." In order to be convicted of reckless driving, the prosecution must prove that you were operating your vehicle in a manner that showed a disregard for the safety of others. This can be proven through circumstantial evidence, such as the way you were driving, what you said to the police, or even your demeanor at the time of your arrest.

Penalties for Reckless Driving Convictions in Wisconsin

The penalties for a reckless driving conviction depend on the severity of the offense and whether anyone was injured as a result of your actions. If you are convicted of a reckless driving offense for putting someone in danger and it is your first offense, you will face fines of up to $200. If your driving led to another person suffering a minor injury, you could face up to 30 days in jail and up to a $2,000 fine. If you are convicted of reckless driving that causes “great bodily injury,” you could face up to three and a half years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

Possible Defenses to Reckless Driving Charges

If you have been charged with reckless driving, there are some defenses that your attorney may be able to raise on your behalf. One defense is that the prosecution cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were operating your vehicle with disregard for the safety of others. Another defense is that you were actually driving in a safe manner, despite the circumstances. Finally, your attorney may be able to bring up mitigating factors, such as an unblemished driving record or the fact that no one was injured as a result of your actions.

Contact a Waukesha Traffic Crimes Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with reckless driving in Wisconsin, it is important to contact an experienced Milwaukee County traffic violations defense attorney right away. At Bucher Law Group, LLC, our skilled attorneys have defended many clients against reckless driving charges, and we are ready to help you. Call 262-303-4916 today to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/x/62/4