Reckless Driving Charges Explained

 Posted on November 21, 2024 in Criminal Defense

Reckless driving is something of a catch-all traffic charge for operating a vehicle in any way that endangers people or property. It is less serious than a DUI but more serious than a speeding ticket. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor crime, not a minor traffic violation. If someone actually did get hurt as a result of your reckless driving, you could even be sent to jail. However, a first-offense reckless driving charge that did not result in any injuries does not carry jail time. The penalties get much more serious with repeat offenses or injuries to others, including your own passengers. If you have been charged with reckless driving, you should reach out to a well-qualified Walworth County, WI traffic crimes attorney.

What is Reckless Driving? 

The crime of reckless driving covers a wide variety of conduct that puts other people or property around you at risk. Reckless driving might include: 

• Excessive speeding - Going a few miles an hour over the speed limit is normally just a ticket, especially if you are keeping pace with traffic around you. However, driving at 55 miles per hour when the speed limit is 35 miles per hour, and everyone else is going 40 miles per hour could be considered reckless driving. 
• Aggressive driving - Trying to run other vehicles off the road, deliberate tailgating at high speeds, "brake checking" other drivers at high speeds, or weaving in and out of traffic trying to get ahead might result in a reckless driving charge. 
• Driving with a low B.A.C. while showing signs of impairment - If your B.A.C. is less than 0.08 percent, but you are showing signs of impairment or driving in an unsafe manner, you might be charged with reckless driving. 
• Failing to follow safety rules at railroad crossings - Driving under the train crossing barriers while they are closing, stopping on the tracks or forcing the driver behind you to stop on the tracks, or going around the train barriers while they are down likely constitutes reckless driving. 
• Driving outside of normal traffic lanes - Risky maneuvers like driving on the shoulder or sidewalk to get around traffic can be considered reckless driving, as pedestrians are at risk and drivers who are in a proper lane may not think to look out for a driver who is not on the road. 
• Risky passing - Passing other cars in a dangerous fashion, such as by using a center turn lane as a passing lane or passing several vehicles at a time using a lane that is meant for traffic going the opposite direction, can be treated as reckless driving. 

Contact a Walworth County, WI Reckless Driving Lawyer 

If you are facing reckless driving charges, Bucher Law Group, LLC can help. Experienced Waukesha, WI traffic offenses lawyer Paul E. Bucher spent 20 years as the Waukesha County District Attorney. Contact us at 262-303-4916 for a free consultation.