What Constitutes Reckless Driving in Wisconsin?

 Posted on July 16, 2019 in Criminal Defense

Holding a driver’s license is a privilege that many people take for granted. When you receive a driver’s license, you agree to multiple things, perhaps the most important being that you will operate your vehicle in a safe and responsible manner. Risky driving and/or breaking Wisconsin traffic laws can lead to serious reckless driving charges. As is the case for many states, the definition of reckless driving can encompass a variety of actions and behaviors on the road. 

Reckless Driving Definition

When it comes to reckless driving, the Wisconsin laws can be somewhat open to interpretation due to the many actions that could lead to this charge. At its base, reckless driving in Wisconsin constitutes any behavior that endangers the safety of any other people or property through the negligent use of a vehicle. Further, the law states that “no person may cause bodily harm to another by the negligent operation of a vehicle,” meaning that reckless driving charges may apply whether or not a driver's negligence led to actual harm.

Though there is no specific list of behaviors that constitute reckless driving, there are certain types of behaviors and acts that are typically prosecuted through reckless driving charges. Examples of reckless driving can include:

• Operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI)

• Texting and driving

• Not paying attention to the road

• Street racing

• Excessive speeding

• Running red lights or stop signs

• Displaying signs of aggressive driving or road rage

OWI and Reckless Driving Charges

In many cases, OWI charges can be reduced to reckless driving charges. This typically occurs through a deal that is reached with the prosecutor. The offender pleads guilty to the lesser reckless driving charges in order to receive a more lenient sentence. This typically only occurs on a person's first offense that did not result in the death or bodily harm to another person.

Contact a Waukesha County Reckless Driving Defense Attorney

Driving erratically or unsafely can lead to serious consequences. If you have been accused of OWI or reckless driving, you need a Milwaukee County traffic violations defense lawyer who understands the law. At the Bucher Law Group, LLC, we can defend against both reckless driving charges and petition to have your OWI charges reduced to reckless driving whenever possible. Call our office today at 262-303-4916 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/X/61