If you face charges for reckless driving, please read on, then contact an experienced Rockland County reckless driving attorney to learn if you can go to jail for a reckless driving offense in New York.
Can you be incarcerated for reckless driving in New York?
Even though reckless driving is a misdemeanor and not a felony, the possible consequences are significant. In addition to being required to pay a substantial fine and fees, you may also have to spend several weeks in jail. Furthermore, you will also end up with a permanent criminal record.
What are the penalties for reckless driving in New York?
That will depend on the number of times, if any, you have previously sustained convictions for this or related offenses. That being said, the penalties for reckless driving are as follows:
First offense reckless driving:
- A fine of $100 to $300
- A jail sentence of up to 30 days
Second offense reckless driving (within 18 months):
- A fine of $100 to $525
- A jail sentence of up to 90 days
Third offense reckless driving (within 18 months):
- A fine of $100 to $1,125
- A jail sentence of up to 180 days
- Revocation of your driving privileges
It does not matter whether this is your first offense or your third, you should reach out to a skilled Rockland County traffic violations attorney to discuss your next steps.
How can a Rockland County traffic violations attorney help you?
A qualified legal representative will work to uncover, collate and present evidence that indicates one or more of the following defenses:
- You were not the one driving the car: This is a strong defense because the prosecution must have proof of you driving the vehicle.
- You were engaged in careless driving, not reckless driving: Though both are considered traffic violations, careless driving is considered less serious, as evidenced by its minimized penalties.
- The reckless driving was not willful or intentional: Furthermore, you might argue that the reckless driving was necessary because of some emergency that presented a threat to you or a third party.
- You were not being reckless, but negligent: Coupled with other arguments, this defense contends that you were not driving unsafely and that you followed all the other driving instructions, like wearing a seat belt.
- The devices used for measuring speed were not maintained or calibrated properly: These poorly-maintained devices led to an inaccurate determination of speed.
Whatever strategy you adopt, you should not face these charges alone. Please give us a call today, so we can handle it for you.
Contact our experienced Rockland County firm
Those facing criminal charges in New York need a strong Rockland County criminal defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Fortunately, our firm is ready to put over 30 years of experience to work for you. Call today or contact The Law Office of Carl Spector online to schedule a free confidential consultation. We are ready to help you go on living life positively, happily, and free from the burdens of a criminal conviction–all you have to do is ask.
