Is Reckless Driving a Misdemeanor?

When you’re pulled over for reckless driving, it may not have seemed like a big deal at first. You may have expected a traffic ticket or even a speeding ticket. What you may not have expected is an arrest. Now, you’re being booked, your car has been towed, and you may be facing criminal charges. 

Understanding the charges you’re facing is the first step toward getting your charges reduced or dismissed. Talk to a traffic ticket lawyer at Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ if you have questions about the severity of your charges and whether you’re facing misdemeanor or felony charges. 

Penalties for a Reckless Driving Misdemeanor

Typically, reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor. The police officer may have claimed you were swerving between lanes, speeding, driving through red lights, or showing other signs of reckless behavior. If you don’t dispute these claims, you may have a difficult time overcoming the penalties. 

While reckless driving is typically a misdemeanor, it can still come with severe penalties. For example, your fines may be up to $2,500. That’s not easy to pay off. You may also face up to one year in jail. 

Your license may also be suspended for some time. If this isn’t your first offense, you may even face a revoked license, meaning you’ll need to re-take your drivers test and pay a fine to get your license back. 

Other Factors Can Impact Your Case 

But you may not be facing misdemeanor charges if other factors impacted your case. For example, you may have been involved in an accident where someone was killed. At that point, you may not be facing misdemeanor charges any longer. You may instead be facing Class 3 felony charges. 

While a misdemeanor is serious, a felony can make a bigger impact on your future, especially your criminal record. Being labeled a felon can impact your housing, career, and family because felonies show up on background checks. That’s why it’s important to prepare for court and fight to get your charges reduced or dropped. 

Avoiding the Penalties of Reckless Driving Charges 

But how do you avoid the penalties of reckless driving? It’s your word against the police, and you may be afraid no one will believe your version of events. 

That’s why you may need a criminal defense lawyer. Chicago residents facing misdemeanor or felony charges can get the help they need from a lawyer who can prepare a strong defense for them. While a great result isn’t guaranteed, you may be able to get your charges reduced or dropped more easily with a lawyer. 

Talk to Your Lawyer about Reckless Driving 

When you’re accused of reckless driving, you need to start thinking about your defense now, before your case ever goes to court. 

But proving you weren’t at fault for a misdemeanor can be difficult. You may even need the lawyers at Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ on your side. With our lawyers on your side, you have an opportunity to face the charges and avoid these harsh penalties. When you’re ready to learn more, call 312-519-3171 or complete the following online contact form.