If you are involved in a case of reckless driving, then you are going to need a good reckless driving criminal defense attorney to help your case. Luckily for you, reckless driving is a misdemeanor in the state of California, so if you’re in the Riverside, Temecula, Murrieta or Banning area, then we can help. No matter the circumstances of your attest, you’re still going to need to contact a lawyer and have them on your side to help you through. We will help you figure out what to expect in the future going forward and help prepare a defense.
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What Are The Penalties For Reckless Driving?
Misdemeanor reckless driving is a lot less severe than if it were a felony. As such, if you are convicted of misdemeanor reckless driving, then you could be facing up to 90 days in jail. Alternatively, you might be given a fine of between $45 and $1000. In some cases, you could end up with both together.
These are not the only penalties that you could face, though. You could also be looking at your car being impounded and having your license suspended. You will receive two points added onto your license, and if you have any previous reckless driving convictions on your record, then your punishment could be more severe. The penalty that you receive will also be more severe if someone was hurt or killed based on your actions.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is defined under the California Vehicle Code section 23103. It is described as ‘a person who drives a vehicle upon a highway in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.’ You can receive a reckless driving charge for a number of reasons, including but not limited to driving at high speeds and weaving in and out of traffic lanes.
There are two types of reckless driving; the first is wet reckless driving. In some cases, a DUI can be reduced, and instead of being a felony fall under wet reckless driving, and you’re going to need a DUI defense attorney to help you navigate this. It’s important for you to recognize that a DUI is a felony, and if you’re being charged with this without it being reduced, you need a felony DUI lawyer. This will only happen if your Riverside defense lawyer is able to come to a plea deal with the prosecution. If you receive another DUI in the next ten years, then the wet reckless driving conviction you have will be seen as your first DUI.
There is also dry reckless driving. This is what you will normally face with a reckless driving charge, as it means that there was no alcohol involved. It will appear on your record but will not count against you if you are convicted of a DUI later.
When Should I Contact A Reckless Driving Attorney?
As soon as you have been arrested is the best time to contact a lawyer. The quicker your attorney comes to you, and the more information they have, the better they are going to be able to defend your case. When you meet with them, you need to be prepared to answer the questions even if they seem intrusive as the better they understand what happened, the easier this is going to be for them. You want to ensure that you bring any documents that you might need to the meeting once you have contacted them, including a copy of the police report so that your attorney will be able to review this.
The quicker you get the ball rolling on this, hopefully, the quicker the case will go by. You won’t have to sit around, trying to figure out your defense on your own, and you’re not going to have to panic because your case will be in safe hands. Remember that you don’t have to hire the first lawyer that you meet with, but it’s best to contact the best one that you can find right from the beginning to avoid a long process trying to find the right one.
Benefits Of Hiring A Defense Attorney
Having a defense attorney on your team means that you are likely to have the charges dropped against you, or at the very least, have the best chance of having them reduced. A defense attorney will be able to protect you from hefty fines, which can save you a lot of money. These professionals know how to navigate the legal system as they have extensive knowledge of how it works, meaning that you are in good hands. If you want to win a battle, it requires planning, and you’re going to need someone who has the knowledge to do this, which is where your attorney is going to be your best friend.
As well as this, attorneys have resources that make them able to handle cases efficiently. There will be other team members working on your case, gathering information to give your lawyer the best possible chance of defending you in court. If you were to represent yourself, you’re not going to know how to obtain court resources to help yourself, but a professional criminal defense lawyer will.
Contact A Riverside Reckless Driving Criminal Defense Attorney Today
Get in touch with the office of John Michels today. He is well known for being a:
- Juvenile DUI defense attorney
- Juvenile reckless driving attorney
- Reckless driving
- Speeding ticket defense attorney
- Felony reckless driving defense lawyer
- Red light ticket defense attorney
And so many more. Michels was a former prosecutor, and as such, has intimate knowledge of how these cases are investigated and tried. He brings a unique ability to look at a case from all sides to ensure the best outcome for his clients. If you have found yourself in a situation where you need a reckless driving defense plan, then get in touch today. You can get in contact online or by phone.
