Driving is a privilege that can be taken away if you violate the rules of the road. One way to potentially lose your driving privileges or be punished in other ways in New Jersey is to get convicted on reckless driving charges. Reckless driving is best defined as operating your vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the rights or safety of others. New Jersey law specifically describes reckless driving as driving in a manner “so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property.”
If you are convicted of reckless driving, you may face any of the following penalties:
- Jail time for up to 60 days
- Fine of up to $200
- Points on your driving record
- Increase in your insurance premium
- The potential for losing your driving privileges
In order to avoid these harsh consequences, it is best not to engage in reckless or careless driving in the first place. However, if for whatever reason you are faced with a reckless or careless driving charge, it is imperative to take every step possible to fight the charges and avoid a conviction. One of the most important steps you should immediately take is to hire an experienced and knowledgeable New Jersey reckless defense attorney to help you devise defenses to fight the charges.
4 Defenses to a Reckless Driving Charge
Below are four common defenses to reckless and careless driving charges in New Jersey:
- Your driving did not in any way put any person or property at risk or harm.
- Your Miranda rights were violated – in other words, the police officer failed to advise you of your rights under the law or violated your rights.
- Improper chemical testing procedures – this applies in many cases where a reckless or careless driving charge accompanies a drunk driving charge.
- Sloppy or poor investigation by the police – this defense can include things such as the police misidentifying witnesses, incorrectly noting the accident or violation scene, or failing to properly document the evidence in your favor.
In order to devise the best defense strategy in fighting your reckless or careless driving charge, your attorney will need to look at the specific facts surrounding your case and determine what will work best in your situation. Since no two reckless driving cases are the same, you need a defense strategy that works best for your case in order to increase the chances of a dismissal or at least reduce the harsh consequences.
Call a Reckless Driving Defense Attorney in New Jersey
If you or someone you know has been charged with reckless driving in New Jersey, an experienced attorney can help. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with New Jersey reckless driving defense attorney Dan T. Matrafajlo, please call the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404.
