Most drivers think nothing of pleading guilty to traffic offenses. That is essentially what happens when they pay their tickets. After a police officer issues a citation accusing them of breaking the law, they pay the fine and move on with their lives.
In some cases, admitting to a traffic violation can have more serious consequences. Certain traffic offenses are actual crimes rather than civil infractions that lead to citations. Reckless driving is typically a misdemeanor crime, which makes pleading guilty a more serious matter.
What are the risks of a reckless driving conviction?
Obviously, allegations of reckless driving can impact a person’s reputation. Especially if they drive professionally, a conviction for reckless driving could reduce their opportunities or make them ineligible for a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Even those who simply use their vehicles to commute to work are at risk of significant penalties if they plead guilty to a reckless driving offense just to resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
If a motorist pleads guilty, they face criminal penalties and may have a permanent criminal record. The possible sentence could include up to 12 months in prison and $1,000 in fines. Underage drivers could lose their driving privileges after a reckless driving conviction. Regardless of age, the party convicted of a reckless driving offense has a record that may turn up every time employers or other outside parties conduct background checks.
Understanding the penalties possible after a reckless driving conviction can inspire people to take their pending criminal charges seriously. Those accused of reckless driving may be able to defend against the charge or negotiate the misdemeanor charge they face down to a simple traffic ticket with the help of a criminal defense attorney.