Most people have a flippant attitude about traffic violations. While they may find the process of a traffic stop frustrating, and the paying of a ticket inconvenient and expensive, they will do so with barely a second thought.
Even in cases where the issue was more serious than just going a few miles an hour faster than you should on public roads, the first inclination of many is to pay the ticket, plead guilty or otherwise do what they need to set the issue behind them and move on with their lives.
Reckless driving is certainly a more serious allegation than simply speeding, but you might still think that you’ll pay the costs and forget about it. Is it even worth fighting against a reckless driving ticket?
Reckless driving can cost you $1,000 and your license
Maryland defines reckless driving as operating a motor vehicle in a way that displays a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others.
Going far over the speed limit, driving the wrong way on the highway, racing in the streets or fleeing police could all constitute reckless driving. Drunk driving and texting while driving may also fall into this category depending on the attitude of the driver and the perspective of the officer conducting a traffic stop.
The penalties are often up to the judge hearing the case. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor, which could mean a fine of between $510 and $1,000. It also adds a massive six points to your license. Given that eight points is enough to suspend your license and 12 could lead to revocation, accumulating six points for one traffic offense could cost you your driving privileges.
How do you fight reckless driving charges?
The details of your case will affect how you defend yourself. In speeding cases, looking at the record for maintenance and calibration for the device used to determine your rate of travel might help.
In circumstances where the police officer has no scientific evidence but only their explanation to use against you, presenting your own version of events could undermine their claims and create enough reasonable doubt for you to avoid conviction.
Looking over the evidence against you can give you a better idea about how you can fight a pending reckless driving charge.