I was charged with reckless driving. Do I need a lawyer to get reduced charges?

Reckless driving is usually considered wanton and careless driving, often charged when someone is driving more than twenty miles per hour over the speed limit. It is a class I misdemeanor in many states, meaning that if you are convicted of this charge, you will have a criminal record. It can be more difficult to fight a reckless driving charge, but there are ways of doing so.

• Challenge the equipment used to measure your speed. There are many questions about the reliability of radar and laser guns, so if you can provide evidence of their weaknesses, you may have the charges reduced or dropped.

• If it is a first offense, you may have the option to plea bargain with the prosecutor. They may be willing to reduce the charges, allowing you to avoid a criminal record and jail time.

• Challenge the observations of the arresting officer.

• If there are any procedural errors in the arrest or in the wording of the ticket, the case may be invalid.

Reckless driving is a serious charge with long-term consequences. You may require the help of a traffic ticket attorney to help you find the evidence to fight the charge. It may be worth it in the end, however, since the consequences for a guilty charge include fines, possible jail time, and often increased insurance rates for three to five years.