Reckless driving is a crime in Minnesota. Generally, a person can be convicted of the offense for driving while aware of but consciously disregards a “substantial and unjustifiable risk that the driving may result in harm to another or another’s property” or street racing.
The consequences of a Minnesota reckless driving conviction depend on the circumstances. But generally, the possible penalties are:
Though it’s not mandatory, a reckless driving conviction can lead to a license suspension of up to one year.
Minnesota has another offense called “careless driving.” The offense is defined as operating or stopping a vehicle “carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of the rights of others, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any property or any person.”
The consequences of a careless driving conviction are the same as those for a standard reckless driving violation (see above).
In Minnesota, it’s possible for a driver who’s charged with driving while impaired (DWI) to “plea bargain” for a lesser charge. When a DWI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it’s sometimes called a “wet reckless.”
The facts of every case are different. If you’ve been arrested for or charged with reckless or careless driving, get in contact with an experienced defense attorney. A qualified attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on how best to handle your situation.