Wisconsin's "reckless driving" law states that "no person may endanger the safety of any person or property by the negligent operation of a vehicle." As used in the statute, the term "negligent" basically means the person should have known the driving posed a substantial risk of harm to a person or property.
The consequences of a Wisconsin reckless driving conviction depend on the circumstances. But generally, the possible penalties are:
A reckless driving conviction adds six demerit points to the motorist's driving record. Accumulating 12 or more points within a 12-month period leads to license suspension.
In some states, it's possible for a driver who's charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI), also called "driving under the influence" (DUI), to "plea bargain" for a lesser charge. When an OWI is plea-bargained down to a reckless driving charge, it's sometimes called a "wet reckless."
Wisconsin law doesn't prohibit plea bargaining in OWI cases. So, for someone who's accused of drunk driving in Wisconsin, convincing a prosecutor to reduce the charge to reckless driving.
The facts of every case are different. If you've been arrested for or charged with reckless 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.