Why Do You Need A Racine Reckless Driving Lawyer?
In Wisconsin, reckless driving is considered more than a simple traffic violation. It can be a criminal offense that lands you in jail. The charge involves driving in a negligent manner that results in endangering other people. In the most serious cases, it results in grave injuries to others. Many traffic violations carry penalties of a fine or license suspension. However, because a charge of reckless driving can involve severe injury to another person, some who are charged with reckless driving end up with felony convictions.
If you are charged with this offense, you need representation from an experienced lawyer who is familiar with the laws related to traffic violations in Wisconsin. The staff at Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C., is not only experienced with traffic violations, but has years of experience in criminal law.
Definition of Reckless Driving
Under section 346.62 of the Wisconsin statute, you can be charged with reckless driving if you:
- Drive in a negligent manner such that you endanger the safety of a person or property
- Drive in a negligent manner and as a result, seriously injure another person
- Drive across a railroad crossing or around a crossing gate and as a result recklessly endanger another person
Consequences of a Reckless Driving Conviction
If you are convicted, the penalties range from a $50 fine to up to 3 years in prison. The penalty that you receive depends on several factors, including whether or not someone was injured, the seriousness of the injuries, and whether or not you have prior reckless driving convictions within the last 4 years.
If you are found guilty of reckless driving, but you did not injure anyone, you will have to pay a fine of between $50 and $500. However, if you have at least 2 reckless driving convictions in the last 4 years, your sentence will also include up to 1 year in jail.
If you are found guilty of reckless driving, and as a result you injured someone, you will have to pay a fine of between $300 and $2000, and spend between 30 days and 1 year in jail.
If you are found guilty of reckless driving, and as a result you seriously injured someone, you will have committed a Class I felony. You may be sentenced to up to 3 years in prison and be required to pay a fine of up to $10,000.
We Understand Complex Reckless Driving Cases
Because the consequences of being convicted are serious, if you are charged, you need an experienced traffic violation attorney to help you sort out all of the facts regarding your case. The staff at the Cafferty & Scheidegger, S.C., have successfully defended clients who are charged not only with reckless driving, but with other traffic violations including criminal offenses. Contact us at 262-833-7670 to arrange a free initial consultation with an experienced Racine lawyer.
