Additional Charges from Reckless Driving
While reckless driving is itself a serious offense, the dangerous behavior involved can unfortunately lead to additional charges in certain situations. Understanding these potential violations is important for assessing risks.
Vehicular Crimes
If reckless driving directly causes injury or death to others, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide charges may apply. Penalties increase significantly, sometimes reaching felony levels with potential prison time.
Hit and Run
Fleeing the scene after a reckless driving incident that caused damage or injury can result in hit-and-run charges being added. These carry their own fines and potential license suspensions.
DUI/DWI
Should the reckless driving behavior involve alcohol or drug impairment, charges for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while Essex County reckless driving lawyer intoxicated (DWI) are likely. These require separate defenses.
Criminal Speeding
Excessive speeds reached during reckless driving events may qualify for criminal speeding charges rather than basic traffic citations. This escalates the violation beyond a simple fine.
Aggravated
Assault If a vehicle is used in a reckless manner that threatens or attempts to harm others, charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon can potentially apply.
Eluding Police Failure to pull over when signaled by law enforcement during a reckless incident often results in eluding or evading arrest charges in addition to the reckless driving.
Property Damage Depending on the specifics, insurance costs for reckless driving that causes property damage may be interpreted as property damage crimes with accompanying charges.
Driving on Suspended License Those caught driving recklessly while already under a suspended license face compounded charges for driving on a suspended license as well.
Improper Vehicle Modifications If a vehicle was illegally modified in a way that enabled or contributed to the reckless driving, additional equipment violation charges can be added.
License Penalties
Beyond legal charges, administrative penalties like license revocation or suspension frequently accompany reckless driving convictions and any related offenses.
The key factors that can lead to additional charges include injuries caused, property damage, attempts to flee, alcohol/drug involvement, excessive speeds, and the specific circumstances surrounding the reckless driving incident. While penalties vary based on location, an attorney can provide guidance on potential compounded charges and how to construct the best possible defense strategy when facing multiple violations stemming from reckless conduct on the road.
Reckless driving is often considered a gateway offense that can lead to additional criminal charges depending on the circumstances of the incident. Some of the most common related charges include:
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
If the reckless driving is found to be committed while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the driver will likely face DUI charges on top of the reckless charge. DUI convictions carry hefty fines, potential jail time, license suspensions, and other penalties.
Vehicular Assault/Homicide
Should the reckless driving result in injury or death to another person, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide charges can be filed. These are extremely serious charges that can include felony counts and lengthy prison sentences if convicted.
Fleeing the Scene Leaving the site of a reckless driving incident that caused injury, death or property damage can tack on hit-and-run charges. Failing to remain at the scene is illegal in most places.