Reckless Driving Charges in Connecticut

 Posted on May 09, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Reckless driving can be defined as the act of operating a vehicle in a manner that shows a wanton or willful disregard for the safety and well-being of any person or property. When a person is charged with reckless driving, it is because the police officer believes that not only did the driver choose to operate their vehicle in a dangerous manner, but they did also so despite the dangerous risks that behavior created.

In Connecticut, reckless driving is charged as a misdemeanor, not as a traffic violation. This means that the driver will be arrested and the case will be handled in the criminal court system. It also means that a conviction will become part of the driver’s criminal record.

What Are the Most Common Types of Reckless Driving Violations?

While there are a myriad of behaviors that fall into this category, some of the more common acts that can result in reckless driving charges:

• Driving a vehicle that is known to have a mechanical issue, such as bald tires or faulty brakes

• Driving faster than 85 mph

• Fleeing from law enforcement

• Ignoring traffic signals and signs

• Illegal passing

• Jumping lane to lane

• Making an unsafe turn

• Racing with another vehicle

• Tailgating

• Weaving through traffic

What Are the Penalties for Reckless Driving?

A first offense reckless driving is usually charged as a Class D misdemeanor. This means a conviction could result in a jail sentence of up to 30 days, a fine of up to $300, and a 30-day license suspension.

Subsequent offenses are charged at a Class A misdemeanor. Conviction means up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $600, and a 90-day license suspension.

Convictions for driving recklessly in a construction zone will result in all fines being doubled.

No matter what the penalty is that a driver ends up with, the bottom line is that the conviction will be a part of their criminal record and their driving record. This can have a serious negative impact in several areas of the individual’s life. Typically, the convicted driver will end up with higher car insurance premiums, as well as have an impact on future employment opportunities.

Contact a Stamford, CT Defense Attorney for Legal Assistance

If you have been charged with reckless driving, do not try to defend against these charges on your own. Call Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner at 203-348-5846 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Fairfield County reckless driving lawyer and find out what legal options you may have.

Source: 

https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm#sec_14-222