Reckless Driving

Even though a reckless driving charge may feel like any other traffic ticket — you likely were not handcuffed or placed under arrest — the consequences of a reckless driving conviction are much more severe. In Connecticut, reckless driving is a criminal offense that carries significant penalties.

If you were charged with reckless driving in Fairfield County or New Haven County, you need an experienced reckless driving lawyer who understands the nuances of a reckless driving charge and can mount an aggressive defense to ensure an optimal result.

The Lebedevitch Law Firm, LLC, is dedicated to providing superior legal representation to people facing reckless driving charges in Connecticut. Attorney Stephen Lebedevitch has extensive experience defending people accused of reckless driving and other traffic offenses. Contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm today to put our expertise to work for you.

What is Reckless Driving?

Unlike a speeding ticket, which is a criminal infraction, reckless driving in Connecticut is a misdemeanor, punishable by fines, a driver’s license suspension, a permanent criminal record, and possible jail time.

To avoid the harshest penalties of a reckless driving conviction, you need a skilled and tenacious reckless driving lawyer who will critically evaluate the charges and work to have the case dismissed, or negotiate a substantial reduction in the penalties imposed.

Penalties for Reckless Driving

A conviction for reckless driving in Connecticut carries the following penalties:

• Loss of your driver’s license
• Fines of up to $300
• Up to 30 days in jail

For a second or subsequent reckless driving conviction, you face up to one year in prison and a $600 fine.

A Reckless Driving Charge Can Affect Your Driver’s License and Insurance

In addition to fines, court costs, and potential jail time, a reckless driving charge can have consequences with the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and your insurance company. For a first-time reckless driving conviction, the DMV will suspend your driver’s license for 30 days. For a second or subsequent conviction, the DMV will suspend your driver’s license for 90 days.

Each time you apply for license reinstatement, you will need to pay a $175 reinstatement fee.

In addition, your car insurance company reviews your driving record every year and, upon learning of the reckless driving charge, will likely increase insurance premiums. In the most severe cases, your insurance carrier may terminate your coverage.

How a Connecticut Reckless Driving Lawyer Can Help

Reckless driving is a serious offense that carries substantial penalties. To obtain an optimal result, you need a skilled and experienced reckless driving lawyer who can mount a technically sound and compelling defense.

Common strategies to defend against a reckless driving charge include:

• Was the driver’s behavior reckless? The first way to challenge a reckless driving charge is by addressing whether the driver’s behavior was truly reckless. To defend against a reckless driving charge, a reckless driving defense attorney can identify everything you were doing correctly.
• Was the driver’s speed accurately determined? Many reckless driving charges result from excessive speed. A reckless driving defense lawyer can challenge the accuracy of the tools used to identify a driver’s speed. This often requires investigating the accuracy and calibration of the radar or lidar machine.
• Negotiate a reduction in charges. A reckless driving lawyer can also negotiate to have the charges reduced to a simple moving violation or a civil infraction.

Every case is unique, and the best defense strategy will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.

Contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm Today

Based in Fairfield, Connecticut, criminal defense attorney Stephen Lebedevitch defends people accused of reckless driving and other criminal offenses in Fairfield County and New Haven County. Reckless driving lawyer Stephen Lebedevitch thoroughly investigates and meticulously prepares every case he takes. His approach is methodical, and he will leave no stone unturned.

To put our experience and knowledge to work for you, contact The Lebedevitch Law Firm today to schedule a confidential appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.