Trading a Reckless Driving Charge for a Safety Certificate
Section 3736 of Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes states ‘reckless driving’ as operating a vehicle “in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”
So, if you have been charged with reckless driving, you have most likely committed the following-
- Driving at a dangerous speed.
- Intentionally ignoring red lights.
- Intentionally ignoring school bus stop-arm regulations.
- Changing lanes in a packed traffic.
- Texting while driving.
Now, consequences for reckless driving can get serious and can even result in imprisonment, along with fines and a license suspension.
A few days back, we at the Logue Law Group received a hysterical phone call. It was a third-year law student of Villanova University who asked for legal help, as he was booked for reckless driving. And our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers fought all the way and ensured that our client walked away with a clean slate.
So, how did we do it? Let’s explore till the end to know it all!
Reckless Driving: Charges and Penalties
Penalties for reckless driving vary based on certain circumstances.
If you’re convicted of reckless driving without causing any mishaps or injuries to others, it is considered a summary offense, which attracts penalties like-
- Imprisonment up to 90 days.
- Fines up to $200.
- License suspension up to 180 days.
However, if your reckless driving causes serious bodily injury to others, it becomes a 3rd degree felony. And the penalties get subsequently harsher-
- Fines of up to $15,000.
- Imprisonment of up to 7 years.
Only experienced Pittsburgh criminal lawyers understand these intricacies and, therefore, can guide you effectively if you have been held for such a case.
How Did We Assure our Client the Ticket to Freedom?
A ‘fair exchange.’ Yes, that’s what we named this case, and you’re just about to know the reason!
Our client was a third-year law student, pursuing his studies at Villanova University. Along with his studies, he had two other involvements. One- he was undergoing an internship program with the prosecutor’s office. And two- he had a part-time bartending job. So, commuting to both these places was essential, for which our client couldn’t afford to lose his driving license.
So, our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers decided to sit down for a negotiation with the traffic court judge and the concerned officer. We insisted on a complete withdrawal of the charges, as a criminal record would pose hurdles to the future career prospects of our client. Added to that, a license suspension would jeopardize his part-time earnings and his internship, which would further affect his finances, as well as his career trajectory. Also, our client wasn’t a repeat offender, which made him a first-timer for reckless driving charges.
The negotiation session went on for quite some time. But in the end, everyone came out with a unanimous decision of the ‘fair exchange.’ Our client had to attend and complete a defensive driving class, in return for which, his charges would be withdrawn!
Now, this outcome was beyond the wildest expectations, especially for our client and his parents! He was thankful that our expert Pittsburgh criminal lawyers saved him from incurring hefty fines and suspension of his driving privileges. However, what relieved our client the most was the fact that the charges wouldn’t have any negative impact on his public record or his driving record!
And that’s how our Pittsburgh criminal lawyers saved yet another student’s future, and proved why we at the Logue Law Group are the real-world heroes, striving to protect our clients and preserve their rights.