Traffic Ticket Lawyer St Charles, MO 
Defenses for Reckless Driving Arrest
One of the first responses any person may have after being arrested is the urge to defend themselves to the officer. This may not be the best strategy, as what you say truly can be used in a negative way to make your situation worse. If you are in handcuffs, it is unlikely that the officer will change his or her mind and let you go. If you are arrested for a reckless driving charge, you may want to meet with a traffic ticket lawyer St Charles, Missouri drivers trust as quickly as possible for help devising a strong defense.
What does it mean to be driving recklessly?
Each state has its own set of laws pertaining to what is considered reckless driving on the road. In general, reckless driving is defined as a willful or thoughtless disregard for the property and/or safety of others. The driver must have meant to drive in that manner and had no viable reason for the behavior.
What are possible defenses for my reckless driving charge?
With help from a traffic ticket lawyer in St Charles, MO, you may be able to create an influential defense for your reckless driving arrest. The prosecution must bring forward evidence that you were the one driving and that you drove without consideration for the safety of others. After consulting with a traffic ticket lawyer, he or she may utilize a strategy that fits your situation most appropriately. Here are examples of potential defenses that may be used:
- The reckless driving was not willful, as you were rushing due to an emergency
- The reckless driving was not willful, as you were not fully aware of laws of the road because of insufficient signage
- You were actually being more-so negligent, than reckless
- Your speed was improperly determined, perhaps the measuring tool the officer used was faulty or not properly maintained
It is possible to get advice from a St. Charles, MO traffic ticket lawyer then just represent myself?
While you can consult with a traffic ticket lawyer to talk about a defense strategy and then use that to represent yourself during the court hearing, it is probably not the best idea. Reckless driving convictions are very serious and may come along with long-term and expensive punishments. It can be more challenging than you may have anticipated to defend yourself against a criminal charge. Not only must you know the law thoroughly, but how it may be interpreted in regards to your arrest. A St. Charles, MO traffic ticket lawyer that is familiar with criminal defense can pinpoint weaknesses in the prosecution’s statements to spin the case back into your favor.
How much may I have to pay in fees and penalties?
If you are convicted of reckless driving, you may have to pay upwards of $2,500 in fees and penalties. You may also have your license suspended, have a mark on your permanent record, suffer reputation damage, and have your future impacted. Those who are convicted may find they have trouble obtaining employment and being approved for opportunities that involve a background check. The mark on your record may last for many years or longer. A traffic ticket lawyer can advocate for your behalf and good character in court, to help decrease your chances of serving severe punishments.
Out of State Reckless Driving Charges
Have you been charged with reckless driving in St Charles, MO while you were visiting here? If so, do not make the mistake of thinking that the ticket will not follow you when you leave the state. Most states are part of a multi-state compact known as the Non-Resident Violator Compact. This means that a ticket or suspended license in one state is reflected as a ticket or suspended license in all other member states. Ignoring a reckless driving charge as an out of state resident could have harsh consequences, including a warrant for your arrest in your home state. To avoid these serious scenarios, consider consulting a traffic ticket lawyer in St Charles, MO who handles out of state resident cases. Charles J. Moore from Traffic Ticket Center can represent you in St Charles, MO even if you are a resident of another state. It may even be possible to avoid returning to Missouri for court appearances. Protect your rights and your future by hiring a traffic ticket lawyer in St Charles, MO from our firm. To learn more about how we can help you, call us for a free phone consultation. Learn about Can I Present a Defense to a Distracted Driving Charge?
How a Reckless Driving Charge Can Impact You in Your Home State
A reckless driving charge can result in serious penalties including large fines, driver’s license suspension, jail time, points on your driving record, and a permanent criminal record. These consequences can have a domino-like effect in your life, and still be an issue years after the incident. For these reasons, if you are an out of state driver and have been charged with reckless driving in St Charles, it is important to contact a traffic ticket lawyer in St Charles, MO to understand exactly what you are facing and how it could impact you in your resident state.
To speak with a traffic ticket lawyer in St Charles, MO, call Charles J. Moore at Traffic Ticket Center for a complimentary consultation.
Understanding Reckless Driving Charges
Depending on the laws of your resident state, a reckless driving conviction in St Charles, MO could result in similar penalties to those assessed in your own state. If you are found guilty, points on your license or a license suspension could result. To find out what you may be facing, and if we may be able to get your charge reduced or dismissed, contact our traffic ticket lawyer in St Charles, MO at Traffic Ticket Center. Learn about What are the basics of careless and imprudent driving?
Showing Up in Court
In general, you will be required to show up to court for you reckless driving charges. However, there are circumstances that might allow a traffic ticket lawyer in St Charles, MO to appear on your behalf. Failing to show up yourself, or failing to arrange for a lawyer to take your place, could result in an immediate conviction.
How Reckless Driving Charges Are Treated
Reckless driving charges are serious and it is considered a criminal offense. However, your traffic ticket lawyer in St Charles, MO can petition the Court for leniency based on various factors that could include your good driving record, character references, position within the community, etc. When practical, Charles J. Moore from Traffic Ticket Center will request that your charge be dismissed altogether.
Do You Need a Traffic Ticket Lawyer in St. Charles, MO to Fight Your Reckless Driving Ticket?
Having any kind of charge against you can affect you, whether it is as minor as a traffic ticket or as serious as a criminal charge. When a police officer charges someone with reckless driving, though, many people make the mistake of choosing to defend themselves in court. Although it may initially seem like a waste of time to find the right reckless driving attorney and use your hard-earned money on them, a reckless driving charge is no minor offense. The attorneys at Traffic Ticket Center understand that when a police officer charges you with reckless driving it is a serious allegation, and we work hard to ensure our clients’ reputations remain intact. If you would like to set up an appointment with a traffic ticket lawyer St. Charles, MO, please call our office as soon as an officer as charged you. If you would like more information on why you need a reckless driving attorney, please continue reading.
Top Reasons To Hire an Attorney For Your Reckless Driving Charge
Reasons 1. Reckless Driving Is Not a Traffic Ticket.
Traffic tickets are not uncommon, and your employer, future employers, and landlords will not view a traffic ticket as anything out of the ordinary. However, if an officer accuses you of reckless driving, they are in fact accusing you of a crime. While some states (like Texas) may be more lenient with penalties, other states (like Washington) may have significantly larger fines and longer maximum time in prison. A traffic ticket lawyer St. Charles, MO relies on from our firm can go over Missouri’s rules with you and begin devising a defense.
Reason 2. Your Conviction Is More Expensive Than an Attorney. If a judge convicts you of reckless driving, you will likely be paying significant fines, court fees, DMV fees, and a raise in your insurance premium. Additionally, a reckless driving conviction could mean the loss of a job or potential job. In contrast, hiring a traffic ticket lawyer St. Charles, MO trusts will typically save you more money in the long run than the added fees of a reckless conviction.
Reason 3. Court Can Be Confusing. No one court is the same, and on a busy day, a court is likely holding many different types of cases in numerous courtrooms. This can make the hustle and bustle of getting to your courtroom confusing, and it can make any following events more complicated. With trusted St. Charles, MO traffic ticket lawyer by your side, we can help you navigate the court, ensure you get to the right room on time, and translate any legal jargon you do not understand.
Reason 4. You Might Not Have To Go To Court. Although there are never guarantees, an attorney may be able to go to court on your behalf or negotiate a plea if you have circumstances that make it hard or make you unable to go to court. Especially if you are out-of-state, this can be very convenient.
You should not take reckless driving lightly, and if you are unsure of what to do with your charge, contact a traffic ticket lawyer from St. Charles, MO now. No one should have to face a life-changing charge like this alone, and our team will work hard to get you the help you need.
We invite you to call us at Traffic Ticket Center and schedule a free consultation with a traffic ticket lawyer St Charles, MO drivers rely on for legal representation.