The criminal charge of Reckless Driving is not a simple traffic ticket. Reckless driving under Rhode Island law is a misdemeanor that carries the possibility of up to one year in jail. A conviction often comes with large fines and a long suspension of your licence. A criminal conviction or loss of license may jeopardize future opportunities for employment and education and put stress on your family relationships. Do not take your reckless driving lightly; you need to hire a skilled legal defense attorney.
If you have been charged with Reckless Driving you need the help of a top criminal defense lawyer. There are many defenses to reckless driving under Rhode Island law. A good lawyer can often get your reckless driving charge dismissed or reduced to a lesser charge.
In cases where the charge does not get dismissed, the disposition you may receive can vary greatly. A good criminal defense lawyer will fight hard to protect you from having a permanent criminal record, large fines and loss of license. The lawyer you hire can make a big difference in the result you receive. Do not take chances with your license and your freedom. Call Rhode Island criminal defense Attorney Michael J. Zarrella now.
What Is Reckless Driving Under Rhode Island law?
Reckless driving and other offenses against public safety is defined under Rhode Island General Laws § 31-27-4; which states, "Any person who operates a motor vehicle recklessly so that the lives or safety of the public might be endangered, or operates a vehicle in an attempt to elude or flee from a traffic officer or police vehicle, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for the first conviction and a felony for the second and each subsequent conviction".
Just because you were in an accident does not mean you were reckless driving
If you were charged with reckless driving in Rhode Island, it's often because you were involved in an accident or a police officer is alleging that you drove in a reckless manner. However, the State still has to prove that you drove in a way so that the lives or safety of the public might be endangered. Uncertainty is always a defense in these types of cases. A police officer cannot just assume what happened. Under Rhode Island law, the occurrence of an accident isn't reckless driving. The State of Rhode Island must prove that action or inaction by the motorist was reckless and the State must prove this beyond a reasonable doubt. If you have a top criminal defense attorney you can put forth a strong argument that the State can't prove that you were driving in a reckless manner.
You Need to Fight Your Reckless Driving Case
Attorney Zarrella knows there many good defensive strategies to be used in defending reckless driving cases. Attorney Zarrella will fight to have your reckless driving charge dismissed, reduced, or worked out a reasonable disposition.
Many people make a mistake while driving; something as simple as reaching down to get something can cause you to be charged with Reckless Driving. In many of these cases, you may unfairly be facing a criminal charge. That is why it is important to fight.
Rhode Island law, is very subjective in reckless driving cases. Just because a police officer decides he believes you drove reckless does not mean you did. You need to fight Reckless Driving charges.
Reckless Driving Penalties Under Rhode Island Law.
A Reckless Driving first offense is a misdemeanor an carries with it a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a fine up to five hundred dollars ($500). You are guilty of reckless driving if you operate a motor vehicle so recklessly that the driver might endanger the life and safety of the general public.
A Reckless Driving second offense is a felony, an carries a maximum penalty of imprisonment up to five (5) years, and /or a fine up to five thousand dollars ($5,000).
Eluding a law enforcement
Under Rhode Island law, is is unlawful to elude the police officer in a high speed pursuit if the driver operates a motor vehicle at speeds greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour over the speed limit, or who causes property damage only in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) while eluding the police or is guilty of the misdemeanor charge of eluding,
First Offense Eluding a law enforcement penalties
- Up to 1 year at the ACI;
- A fine from $500 to $1000;
- License suspension from 90 day to 6 months;
- Forfeiture of the motor vehicle; and/or
- Misdemeanor Offense.
Second Conviction of Eluding a law enforcement penalties
- 2 to 5 years at the ACI;
- A fine from $2000 to $5000;
- License suspension from 1 year to 5 years; and or
- Forfeiture of the motor vehicle.