Reckless driving charges in New York are more than just a traffic violation—they are classified as misdemeanors under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL). A conviction can leave you with a permanent criminal record, impacting your career, housing options, and reputation. In addition to the criminal implications, reckless driving carries severe penalties, including jail time, significant points on your driving record, and costly fines. If you are facing these charges, you need an experienced Nassau County traffic lawyer who is also a trusted criminal defense lawyer serving Long Island to fight for your rights.
Reckless Driving Lawyer Serving Clients in Nassau County & Suffolk County
In Nassau County and across Long Island, reckless driving charges often accompany other traffic offenses such as speeding, tailgating, or unsafe lane changes. Unlike minor violations and traffic infractions, reckless driving cases are prosecuted in criminal court, making the stakes considerably higher.
In some cases, you may receive a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) for reckless driving, allowing you to appear in court at a later date without being taken into custody. This process can be confusing, so it’s important to consult with an experienced Long Island criminal defense lawyer to understand your options.
If you’ve been charged with reckless driving, you need a seasoned defense attorney who understands the complexities of Long Island traffic laws and the nuances of local courts. The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC, offers strategic, aggressive representation to protect your rights and minimize the impact of these charges. Contact us for a free consultation.
What Is Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving is defined under Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL) §1212 as operating a vehicle in a way that “unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of a public highway” or “unreasonably endangers” others on the road. While this definition may sound broad, it’s deliberately vague to allow law enforcement and prosecutors significant discretion when deciding whether to elevate a traffic infraction to a criminal offense.
On Long Island, examples of actions that could lead to reckless driving charges include:
- Driving on a one-way street in the wrong direction at high speed near downtown Garden City.
- Swerving onto sidewalks in busy areas like Hempstead, endangering pedestrians.
- Speeding excessively through a school zone.
- Weaving through traffic while speeding on the Long Island Expressway, causing other drivers to brake suddenly.
- Fleeing a police checkpoint or ignoring barricades near a public event.
- Driving While Intoxicated (DWI/DUI) and committing other traffic infractions or causing an accident.
- Engaging in street racing and thereby committing multiple traffic infractions, such speeding, failing to stop at signs, and failing to stop for school buses, or move over for emergency vehicles.
Law enforcement evaluates the totality of circumstances surrounding your actions. For example, if a driver is stopped for speeding but is also tailgating and swerving, these combined actions could escalate to a reckless driving charge.
Penalties for Reckless Driving Charges
To the surprise of many, reckless driving convictions come with steep consequences that go beyond a simple fine.
Criminal Record
A reckless driving charge results in a misdemeanor conviction, leaving you with a criminal record. This can affect:
- Employment opportunities, especially if your job requires a clean driving record.
- Professional licenses in fields like healthcare or law.
- Applications for housing, college admissions, or financial aid.
Jail Time
Even first-time offenders can face up to 30 days in jail. For repeat offenses, the penalties escalate significantly:
- Second offense: Up to 90 days in jail.
- Third offense: Up to 180 days in jail within an 18-month period.
License Points
A reckless driving conviction adds 5 points to your driving record. When combined with other traffic violations, these points can quickly accumulate, increasing your risk of license suspension.
Fines and Fees
- First offense: Up to $300 in fines, plus court surcharges.
- Second offense: $525 in fines.
- Third offense: $1,125 in fines.
Driver’s License Suspension
Accruing 11 points within 24 months can result in an automatic suspension of your license. Commercial drivers face even harsher penalties, including potential disqualification of their CDL.
Higher Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies view reckless driving as a red flag for high-risk behavior. A conviction often leads to steep premium increases.
Defenses to Reckless Driving
An effective defense strategy begins with a deep understanding of the charges and the evidence against you. At The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC, a lawyer will analyze every detail of your reckless driving case to craft a tailored defense. Common defenses include:
- Driving in a Reasonable Manner: We argue that your driving did not meet the legal standard for reckless driving. For example, if you were momentarily distracted but did not endanger others, the charges may be reduced to a non-criminal traffic infraction.
- Lack of Aggravating Factors: Reckless driving requires more than a single traffic violation. If the prosecution cannot prove additional aggravating actions, we may successfully argue for dismissal or reduction of the charge.
- Failure to Meet the Legal Standard: The burden is on the prosecution to prove that your driving unreasonably endangered others. If the prosecution cannot prove that you committed each element of the crime charged, beyond a reasonable doubt, then you must be found not guilty. Reckless Driving charges have multiple elements and the failure or neglect by the prosecution to prove one of them, can result in dismissal.
- Challenging Officer Discretion: We scrutinize police reports for inconsistencies and question whether the officer’s decision to escalate the charge was justified under the circumstances.
Additional Offenses Often Paired with Reckless Driving Charges on Long Island
Reckless driving rarely stands alone. You may also face other moving traffic violation charges, such as:
- Speeding (3-11 points depending on severity)
- Cell Phone or Texting Violations (5 points)
- Tailgating (4 points)
- Unsafe Lane Changes (3 points)
- Failure to Stop at a Red Light or Stop Sign (3 points)
- Passing a School Bus (5 points)
- Failure to Yield to Emergency Vehicles (2 points)
Why Choose The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC for your Nassau County Reckless Driving Case?
Reckless driving charges require a personalized approach, not a one-size-fits-all solution. Attorney Ramy Mikhail Louis, a former criminal and traffic court prosecutor, has successfully defended reckless driving cases throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County. With extensive experience in local Long Island courts, from Hempstead to Riverhead and beyond, our firm crafts strategies specifically designed to address the unique circumstances of each case.
When you work with The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC, you’re not just hiring an experienced Long Island Reckless Driving defense lawyer—you’re gaining a partner committed to protecting your future. We understand how daunting any criminal charge can be, including Reckless Driving, and we’re here to provide clarity, confidence, and aggressive advocacy every step of the way.
Don’t let a Long Island reckless driving charge derail your life. Contact The R.M.L. Law Firm, PLLC today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
