Reckless Driving Defense Attorney in Michigan

Criminal defense attorneys dedicated to the defense of Reckless Driving charges in Michigan. When other lawyers tell you that there is no defense, we will find a way to help you and do everything possible to ensure you are not convicted.

Reckless Driving is a Misdemeanor

In some states, reckless driving is a civil infraction punishable with a fine. Michigan treats Reckless Driving as a criminal offense known as a misdemeanor punishable by up to 93 days. Depending on the circumstances and severity of the offense, Reckless Driving can increase to a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. A skilled, experienced reckless driving defense attorney is your best hope of avoiding a conviction and losing your driver’s license.

Reckless Driving Charges and Penalties

There are three types of Reckless Driving charges in Michigan. They are as follows:

Misdemeanor Reckless Driving. When a person operates a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Misdemeanor Reckless Driving has a maximum possible sentence of 2 years of probation, up to 93 days in jail, six (6) motor vehicle points, and a hard driver’s license suspension for 90 days (no restricted license).

Felony Reckless Driving. It occurs when a person operates a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property and, as a result of the offense, causes serious impairment of a body function to another person. This felony carries a maximum possible prison sentence of 5 years and up to 5 years of probation.

Reckless Driving Causing Death. Reckless Driving Causing Death is the most severe type of reckless driving and has a maximum possible prison sentence of 15 years and up to 5 years of probation.

Reckless Driving Causing Death Defense Attorney

What exactly is Reckless Driving in Michigan?

Reckless Driving is when a person operates a vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Determining whether a driver engaged in willful and wanton conduct can be complicated. Since reckless driving requires more than mere negligence, a prosecutor must show that the defendant did more than simply make a mistake. Willful and wanton means that the driver was aware and mindful of the driving risks, but they were indifferent to the results.

The difference between a misdemeanor and felony Reckless Driving is that with a felony, the motor vehicle’s operation must have caused a serious bodily injury or death. The contributory fault of the injured or deceased driver is a defense.

“Will I go to jail for Reckless Driving?”

Prospective clients charged with Reckless Driving frequently ask if they will have to serve time in jail or prison. The Defense Team with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is almost always successful in keeping clients out of jail. We have an unparalleled track record of helping clients avoid jail time or getting criminal charges dismissed.

reckless driving charge ticket defense attorney

How can a defense attorney help me with Reckless Driving? Can’t I represent myself?

Although you can represent yourself on any criminal charge in Michigan, it is unwise to venture into court without an experienced lawyer to protect you. Prosecutors and judges harshly view reckless drivers and are reluctant to listen to excuses, justifications, and denials of responsibility. In most cases, it is the defendant’s word against a police officer in court, which rarely benefits the accused. If you consider the consequences of a conviction, such as jail, probation, a criminal history, damaged driving record, increased cost of insurance (or getting dropped), etc., you will see that the potential cost of not having a qualified attorney exceeds the cost of hiring a good, affordable defense lawyer. Do not trust your fate with the lowest bidder or the kindness of a prosecutor or police officer; the outcome is too important, and you will not get a second bite at the apple if self-representation does not go your way.

Do not settle for a Reckless Driving conviction! We can help you avoid a conviction and most penalties.

You do not have to settle for a conviction and the loss of your license. We have a proven track record of getting reckless driving charges reduced to civil infractions or dismissed. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. is widely known for providing the highest caliber defense available in Michigan. We take the time to get to know our clients and thoroughly prepare and develop a strategy to get the best possible result.