When a police officer arrests you for reckless driving, the citation they hand you afterward is not a standard traffic ticket. Instead, it is a summons requiring you to appear in court to address the criminal charge of reckless driving. Reckless driving is a very severe charge, and you cannot handle it as you would a speeding ticket. Consequences may be harsh, even for first-time offenders, so you should hire an experienced Maryland reckless driving attorney to represent you.
Steps to Take Following a Reckless Driving Charge
Reckless driving might sound like a seemingly harmless charge, but it is a severe offense. A conviction may lead to hefty fines, points added to your license, or jail time. Keep in mind that there is no distinction between reckless and negligent driving charges in Maryland –– it is the same charge. Examples may include ignoring traffic signs, tailgating, speeding, or street racing.If you are facing reckless driving charges in Maryland, follow these six tips:
- Stay calm: No one wants a ticket, especially one that carries such heavy consequences, and you might feel like shouting at the police. If you want to avoid further trouble, you must remain calm. Being aggressive toward the officer may only make the case worse.
- Slow down: While this might sound obvious, you must slow down and follow all traffic laws. Continuing the behavior that caused your ticket might result in you receiving another reckless driving charge.
- Research and hire an attorney: Since a reckless driving charge is a serious offense, you should hire a lawyer. However, you must do your research before choosing one. Many firms offer free consultations, so consider speaking with a few attorneys before hiring one.
- Listen to your lawyer: Remember, traffic defense attorneys have extensively studied the law and likely have years of experience handling these cases. With that in mind, listen to what they are saying. Even if you don’t understand it at the time, do what they are asking. The Maryland legal system is complex, and you may have an easier time navigating your case if you trust your attorney. Plus, you are paying for their advice. You should follow it.
- Be serious at the hearing: Your Maryland traffic defense lawyer will prepare you for the hearing, but you must take it seriously. Reckless driving behavior can result in serious injury or death. Treating this matter lightly will likely annoy the judge. You must remember that the judge has the power to impose maximum sentencing, so it is best to stay on their good side.
- Have evidence for the hearing: At the hearing, both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence. If any witnesses were at the scene, such as vehicle passengers, you might want them to testify. A car dashcam may also provide evidence. Evidence you present might contradict the prosecution’s witnesses or evidence, weakening their case.
A final step to take following the case is to learn from this experience. If you continue to drive recklessly or negligently, you may face these charges again in the future. Additionally, penalties may increase with subsequent offenses, so always follow traffic rules when driving in Maryland.
Speak to a Reckless Driving Defense Attorney in Maryland
If you received a reckless driving charge in Maryland, do not hesitate to contact Attorney Hillel Traub of the Law Office of Hillel Traub. The longer you wait, the less time you have to prepare for court. As a former attorney for the Maryland MVA, he brings a unique perspective to all his cases and will provide aggressive representation in court. To schedule a free consultation, call (410) 580-1100 or complete our contact form.
