Police officers are given wide discretion to cite people for Reckless Driving. To support a reckless driving charge, all the police officer has to show is that the driving behavior resulted in a reckless disregard for the safety of others. As a defense attorney, I am constantly fighting these charges based on the subjective nature of the statute – basically, whatever the officer believes is reckless driving can support a reckless driving charge.
I often see police officers charge my clients with reckless driving for simply speeding because in the officer’s mind, traveling at a certain rate of speed is considered reckless. I find it alarming that the legislature can give police officers the authority to disregard the black letter of the law and interpret the law in any manner they like.
Reckless Driving is a class 2 misdemeanor – maximum penalty is 4 months in jail, $750 fine plus 84% surcharge and probation – additionally a conviction will result in mandatory traffic survival school and eight points against your record. Depending on how many points you already have, you could experience a license suspension.
DON’T LET POLICE OFFICERS ABUSE THEIR AUTHORITY!! If you have been arrested or cited for reckless driving, hire a criminal defense attorney to fight your case.
Author Bio
Matthew L. Lopez
Matthew L. Lopez is the Managing Attorney and founder of Matthew Lopez Law, a criminal defense and DUI firm serving clients throughout Arizona. His track record of case dismissals and charge reductions has earned him honors, including a National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 nomination, a “Superb” 10/10 Avvo rating, and a Rising Star designation by Super Lawyers.
Matthew is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and holds active memberships with the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice and the Arizona Association for Justice. His firm handles criminal defense, DUI, drug charges, and traffic offenses, offering free consultations and affordable payment plans to make quality defense accessible to all Arizonans.
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Practice areas
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Tempe
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Lake Havasu City
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Apache Junction
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Parker