NYC Reckless Driving Attorney

What Constitutes “Reckless Driving” Under the Law?

According to NY Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1212:

“Reckless driving shall mean driving or using any motor vehicle, motorcycle or any other vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power or any appliance or accessory thereof in a manner which unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the public highway, or unreasonably endangers users of the public highway.”

Based on this legal definition, “reckless driving” could refer to:

• Excessive speeding: Driving significantly over the posted speed limit, especially in areas with heavy traffic, school zones, or residential areas.
• Aggressive driving: Engaging in aggressive behaviors such as tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, or cutting off other drivers.
• Running red lights or stop signs: Failing to stop at red lights or stop signs, thereby endangering other drivers and pedestrians.
• Illegal passing: Passing other vehicles in a dangerous manner, such as on the shoulder, in no-passing zones, or in areas with limited visibility.
• Street racing: Participating in illegal street racing or drag racing on public roads.
• Erratic lane changes: Making sudden and unpredictable lane changes without signaling or checking for other vehicles, creating hazardous conditions for other drivers.
• Driving on the wrong side of the road: Operating a vehicle against the flow of traffic, including driving the wrong way on a one-way street or highway.
• Ignoring traffic controls: Disobeying traffic control devices such as traffic lights, road signs, and pedestrian signals.
• Endangering pedestrians or cyclists: Operating a vehicle in a manner that poses a risk to pedestrians or cyclists, such as failing to yield the right of way or not adhering to pedestrian crosswalk laws.
• Causing near-collisions: Engaging in driving behaviors that lead to near-collisions or force other drivers to take evasive action to avoid an accident.

Is Reckless Driving a Moving Violation in NY?

In New York, reckless driving is one of the more serious types of moving violations. Other types of violations, such as speeding, are categorized as infractions.

Reckless driving violations, on the other hand, are charged as misdemeanors, which are handled in criminal court rather than the Traffic Violations Bureau.

What is the Penalty for Reckless Driving in NYC?

In NYC, reckless driving is a serious offense that can result in:

• First offense: up to 30 days in jail and a $300 fine
• Second offense: up to 90 days in jail and a $525 fine
• Third offense: up to 180 days in jail and a $1,125 fine

On top of that, you'll likely lose your license and get slapped with points on your driving record, making insurance more expensive or even unobtainable. 

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Reckless Driving Charge?

If you face reckless driving charges, it is crucial that you have an NYC reckless driving attorney on your side who understands both the criminal justice system and traffic ticket violations. Time and again, our team at Gannes & Musico, LLP has been able to handle charges involving reckless driving, delivering aggressive legal representation.

While we are tenacious in court, we treat every client as an individual and not as a case, providing the personalized counsel that they deserve. We represent clients across all five boroughs, including the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island.

Facing charges for reckless driving? You need Gannes & Musico in your corner. Call our reckless driving lawyers in NYC at (877) 803-2603 to discuss your defense.

How Gannes & Musico Can Help

When it comes to cases involving reckless driving charges, it is imperative that you act quickly. The sooner you contact our office so that we can intervene, the sooner we can begin to challenge the evidence against you. 

We have been able to defend clients by scrutinizing the original ticket that was filed in court. If there were any errors, the entire reckless driving case could be dismissed.

Why choose our NYC reckless driving attorneys?

• 30+ years of combined legal experience
• Personalized, tireless representation
• 1,000s of traffic violation cases handled
• Strong recommendations from past clients

Please do not hesitate to contact a New York City reckless driving attorney from our office if you have been accused of reckless driving. At Gannes & Musico, LLP, we have decades of experience to pour into your defense. Schedule your free case evaluation to learn how we could fight for you and help you protect your driving privileges, freedom, and future! 

Call us at (877) 803-2603 today to get started on your defense.