9 Ways to Get Out of a Reckless Driving Ticket

Reckless driving, that is, driving that could potentially cause harm to another person to damage another’s property, is typically a misdemeanor, and the punishments associated with it can differ from state to state. However, even for a relatively minor crime, it can come with fines up to thousands of dollars, and jail time, and could endanger your ability to hold a license.

The help of an experienced lawyer can lend you all kinds of aid in fighting your case, but here are a few tips on how you could get your reckless driving ticket dismissed or moved down to a more minor case.

9 Strategies To Beat a Reckless Driving Ticket

Show That the Stop Wasn’t Valid

One of the first lines of defense is to prove that the stop that resulted in the ticket wasn’t valid in the first place. If the officer cannot demonstrate reasonable suspicion of an infraction, then it doesn’t matter what follows, you were ticketed on an invalid stop. This can result in the entire case being thrown out.

Gather What Evidence You Can

The specifics of your case are going to determine whether or not you can have your charges fought and dropped. Finding enough evidence to prove your innocence in court is your best bet. Things like your speedometer calibration, GPS evidence of your travel, and witness testimonies can greatly help in proving to a judge that you’re not responsible for the crime charged.

Show a Fault in Your Speedometer

It may be the case that you were speeding or driving recklessly but weren’t aware. In such cases, a judge can show lenience. This often happens due to the fact that the speedometer is not showing accurate readings. This might not get the case thrown out, as it can be argued that you’re the one responsible for your speedometer readings, but it can be a negotiating step for a smaller charge.

Prove That You Were Under the Influence of Obscured Signs

Road signs are there to inform drivers of steps they should take to ensure their safe driving. Ignoring road signs is one of the most common causes of a reckless driving ticket. However, if you weren’t able to read the signs due to them being obscured in one way or another, this can be enough evidence for the case to be dropped.

Demonstrate That It Can’t Be Proven You’re the Driver

Depending on where you are, the opposition has to prove that you drove the vehicle and, in some cases, the officer testifying that it was you, identified by your license, is not enough. In cases such as accidents where the officer might arrive on the scene after the incident, they may not have actually observed you driving. Similarly, in cases where someone stole your identity and got a ticket in your name, you can use this to argue that you never committed the offense.

Show a Fault With the Officer’s Radar Gun

In the case that an officer picks you up with a radar gun, sometimes checking the radar gun’s readings can help. It can be proved that the radar gun was not maintained or used properly, or didn’t have the right calibrations, to provide a reliable reading. It might have even picked up another vehicle instead of yours.

Proving Your Location

Technicalities exist for a reason, and you can use them in your defense. Depending on the jurisdiction of the officer, if you were on or past the border of a municipality, they may not have technically had the authority to pull you over and ticket you. If you can prove this in a court of law, it may be an apt defense.

Showing That Your Driving Was Necessary

Necessity is a real defense in some reckless driving cases. If there was an emergency on the road, that you did not create, that posed a risk to you and or another person, and your driving was done to mitigate that risk, this could be a defense that applies to you.

Negotiate a Plea Deal

You can negotiate yourself down to a more minor offense and a smaller punishment, especially if it’s your first offense. This can include simple speeding or improper driving, which may result in a small fine and might not even go on your criminal record.