Reckless Driving

Section 1212 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law states:

1212. Reckless driving. 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. Reckless driving is prohibited. Every person violating this provision shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

Reckless driving in violation of section 1212 of the New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law is a misdemeanor. A conviction to reckless driving will result in a criminal record unless you were between the ages of 16 and 18 when the ticket was issued and granted youthful offender status by the court. A conviction for reckless driving will result in 5 points on your license or driving record. A conviction for reckless driving can also result a sentence jail of up to 180 days as well as a revocation of your license.

Reckless driving is prosecuted differently depending on the county the ticket is received in and the court the ticket is returnable to. For example, In Suffolk County, New York, it is the policy of the district attorney not to offer reductions on reckless driving tickets. Usually getting a reckless driving ticket reduced in Suffolk County will require a conference with a supervisor in the District Attorney’s office. If you are charged with reckless driving, there is an advantage in hiring an attorney early in the process. Often, I am able to get these tickets dismissed by filing a demand with the court. If the demand is filed very early on, often the police will fail to respond within the time limit and I am able to get the tickets dismissed.