Using caution and obeying traffic laws is part of every driver’s responsibility on the road, but car collisions occur every day on streets and highways. Unfortunately, many accidents can be attributed to preventable acts such as reckless behavior behind the wheel of a car. With so many preventable accidents that occur on the road, law enforcement is cracking down on enforcing the consequences of this offense. A Nashua Reckless Driving Lawyer at Hayes Law Firm may help you by analyzing all aspects of your case and protecting your rights.

Defining Reckless Driving in New Hampshire

Under New Hampshire law, reckless driving is defined as driving in a manner that endangers drivers or is likely to endanger others and with no regard for risks. This offense may appear differently in terms of which behavior resulted in a reckless driving charge. If you are pulled over for driving recklessly, an officer may give you a ticket, and the DMV may add demerit points to your license. For reckless drivers that cause collisions, the penalties can escalate to criminal offenses.

Driving behaviors that are considered reckless driving in New Hampshire:

Street racing
Speeding over 100 mph
Tailgating
Weaving in and out of lanes
Failure to use turn signals
Road rage and driving aggressively
Evading law enforcement
Failure to yield
Drunk driving
Running red lights or stop signs

The penalties for reckless driving behaviors can result in profound life changes. While a speeding ticket may not necessarily cause you too much trouble, a reckless driving charge has significant consequences. Although a reckless driving incident is considered a non-criminal traffic offense unless there is bodily injury involved, your driving record may be affected. Additionally, causing an accident and injuring others or causing fatalities as a result of negligent acts behind the wheel may result in escalated jail time and fines.

How Does a Reckless Driving Charge Affect Me?

If a police officer for reckless driving pulled you over, you might be wondering what the consequences are in this case. Though traffic offenses are not treated as criminal offenses in some cases, there are life-altering changes you may have to endure because of negligent acts. Fighting a criminal charge or traffic offense with a skilled attorney on your case is advantageous in bettering your case outcome.

Penalties of reckless driving in New Hampshire:

First Offense: Punishable by at least $500 in fines and a sixty-day license suspension.
Second Offense: Up to $1000 in monetary fines and up to a one-year license suspension.

Traffic violations that lead to casualties and injuries may also escalate into criminal convictions and added penalties. For example, DUI cases and aggravated traffic violations can lead an individual to consequences that affect their daily life and future opportunities. Despite the court’s relentless efforts to enforce the law and prosecute offenders, every individual arrested or in violation of traffic laws has a right to seek a professional legal defense.

How Does Reckless Driving Affect My Driving Record?

Reckless driving doesn’t only affect you financially or regarding limiting driving privileges. Demerit points are typically added to a license with each driving offense, and if accumulated, your driving record may result in driving in a manner that endangers drivers. In severe cases of habitual traffic offenses, drivers are at risk of license revocations and losing their right to operate a motor vehicle. To avoid harsh penalties, it’s best to handle your violations on time with an understanding attorney that works to help better your future.

What Defenses Do I Have Against a Reckless Driving Offense?

Traffic-related violations are often ignored or dismissed by many drivers. Although, neglecting to address driving violations, such as in a reckless driving case, may cause additional stress. However, traffic-related offenders have the right to seek an attorney and develop a skilled defense that betters their record and restores their rightful privilege to drive a car safely.

In a reckless driving case, your defense may be:

You were not the driver at the time of the offense
Your driving behavior may have negligent rather than reckless
You may have been momentarily distracted rather than driving recklessly
The radar gun or police officer’s tracking did not capture your accurate speed
You were driving recklessly as a severe or emergent necessity
You were not driving recklessly

Depending on the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop, or your actions behind the wheel, an experienced attorney may help evaluate your case and build a strategic defense. Many times, drivers are mistaken or wrongly captured with a radar gun for driving too fast. Additionally, your lawyer has the resources and experience to challenge any evidence or prosecution’s strategies that don’t protect your rights.

How a Reckless Driving Attorney Works to Improve the Outcome of My Case

New Hampshire law enforcement officers make hundreds of thousands of traffic stops each year. Many drivers receive citations for speeding, running red lights, failing to yield to pedestrians and other moving vehicles, and even reckless driving. Depending on the outcome of your case, this could mean that you have to pay a fine, participate in community service, or face jail time.

Having a Nashua reckless driving attorney can help you build a strong defense. Ideally, your attorney can help you to have the charges dropped. However, a good lawyer can help you no matter what evidence the prosecution has against you.

If you have been charged with reckless driving, you may be eligible for probation. This alternative sentence allows you to avoid jail and pay fines without having to go to trial. However, you must follow certain conditions, including taking a driver education course and paying fines and fees.

You may also qualify for a diversion program. Diversion programs allow people accused of minor crimes to avoid prosecution entirely. Your attorney may recommend one of these programs to you based on your specific situation.

A diversion program may be easier to complete than a traditional probationary period. For example, you may be required to take a drug test, attend counseling sessions, perform community service hours, or meet other requirements. These options may prove helpful if you have children, work full-time, or otherwise struggle to comply with standard conditions of probation.

Finally, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal. Negotiating a plea agreement allows you to resolve your case quickly while still receiving favorable treatment. As part of the negotiation process, your attorney will review the evidence against you and determine whether a plea offer is appropriate.

Call Hayes Law Firm for an Experienced Nashua Reckless Driving Lawyer to Help You

In New Hampshire, negligent driving is defined as causing injury through the careless or reckless operation of a motor vehicle. This means that the driver was either distracted, speeding, using drugs or alcohol, or otherwise impaired.

In a case involving reckless driving, Justin Paul Hayes, Esq. is eager to help you better your future and restore your driving record. Complete a contact form or give us a call at 978-314-4950 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.