Reckless driving is a serious misdemeanor offense in North Carolina. If you are convicted, you could be sentenced to a lengthy jail sentence and a large fine. In addition, you would have a permanent criminal record.
Because of these harsh consequences, it may be in your best interest to mount a strong defense to the charges you face. Having witnesses that support your defenses can help you to get the charges dismissed or reduced to a less serious offense.
What Is Reckless Driving in Charlotte?
There are several ways that you could violate the reckless driving laws in North Carolina. It is considered reckless driving to do the following:
- Drive carelessly and heedlessly in willful or wanton disregard of the safety or rights of other individuals
- Drive without due caution and at a speed or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger a person or property
- Drive a commercial vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, in a manner listed above
In many cases, reckless driving charges involve speeding. Here are some examples of when you could be arrested for this offense:
- Traveling at speeds over 60 mph in the rain
- Crossing double yellow lines
- Driving over 15 mph over the posted speed limit of 55 mph or higher
- Speeding at over 80 mph
Witnesses That Can Help in a Reckless Driving Case
The defenses that you can raise in your reckless driving case will depend on the facts of your case. Depending on the defense, having witnesses to support them can be useful. Here are types of witnesses that can help.
Eyewitnesses
A person who witnessed your driving at the time you were charged with reckless driving can corroborate that you were driving safely. For example, they may be able to confirm your speed or that you did not cross a double yellow line. If the individual is a neutral third party that has no stake in the result in your criminal case, his testimony can be especially persuasive.
Expert Witnesses
If you were involved in an accident at the time of your arrest or are challenging the radar gun used to determine your speed or calibration of your speedometer, you may need to hire an expert witness to support your defense. Accident reconstruction, radar gun, and calibration experts can help you prove a technical defense or recreate how a crash occurred to prove its cause if this is an issue in your case.
Have you Received a Traffic Citation in Charlotte, NC?
If you received a traffic citation, you need to speak with an experienced traffic ticket attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Charlotte office directly at 980.207.3355 to schedule your free consultation.
|
Related Links: |
