When you think of the term “reckless driving”, many things probably come to mind. It’s essentially an umbrella term that allows an officer to stop you for a number of perceived offenses. And therein lies the problem.What if what one officer considers reckless driving wouldn’t be considered reckless by another—or by a judge. What if an officer has a history or citing reckless driving without cause?
If your supposed “reckless driving” did not result in damage to property or injury to an individual, challenging your ticket may be in your best interest.
The Subjective Nature of Reckless Driving
Florida Statutes define reckless driving as “Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving.” Penalties for reckless driving vary from as little as a $25 fine and no jail time to a whopping $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Subsequent convictions for reckless driving have increased fines and penalties.
Consider the things that may be construed as reckless driving. Everything from accidentally running a stop sign to turning right on red when a sign says not to could be cited as reckless driving. In addition, reckless driving can be cited for texting while driving and can be added on to other tickets to increase the severity of the penalty.
Again, most of the time, this is a purely subjective call by an officer. In order to make their case in court, said officer would need to provide evidence that the reckless driving occurred and that evidence needs to be sufficient enough to warrant the ticket and the accompanying penalties. This subjective nature makes it an excellent example of a traffic ticket you should challenge.
Can You Challenge a Reckless Driving Ticket Yourself?
You have the right to defend yourself in a court of law—but that doesn’t make it a wise choice. Traffic court judges are accustomed to overconfident defendants who tell a story about how their ticket is unjust or unwarranted.
This narrative defense does not work.
While TV dramas may show moved judges and jurors responding to a tale from a defendant, actual courtrooms rarely function that way. Your best chance at having your ticket dismissed comes when you hire a reputable Florida reckless driving lawyer like those at the Florida Ticket Firm.
The attorneys at the Florida Ticket Firm have dealt with numerous cases and understand the best way to challenge a ticket is through legal means, not storytelling. This means that it is necessary to challenge the underlying problems with the ticket, from the initial observation of the behavior to the issuance and processing of the ticket. Most individuals are not able to do this without training in the law and experience with similar cases.
Challenge Your Reckless Driving Ticket with Florida Ticket Firm
Are you ready to challenge you reckless driving ticket in Florida? Good for you! For the best chance of success in your case, be sure to speak to the state’s traffic ticket experts, the Florida Ticket Firm.
The Florida Ticket Firm prides itself on knowing what to look for in a reckless driving case. We check for common errors made by officers during these types of stops as well as other evidentiary issues. Don’t go to court unprepared. Make sure you have the legal might of the Florida Ticket Firm to help you challenge your ticket.
Don’t just pay a ticket, fight it. Call us today to learn more about how we can help you with your reckless driving ticket.
The post Why You Should Always Challenge a Reckless Driving Ticket appeared first on Florida Ticket Firm.