DWI charges are serious enough on their own, but if you’re also charged with reckless driving, the stakes are even higher. If you’re facing both charges, you may be wondering how you can defend yourself against them. Here’s what to know and when you should seek legal help from a Brooklyn DWI lawyer.
Defining Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is a catchall category of dangerous driving behaviors. It can encompass speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, running red lights, and more.
There is no precise definition of reckless driving, but in general, it’s any behavior behind the wheel that endangers other people or property.
Reckless driving is often seen as a precursor to more serious offenses, like a hit-and-run. When paired with alcohol, which inhibits your ability to make sound decisions, reckless driving substantially increases your risk of causing an accident. If you do cause a collision, the chances of one or more people involved becoming injured or killed are also much higher.
Tacking On Reckless Driving to a DWI Charge
Depending on the situation, you may be charged with both reckless driving and DWI if they believe you were impaired or under the influence at the time you were pulled over for reckless driving.
This is especially likely if there was evidence of intoxicated driving behavior like swerving. For example, if a driver is speeding and weaving in and out of traffic, the officer may charge the driver with both DWI and reckless driving. The officer may also charge the driver with a DWI if they refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test.
If you are charged with both reckless driving and DWI, you will likely face more serious penalties. For example, you may have your license suspended for a longer period or be required to install an ignition interlock device. You may also be fined more heavily and face a longer jail sentence.
When You Should Call a Brooklyn DWI Lawyer For Legal Help
If you have been charged with both DWI and reckless driving, it is important to get legal help right away. These are serious charges that could result in jail time or the loss of your driver’s license if you are convicted. An experienced Brooklyn DWI lawyer can review the facts of your case, help you understand the charges against you, and develop a defense to try to get the charges dismissed or reduced.
Call Mark Cossuto today for a consultation at (718) 852-8047 or toll-free at (800) 609-4545. You can also fill out our short contact form and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
