Whether in the Phoenix area, or anywhere in Arizona, per A.R.S. §28-693, "Reckless Driving" occurs when a person drives a vehicle with reckless disregard for the safety of persons or property. Sometimes Prosecutors use this as a "lesser offense" in plea negotiations regarding DUI cases. The reason for this is that a Reckless Driving conviction does not require mandatory jail time for a first offense, where as a DUI does.
A first offense Reckless Driving can be charged as a class two (2) misdemeanor. In addition to any monetary punishment, the Judge may order that the person's driver's license be suspended for up to ninety (90) days. A class two (2) misdemeanor carries a range of punishment of probation and up to four (4) months in jail. Additionally, a fine of $750.00 plus 80% surcharges can be imposed.
If a person is convicted of a second Reckless Driving within two (2) years of the first Reckless Driving, then they can be charged with a class one (1) misdemeanor. In addition to the class one (1) misdemeanor penalty of probation with up to six (6) months in jail, the MVD will revoke a person's driver's license for one (1) full year. The class one (1) misdemeanor penalties for a second offense Reckless Driving includes a mandatory minimum of twenty (20) days in jail, up to six (6) months in jail. In addition, a fine of $2500.00 plus 80% surcharge can be imposed.
With a Reckless Driving charge, it must be shown that a person drove with reckless disregard for the safety of "persons or property." If other vehicles were no nearby (i.e., within "striking distance"), then it can be argued that nobody was put at risk. The same would apply for property. If it did not appear that a person was going to strike any other property (such as parked cars, buildings, fences, etc.), then this can serve as a defense. Merely driving fast and weaving in and out of traffic does not qualify as Reckless Driving. In fact, it might qualify as "Aggressive Driving" or "Drag Racing", but not "Reckless Driving". It is important to try to argue for the lesser charge of "Aggressive Driving" because that is a civil violation (not a criminal violation), and therefore, no jail time can be imposed. In addition, the Judge cannot suspend your driver's license for an Aggressive Driving, whereas they can suspend it for a Reckless Driving. It will be important to interview all potential witnesses who were nearby (or passengers in your car) in order to demonstrate that you were not driving recklessly.
The "Common Defenses", which may apply in any criminal case are numerous and diverse. One of the most common defenses we encounter is a "Miranda Rights Violation". In Arizona, the standard of whether any inculpatory statement (i.e., a statement which tends to admit guilt) is admissible into evidence is based upon a "Voluntariness" standard. If we can demonstrate that the police coerced you (i.e., intimidated or tricked you) into making a confession or inculpatory statement, or that they did not properly read you your Miranda Rights, then we can suppress those statements and any evidence gathered as a direct result of those statements. In addition, "Denial of Right to Counsel" is another common defense which is often raised. This occurs when a suspect is in custody and requests to speak to their lawyer, but is denied and questioning continues. In certain cases (such as DUI) it is mandatory that you speak to an attorney as soon as possible in order to determine your rights before your body burns away the evidence of your presumably low alcohol content. Other defenses include challenging the validity of any search warrant, or whether there were any "forensic flaws" during the investigation of your case. This could include exposing flawed procedures regarding blood, breath, and urine testing; fingerprints analysis; DNA testing; etc. Lastly, one of the most common defenses is exposing sloppy or misleading police reports which include everything from misstatements, false statements, flawed photo line-ups and inaccurate crime scene reconstruction.
It is important to hire an AV® rated law firm (the highest possible rating by Martindale Hubbell®), with the most Certified Criminal Law Specialists of any AV® rated Arizona Law Firm, per the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. In addition, the Firm and all of it's lawyers are listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers®. At the Law Offices of David Michael Cantor, P.C., the majority of our Attorneys are ex-Prosecutors, and all of our Attorneys know the system well. For a free initial consultation, call us at 1-888-822-6867, or click here to contact us now.
If your case involves Accident & Injury, Family & Divorce or Motorcycle Injury please visit our companion firm: Cantor Simon PLLC - www.cantorsimon.com
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Dismissed |
04/24/08 |
Aggravated DUI, Aggravated DWI |
Dismissed |
04/14/08 |
Aggravated Assault w/Gun |
Not Guilty |
04/04/08 |
DWI Only(.092 Breath) |
Not Guilty |
03/25/08 |
DWI (.099 Breath) |
Not Guilty |
03/24/08 |
Aggravated DUI, Aggravated DWI |
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