Reckless driving can be a kind of catch-all offense for police. It can cover everything from excessive speeding to swerving around corners to weaving in and out of traffic. Although less serious than a DUI, it can still have significant consequences.
If you are charged with reckless driving, an attorney can examine the evidence against you for weaknesses in the state’s case. As with most crimes, the state must prove all the elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Did the police have probable cause to stop you? Can the state prove it was you driving? Were you swerving to avoid an accident? Was there a significant emergency that caused you to drive in that way?
Even if the evidence against you is overwhelming, an attorney who is respected in the courthouse may be able to negotiate a more favorable plea agreement than you could on your own.
See the Illinois Reckless Driving Statute at 625 ILCS 5/11-503.
For more information, see our related posts at: What is Reckless Driving in Illinois?, Reckless Homicide in Illinois and When Does a Traffic Accident Become a Crime?
