Wisconsin, like most states, has strict laws against reckless driving. Reckless driving is an offense that occurs when a motorist operates a vehicle in such a way that poses a risk of injury to others.
Reckless driving is different than many other Wisconsin traffic laws as each offense depends in large part on the specific circumstances of each individual case.
What constitutes reckless driving? What are reckless driving contributing factors and penalties?
What Qualifies for Reckless Driving in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, there are a number of specific actions that qualify for reckless driving. These include:
· OWI (drunk driving)
· Cosmetic or hygienic tasks like putting on makeup
· Unlawful racing
· Eating behind the wheel
· Texting while driving
Along with these specific actions, Wisconsin motorists can face reckless driving convictions whenever they’re shown to have driven in an unreasonably dangerous or risky manner.
What Factors Contribute to Reckless Driving in Wisconsin?
Several factors play into a reckless driving case.
Environmental factors
The time of day, weather conditions, quality of the vehicle, and the presence of other people or animals in the area are a few common environmental factors that are reviewed.
Driving on a slippery roadway amongst a large group of people, for instance, may place a greater expectation of safety on a driver than someone driving alone in a desert.
A willful disregard for safety
In order to qualify as reckless driving, the prosecution must show the driver making more than just a mistake behind the wheel. A driver must act willfully with a disregard for safety.
Prosecutors must show that circumstances caused the motorist to know, or that they should have known their actions weren’t safe.
“Safety” in this case, doesn’t just mean other people, either. Reckless driving can occur when no one else (or no property) was at risk––just the driver themselves.
What are the Penalties of Reckless Driving in Wisconsin?
Penalties for reckless driving in Wisconsin can include:
· Fines of $150 or more
· Revocation of drivers’ license
· Termination of one’s employment, depending
on the circumstances of your case
In addition to this, reckless driving can cost you six points from a standard operator’s license.
What to do if you are charged with reckless driving?
While first-time reckless driving offenses typically carry civil penalties in the form of fines, subsequent convictions can raise those fines significantly and even include jail time.
If you’re facing reckless driving charges in Wisconsin, it’s important to discuss your case with an experienced Wisconsin Criminal Defense attorney as soon as possible.
If you have questions or are in need of any legal help, contact us today. Please contact us by text or phone at (414) 775-7445 or email at laura@jlfwisconsin.com anytime.
*Any articles in the Libra or posted by Jones Law Firm LLC are not legal advice for a particular client or situation. Further no attorney-client relationship is intended or created with this post.*
