The state of Connecticut treats reckless driving offenses as criminal in nature, and in turn, if convicted, applies criminal penalties toward a driver and enforces any applicable administrative penalties.
Per the General Statutes of Connecticut, Chapter 248 Section 14-222, reckless driving is defined as driving a motor vehicle in a manner that exhibits recklessness concerning the well-being of other drivers, passengers or pedestrians in light of conditions of the roadway. Specifically, the statute notes speeds in excess of 85 mph anywhere as reckless driving.
|
Offense/Violation |
Classification |
Criminal Penalties |
Points Applied to License |
Other Administrative Penalties |
|
Reckless Driving |
Misdemeanor |
Incarceration up to 30 days, with fines not to exceed $300 |
1 to 4 points, pending specific reckless acts |
License suspension of 30 to 90 days |
|
Reckless Driving, second or subsequent offense |
Misdemeanor |
Incarceration up to one year, with fines not to exceed $600 |
1 to 4 points, pending specific reckless acts |
License suspension of 30 to 90 days |
As noted above, reckless driving convictions result in an automatic license suspension of at least 30 days in Connecticut, but not more than 90 days. However, under some circumstances, drivers can obtain a limited license during the suspension period from the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.
Dealing with a reckless driving charge in Connecticut, especially in light of mandatory license suspension upon conviction, requires focusing solely on the pending criminal charge, at least initially. For most drivers, even those with relatively defined cases of high speed as reckless driving, plea options are available if they utilize legal counsel. Typically, legal counsel will seek dismissal of the charges outright on a number of case-specific grounds, specifically that the reckless driving laws are highly subjective and vague in nature, while questioning whether lesser traffic violation offenses, such as those non-criminal in nature, are more applicable to the case. Favorable resolutions range from outright dismissal to favorable plea agreements that reduce the charges faced into non-criminal convictions, or suspend a criminal conviction sentence under an alternative sentencing program.
Given the serious nature of the charges, including the creation of a lifelong criminal record if convicted, drivers should consult with dedicated legal counsel about their Connecticut reckless driving case. To learn more about your legal options in your specific case, consult with a Connecticut reckless driving lawyer.