Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut Reckless Driving Defense

Do I need a Lawyer?
There is no simple answer to this question. Our law provides that persons CAN represent themselves, so its not required that a person hire a lawyer. But, taking into consideration that the prosecutor who will be handling the case for the state has had 4 years of college, 3 years of law school, is familiar with the rules of evidence, has had specialized training in the prosecution of cases at trial and has the resources of the State of Connecticut to prosecute you, it is probably in your best interest to hire an attorney. That being said, you do not "need" an attorney if you feel comfortable representing yourself.

Can I just get any attorney?
Unlike medical doctors, who often have one area of medicine that they handle, lawyers are allowed to handle any type of case that comes into their office, provided that they know “something” about it or commit themselves to learning during the representation. This means that the lawyer you choose may not have handled many reckless driving cases, or may be learning as he or she goes. Reckless driving cases can be seen as unwinnable by some lawyers, especially if the police claim you were travelling 85 miles per hour or faster. That doesn't mean we cannot work to get you the BEST possible resolution for you.

What are your fees? Aren’t you expensive?
Everything is relative. We handle all cases on a flat fee basis. This means that when we review your case, we tell you exactly what your fee will be. We do not bill by the hour or charge you per court date unless you request that. This means we will work together until we get you the best possible pretrial negotiation. Sometimes this takes more than one or two court dates. Be wary of attorneys who claim they can settle your case on the very first court date - many do so by walking their clients into court and simply pleading them guilty.

But, tell me, what do you charge?
OK – every case is different, but our fees for Reckless Driving cases start at $650. We try to keep legal fees affordable, because no one plans on getting having to go to court. We will talk more about your case and what it will cost to properly defend you at our initial meeting. We do not charge for an initial consultation because I want to make sure you investigate all your options before you decide how to handle your case. If you do decide to hire us, we accept credit cards.

It’s just a reckless driving – how serious can it be?
For a good person like yourself, reckless driving conviction can have lifelong dramatic consequences. Some clients of ours need to fight the case simply because they drive for a living and need to preserve their driver's license. Since a reckless driving conviction will cause a minimum 30 day license suspension, some people can't suffer to be without a license for 30 days. Other people couldn't afford the massive auto insurance increase that comes along with the finding of the court. Finally other people want to avoid the possibility of probation and the permanent criminal record. There is a lot at stake with a Reckless driving case.

What is the actual Reckless Driving law?
Sec. 14-222. Reckless driving. (a) No person shall operate any motor vehicle upon any public highway of the state, or any road of any specially chartered municipal association or of any district organized under the provisions of chapter 105, a purpose of which is the construction and maintenance of roads and sidewalks, or in any parking area for ten cars or more or upon any private road on which a speed limit has been established in accordance with the provisions of section 14-218a or upon any school property recklessly, having regard to the width, traffic and use of such highway, road, school property or parking area, the intersection of streets and the weather conditions. The operation of a motor vehicle upon any such highway, road or parking area for ten cars or more at such a rate of speed as to endanger the life of any person other than the operator of such motor vehicle, or the operation, downgrade, upon any highway, of any motor vehicle with a commercial registration with the clutch or gears disengaged, or the operation knowingly of a motor vehicle with defective mechanism, shall constitute a violation of the provisions of this section. The operation of a motor vehicle upon any such highway, road or parking area for ten cars or more at a rate of speed greater than eighty-five miles per hour shall constitute a violation of the provisions of this section.

What are the penalties?
Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars nor more than three hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than thirty days or be both fined and imprisoned for the first offense and for each subsequent offense shall be fined not more than six hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than one year or be both fined and imprisoned. This is the legal penalty. The DMV will also impose a suspension. The minimum suspension for a first offense is 30 days, for a second offense or more it is 60 days.

How can they take my license?
The truth is that the state laws are changed every year to make it easier for the DMV to take away your license. Driving is not a right but a privilege. The state can take away privileges very easily.

What about getting to work? How am I supposed to pay my mortgage and my taxes?
The DMV does not care. The prosecutor does not care. As far as they are concerned, those are your problems and not theirs. For reckless driving there is no work permit. You will be car-less for 30 days, and if you do not live near a bus route, you will be forced to use expensive private transportation, walk or rely on friends for rides.

What happens if I drive anyway?
If you are caught driving when your license is under suspension, you are facing possible jailtime, fines and further suspension of your license.

Is there any hope?
Well, we believe that every case can be defended. We spend our time researching and looking for innovative ways to defend these cases. Many lawyers treat reckless cases as an easy way to make money and plead people guilty. Stay away from those lawyers.

OK, so what is next?
First thing you should do is call us. The phone number, 888-384-4673 will be answered by a live receptionist 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If any one of the attorneys is available you will be put on the phone with them right away, so you can get answers right now. Then we can advise you on the law, get some facts about your case, and talk to you about your options. Its even easier if you click on the link on the left side of the page that says click to call us. If you input your phone number, our service will call your number and our number at the same time, and then connect us to speak.