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Getting charged with either a reckless driving ticket or a DUI can be serious. While both charges are very different, you are probably wondering what the next steps are so you can avoid a conviction. What are the differences between reckless driving and a DUI? Is it possible to get your DUI reduced to reckless driving? Each Salt Lake City, Utah reckless driving lawyer at Rasmussen & Miner understands that these charges are very serious and are here to help you examine the defenses that may work in your situation. We understand that a reckless driving or DUI conviction can change your life. Do not wait any longer to call us if you have been charged with a DUI or reckless driving.
How are these charges different?
When you are charged with a DUI, you are being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When you are charged with reckless driving, you may be charged for a few different violations, including speeding, getting into an accident and causing physical harm, or disobeying other traffic laws. Unfortunately, if you are convicted of either, you will face serious consequences and will be left with a criminal record.
What are the penalties?
When you are faced with these charges, you may be wondering what the penalties are. Your reckless driving lawyer in Salt Lake City, UT can explain in more detail, but the following is an overview of potential penalties if you are convicted.
- Fines. Both DUI and reckless driving convictions will come with fines, but you can expect lower fines for reckless driving than a DUI.
- Serving Time. Jail time is not mandatory for either a reckless driving or DUI conviction, though either can certainly land you in jail. If you do serve time, you would likely face significantly less jail time for a reckless driving conviction than you would for a DUI. While not all states require you to go to jail for a DUI, some states have laws that say you must go to jail, even for a few days, if you have been convicted of a DUI. Whether you go to jail for either charge or conviction will depend on the circumstances surrounding what happened as well as the state you are in.
- License Revocation. Like other penalties, you will not always have your license revoked. However, with a DUI conviction, you are much more likely to have it taken away than you would with a reckless driving conviction unless you have other offenses on your record.
Does a DUI conviction have more penalties than reckless driving?
Yes, there are other penalties you may get that you wouldn’t with a reckless driving conviction. For example, you may be required to take an alcohol or drug education class. You may also find that a judge orders you to have an ignition interlock device on your car so that you can’t get behind the wheel and drive if you have a certain amount of alcohol on your breath.
Let a Salt Lake City, UT Reckless Driving Lawyer Help
Clearly, being convicted of a DUI or reckless driving can be very serious. If you need to seek help from a DUI lawyer Salt Lake City UT trusts for your charges or have more questions regarding reckless driving and DUIs, please call Rasmussen & Miner now. We can schedule a free and confidential consultation with a reckless driving lawyer Salt Lake City, UT clients recommend.