Every year, tens of thousands of people are hurt in accidents that involve the reckless or drunk driver. Although it might seem that any drunk driver should be charged with driving carelessly, criminal charges for "reckless driving" and "driving under the influence" (DUI) are given under different conditions. Many drunk drivers are only issued a DUI, not really a suspended license charge, but when a drunk driver behaves in ways that sets other drivers in danger, he or she may be arrested on both accounts.
What's Reckless Driving?
Under regulations, driving carelessly includes any activity that produces unsafe road conditions for other people, such as:
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out-of traffic
- Improper signaling
- Cutting off other drivers
- Drag Racing
described above a drunk driver who is discovered by police but didn't necessarily commit a reckless act might only be granted a DUI. If, however, the driver is under the influence of alcohol while threatening other drivers, he or she might be charged on both charges.
Combined Costs and Charges
Generally, an initial offense for DUI or driving recklessly is labeled as a misdemeanor crime. In Rhode Island like, a first reckless driving arrest is charged as a Class B misdemeanor. Likewise, a primary DUI offense without injury is just a misdemeanor DUI. Individually these crimes carry a listing of possible punishments, including:
- Jail time: Up-to 1 year
- Fines: Up-to $500
- Community Service: As much as 60 hours
- License Suspension: Around 18 months
- DUI course o-r treatment program
When an individual is arrested for several offenses in the same time, the driver is going to be tried for each charge individually. Which means that the driver could be convicted of both or all charges, or could have one or more charges reduced or dropped. She or he could have the above penalties for each crime, indicating the total sentence would primarily be double the punishment for just one conviction, when the defendant is found guilty for both reckless function and DUI.
More information is available on this site.
To Find Out More
If you are facing a charge either alone or with other costs, you will likely experience an prosecution in court. An experienced DUI defense attorney will protect your rights under the law and steadfastly defend your case to make sure that you obtain a fair trial.
To find out more about preparing your defense against DUI and moving violation lawyer charges, please visit the site of Rhode Island DUI lawyer James Powderly today.
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