cars in traffic

Whether you are accused of reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, you may expect the punishments placed against you to be harsh. Continue reading to learn the possible penalties for reckless driving versus DUI and how an experienced Morristown DUI defense lawyer at Graves Andrews, LLC can work to reduce this charge.

What are the possible penalties for reckless driving versus DUI charges?

Reckless driving and DUIs are both considered traffic offenses under New Jersey law. That is, a DUI may only become a disorderly persons offense or an indictable crime if extenuating circumstances are at play; for example, if this prompted a fatal auto accident. Even still, the possible penalties vary for both. They read as follows:

  • A first offense of reckless driving:
    • Up to 60 days in jail.
    • A fine of anywhere between $50 to $200.
  • A second or subsequent offense of reckless driving:
    • Up to 90 days in jail.
    • A fine of anywhere between $100 to $500.
  • A first offense of DUI:
    • Up to 30 days in jail.
    • A fine of up to $500.
    • An installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle for up to three months.
    • A driver’s license suspension until an IID is installed.
  • A second offense of DUI:
    • Up to 90 days in jail.
    • A fine of up to $1,000.
    • An installation of an IID in your vehicle for up to four years after your license is restored.
    • A driver’s license suspension of up to two years.
  • A third or subsequent offense of DUI:
    • Up to six months in jail.
    • A fine of up to $1,000.
    • An installation of an IID in your vehicle for up to four years after your license is restored.
    • A driver’s license suspension of up to eight years.

Can I possibly reduce my DUI to a reckless driving charge?

As you may have likely concluded from the list of penalties above, the possible penalties for a DUI charge are far more serious than that of a reckless driving charge. For this reason alone, it is rather common practice for defendants to enter a plea bargain for their DUI charges. Essentially, a plea bargain is an arrangement between you and the prosecuting team in which you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lesser penalty. Of note, this was not always something accessible to individuals accused of DUIs in the state of New Jersey.

So, if you are accused of a DUI, you may plea guilty to reckless driving. This may be in an attempt to receive up to $200 in fines rather than up to $500 in fines, as an example. Or, this may be in an attempt to get your charge dismissed altogether.

In conclusion, you cannot enter your criminal case proceedings without being legally represented by a skilled Morristown criminal defense lawyer. Contact our office, Graves Andrews, LLC, today.