Why this ticket is different
Most moving violations in New York are traffic infractions. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor, which means it is heard in a criminal court rather than, in New York City, the Traffic Violations Bureau, and a conviction creates a criminal record. The ticket usually works as an appearance ticket with a court date. Missing that date can lead to a warrant. The charge also carries DMV points, and license consequences can follow separately from whatever happens in court. Paying it by mail the way people pay a parking ticket is not the right approach, and it is worth getting advice before the court date.
What the prosecution usually relies on
These cases often rest on an officer's description of the driving, such as speed, weaving, near-collisions, or road conditions at the time. Some involve radar or video, and some rest on the officer's observations alone. Keep the ticket, stay off social media about the incident, and save anything that shows the conditions, such as dashcam footage or location data from your phone. Passengers who were in the car can be important witnesses. Your driving record and any other pending tickets will be part of the discussion too.
Decisions in the first conversation
We look at the ticket, the court it is returnable in, and your driving and criminal history. If you hold a commercial license or a professional license, or you are not a U.S. citizen, those consequences need early review. Prosecutors in some courts are open to reducing the charge, and practice varies by county. We explain how the case is likely to proceed and what each option would mean for your record and your license before you decide anything. In many courts a lawyer can appear with you, and in some situations on your behalf, which can make the process less disruptive for work.
