Reckless Driving Florida Uniform Traffic Citation

A Florida Uniform Traffic Citation charging someone with Reckless Driving is a criminal charge in Florida.  That is why the Florida Uniform Traffic Citation has a court date and time on it.  A Florida Uniform Traffic Citation for Reckless Driving is NOT a civil citation like a traffic ticket.  The Florida Uniform Traffic Citation is the officer’s way of charging a person with a criminal traffic offense without having to arrest the person and take them to jail.  Officers can issue a Florida Uniform Traffic Citation for criminal traffic offenses like Reckless Driving.  If you do not appear in court as required a warrant may be issued for your arrest and your license may be suspended.

At the first court appearance the person issued the Florida Uniform Traffic Citation will be required to enter a plea to the Reckless Driving charge.  The options are not guilty, guilty or nolo contendere (no contest).  If the person enters a plea of not guilty they will be given another court date and the judge will ask the person if they are hiring a lawyer or representing themselves.  If the person pleads guilty or no contest then the judge will impose a sentence.  Since Reckless Driving is a criminal charge a plea of guilty or no contest will remain on your record for the rest of your life.  Reckless Driving is a criminal traffic offense punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up to a $500 fine for a first conviction and up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for a second or subsequent conviction.  The judge can also include in the sentence driving classes, community service, cost of investigation, cost of prosecution and court cost.  In addition a conviction will cause 4 points to be placed on the person’s driving record which may cause a license suspension.

The mistakes the officer made in your case can mean the difference between a conviction and a dismissal.  Officers are trained to follow the law and to conduct investigations properly but everyone makes mistakes, including police officers.  Chris is a former prosecutor who has over 18 years experience defending people charged with Reckless Driving.  Reckless Driving charges can be beaten for many reasons.  For example, the law says that speeding alone is NOT Reckless Driving no matter how fast the person is traveling.  The consultation is free so call 407-740-8300 or email Chris at [email protected] to find out how Chris can help you.