Questions from drivers about Reckless Driving, VTL 1212, answered by the Benjamin Goldman Law Office. For penalties, points, and defense options, read the Reckless Driving, VTL 1212.
I was given a pink summons for reckless driving after an illegal turn. The officer told me I need to appear in court within 10 days, although the court date listed is in December, and said there are no points. But when I looked it up, I saw that it may be 5 points. I am mainly worried that this could leave me with a permanent criminal record because I expect to apply for U.S. citizenship later this year. What should I do?
I missed a criminal court date for a reckless driving ticket I got in 2018, and when I was stopped a few days ago, the officer said there is a warrant for me. I have been trying to get this taken care of, even tried to turn myself in, but I do not know what else I am supposed to do. I am supposed to fly to Miami next week. Can I still board the plane without having problems?
If your trip does not involve going through passport control, then the warrant may not come up. But you should work on having the warrant cleared. A lawyer may be able to appear in court for you and handle it without requiring you to go yourself.
Reckless driving after turning around on a one-way street I recently moved to the U.S. from Italy, although I am a U.S. citizen and have a passport. While driving in NYC, my GPS sent me onto a one-way street. As soon as I noticed, I tried to make a U-turn, but an officer stopped me with several cars nearby. The officer checked my license and registration and gave me a court ticket for reckless driving. I hired a lawyer for $900, which seems expensive to me. Is it worth having an attorney for this?
That fee is not excessive. Reckless driving is a criminal charge.
I was ticketed in Ohio about a year ago for driving 100 in a 70 while I was away from New York. It was listed as reckless driving, but only as a minor misdemeanor. Could that keep me from being allowed into Canada? I have received conflicting information about whether this counts as a criminal record.
You should consult an Ohio traffic ticket attorney and/orCanadian immigration attorney. My guess is that it probably will not affect your entry, but counsel should confirm that.
How can a reckless driving charge for a minor in a private parking lot be contested in New York?
Hiring an attorney who specializes in traffic cases in the relevant court can help challenge the charge, especially if evidence like photos exists.
Disclaimer: All the content of this website has been prepared by Benjamin Goldman Law Office PC for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing this site does not create an attorney–client relationship. Readers should not act or refrain from acting based on this information without seeking professional counsel from an attorney licensed in the state where the citation was issued.
Benjamin Goldman Law Office
The officer appears to have given you bad information. Reckless driving is a serious charge: it is criminal and carries 5 points. You may want to speak with a traffic lawyer in the local area. A lawyer can appear in court for you and may be able to have the charge reduced to a non-serious violation.