Reckless Driving Lawyer Queens, NY
You were driving south on the Van Wyck Expressway, heading toward JFK, when you saw the flashing lights in your rearview mirror. The officer said you were going well over the posted limit — and now you’re holding a ticket that charges reckless driving. A reckless driving charge in Queens is not a simple traffic ticket. It is a misdemeanor under the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law that can affect your license, your insurance, and your record. You need a traffic lawyer who knows Queens courts and can build a defense tailored to your situation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents drivers facing reckless driving and other traffic charges in Queens County. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Strategy for Reckless Driving Cases in Queens
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team, with over 120 years of combined legal experience, approach every reckless driving charge by examining the evidence the prosecution intends to use. Results may vary. In Queens County, cases are often handled at the Queens Supreme Court in Kew Gardens or at the New York State Traffic Violations Bureau. The TVB operates under administrative law judges, and there is no plea bargaining — which makes sound trial preparation essential. Our firm looks at the speed measurement device calibration, the officer’s observations, and any road or traffic conditions that might explain your driving. We present witnesses and evidence that challenge the officer’s account and work toward a reduction or dismissal.
Reckless driving is defined under VTL § 1212 as operating a motor vehicle in a manner that unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of the public highway, or unreasonably endangers others. Unlike a simple speeding infraction, a reckless driving conviction is a misdemeanor that can carry up to 90 days in jail for a first offense plus fines and surcharges. For commercial drivers, even one reckless driving conviction can jeopardize their CDL and livelihood. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel build a defense strategy around the specific facts of your case, from challenging the speed measurement to demonstrating that your driving did not meet the legal standard for recklessness.
What to Expect When You Call
When you reach out to Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., our first step is to listen to your account of what happened. We review the ticket, any supporting deposition, and the circumstances surrounding the stop. We then explain the potential consequences and the options available under New York law. We typically respond quickly to new inquiries, and our staff speaks English and Spanish. Throughout the case, you will receive straightforward guidance without exaggerated claims — just practical, experience-based advice.
Reckless Driving Penalties — A Narrative Overview
A reckless driving conviction in New York can result in a fine and a criminal record. The court may impose a fine up to $1,000 for a first offense, plus a mandatory surcharge. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor, so a conviction can lead to up to 90 days in jail. Additionally, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles assesses points — 5 points for a reckless driving conviction. If you accumulate 11 points in an 18-month period, your license may be suspended. For those with prior convictions or for an aggravated offense, the penalties increase. Beyond the court-imposed sentence, your auto insurance rates will likely rise significantly. An attorney who knows the Queens courts and the TVB procedures can often negotiate a reduction to a lesser charge or work to mitigate the consequences.
Reckless Driving Lawyer Credentials
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing since 1997. He is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris is supported by a team of Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive traffic-defense experience. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His firm has documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas. Results may vary. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have over 120 years of combined legal experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reckless Driving in Queens
What is the legal definition of reckless driving in New York?
Reckless driving is operating a motor vehicle in a manner that unreasonably interferes with the free and proper use of a public highway or unreasonably endangers others. Under VTL § 1212, it is a misdemeanor, not simply a traffic infraction. The prosecution must prove that your driving showed a reckless disregard for safety, not merely a momentary lapse in judgment. An attorney can challenge whether the evidence meets this high standard.
Can a reckless driving ticket be reduced in Queens?
Yes, a reckless driving charge in Queens can often be reduced to a less serious offense like improper driving or a simple speeding infraction. Negotiation through your lawyer and presenting mitigating evidence can persuade the prosecutor or the judge to agree to a reduction. However, at the TVB, plea bargaining is not permitted, so the only option may be trial. A skilled traffic lawyer can present a strong defense at the TVB hearing to try to achieve a not-guilty verdict or a reduction through a lesser-included offense.
How many points does a reckless driving conviction add in New York?
A reckless driving conviction adds 5 points to your New York driving record. Points remain on your record for 18 months, and if you accumulate 11 points, your license may be suspended. You may also face a Driver Responsibility Assessment of $100 or $250 per year for three years if you have 6 or more points. For CDL holders, a reckless driving conviction can trigger a one-year disqualification of your commercial driver’s license.
What should I do immediately after receiving a reckless driving ticket in Queens?
Do not simply plead guilty and pay the ticket. Pleading guilty results in a misdemeanor conviction that will appear on your background checks. Instead, contact a traffic lawyer right away. Gather all documents, including the ticket and any supporting deposition, and write down your recollection of the events while they are fresh. Then, call a firm like Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to discuss your case. The lawyer will enter a not-guilty plea on your behalf and begin building a defense.
Why is it especially important to hire a lawyer for a reckless driving charge at the TVB?
Because the TVB does not allow plea bargaining, your case will be decided by trial before an administrative law judge. Without the ability to negotiate a plea reduction, your only avenue to avoid a conviction is to present a defense that raises reasonable doubt. An experienced traffic lawyer knows how to cross-examine the officer, challenge radar or laser readings, and present evidence effectively in a TVB hearing. Representing yourself at the TVB is risky because the rules of evidence are somewhat relaxed, and the judge may accept the officer’s word without a challenge. You need a lawyer who has handled TVB trials and understands the procedures specific to Queens and the other boroughs.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202 | (838) 292-0003. By appointment only. Reach our New York location at (888) 437-7747 (toll-free).
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.