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Should I hire a lawyer for reckless driving?
I was recently charged with reckless driving and I’m not sure what to do next. My friend told me to hire an attorney, but I’m worried that it’s just an unnecessary expenditure. Do I have to hire a lawyer for my reckless driving ticket?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If you’re charged with reckless driving, you should hire an attorney. Even if you’re worried about upfront costs, the initial expense of an attorney is far less than what you’ll pay if you’re convicted of reckless driving.
In most cases, a judge will issue a continuance if you show up to traffic court without an attorney. This is because you’re unable to properly defend yourself, negotiate a plea deal, or have your charges reduced without a law background. Without a lawyer, you risk heavy fines, possible suspension of your license, and more.
With an experienced lawyer on your side, you’re likely to benefit from:
- Reduced fines
- A plea deal to keep the reckless driving charge off your record
- Lesser penalties, which may allow you to keep your license
Traffic lawyers that specialize in reckless driving will typically charge $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the offense. But again, this upfront cost pales in comparison to what you might face monetarily if you don’t hire a lawyer.
Whether you get a reckless driving charge or a lesser charge, your
car insurance rates
are likely to increase. To find better-priced insurance, use the Jerry
app.As a licensed broker, Jerry helps you find and compare quotes from over 50 top providers in minutes. When you find a better rate, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even cancel your old policy. The average Jerry user saves $887 a year.
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- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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