Blog
Reckless Endangerment Charges & Brooklyn Traffic Violations
Contents
Dealing with a reckless endangerment charge or traffic violation in Brooklyn can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. As a resident of New York’s most populous borough, you have likely seen the chaotic traffic and hurried pace of life here. While this energy is part of what makes Brooklyn such a vibrant place to live, it can also lead to errors in judgment when getting behind the wheel.
This article provides an informative overview of reckless endangerment charges and common traffic violations in Brooklyn, as well as potential penalties and defense strategies. We aim to help you understand these charges so you can make informed decisions if you find yourself dealing with the traffic court system.
Reckless Endangerment Charges in Brooklyn
Reckless endangerment refers to acts that create a substantial risk of serious physical injury to others [1]. In Brooklyn, reckless endangerment often involves the use of a vehicle.
Common examples include:
- Speeding excessively, especially in areas with high pedestrian traffic
- Ignoring traffic signals and signs
- Making dangerous lane changes or turns without signaling
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Texting, calling, or otherwise being distracted while driving
Reckless endangerment is a criminal misdemeanor charge in New York. If convicted, potential penalties can include [2]:
- Up to 1 year in jail
- Up to $1000 in fines
- 5 points on your license
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s office takes reckless endangerment seriously, especially cases involving injury to pedestrians and cyclists. They often prosecute these cases aggressively.
Having an experienced Brooklyn traffic lawyer in your corner from the start can help you navigate the legal process and achieve the best possible outcome given the circumstances. Potential defenses to reckless endangerment charges include [3]:
- You were not actually driving recklessly and followed all traffic laws
- There were mitigating circumstances like bad weather or poor road conditions
- You did not have the mental state to consciously disregard risks
Common Brooklyn Traffic Violations
Beyond criminal charges like reckless endangerment, there are a range of civil traffic violations you may encounter in Brooklyn. Some of the most common include [4]:
- Speeding – Driving over posted speed limits. Fines start at $45 plus $0.30 per mile over the limit.
- Traffic light violations – Running red lights or stop signs. Fines start at $50 plus 2 points on your license.
- Using a cellphone while driving – Prohibited in New York unless hands-free. Fines up to $200 for first offense.
- Failure to yield to a pedestrian – Not stopping to allow pedestrians to cross at intersections or crosswalks. Minimum $50 fine.
Lesser violations like parking tickets and expired registrations also abound in Brooklyn. We all make mistakes – but if they start to pile up, the fines, fees, and insurance rate hikes can drain your wallet fast.
Having an attorney to contest questionable or excessive fines can help minimize the damage. For example, an attorney may be able to get certain fines reduced or dismissed through plea bargaining if there were mitigating factors or procedural errors [5].
Fighting Brooklyn Traffic Tickets
There are a few approaches you can take to fight traffic tickets in Brooklyn:
- Request a supporting deposition – The officer must provide additional proof beyond their word that you committed the alleged violation [6].
- Plea bargain for a lesser charge – An attorney may be able to negotiate this with the prosecutor if you have a clean driving record.
- Request a hearing – You can argue before an administrative judge why the ticket should be dismissed due to lack of evidence, procedural errors, or other problems.
Working with an experienced Brooklyn traffic lawyer improves your odds of getting tickets reduced or dismissed. For example, lawyers understand common technical errors police make on tickets that can invalidate them.
Lawyers also know how to gather evidence and testimony to challenge the police’s version of events. Examples may include [7]:
- Photos of signs or sight lines showing you could not see a speed limit change
- Vehicle telemetry showing your actual speed was lower
- Witness statements about road conditions and other vehicles’ behavior
Never ignore a traffic ticket in Brooklyn – this will just create bigger problems down the road. But you also should not just pay a fine you disagree with or that seems excessive. In most cases, working with an experienced attorney provides the best opportunity to resolve the situation fairly.
Finding the Right Brooklyn Traffic Lawyer
If you are facing reckless endangerment charges or traffic violations in Brooklyn, finding the right lawyer for your specific situation is key. Here are some tips:
- Check credentials – Verify licenses and experience dealing specifically with Brooklyn traffic issues.
- Understand pricing – Fee structures differ among attorneys. Get clear pricing upfront.
- Review online – Check sites like Avvo and Google for client reviews. Look for lawyers with consistent positive feedback.
- Consult initially – Many lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations to evaluate your case.
Reputable Brooklyn traffic lawyers to consider include [8]:
- Benjamin & Lozito
- Law Offices of Joel Albert
- Sweet Law Group
The lawyers at these firms have extensive experience representing clients before the New York traffic court system. They can help you understand the charges against you, build a defense for your case, and get the best possible resolution.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with reckless endangerment or traffic violations in fast-paced Brooklyn can leave your head spinning. But through education and working with an experienced attorney, you can take back control and work toward the most favorable outcome given your circumstances.
If you have been charged with a crime or traffic infraction in Brooklyn, don’t go it alone. Reach out to a qualified lawyer for a free consultation, and start building an effective defense for your case today.