Careless Driving
Vehicle Code Section 3714
3 Points
Careless Driving is a generic “catch-all” ticket and can be written in many different scenarios. A person is guilty of Careless Driving if he drives in “careless disregard” for the safety of persons or property. The officer must prove that the driving behavior was more than negligent driving, or, in other words, more than the just a lack of care and caution. It is typically cited along with other tickets where a crash has occurred such as Driving a Vehicle at Safe Speeds, Vehicle Turning Left or Red Light violation with a crash. It can also be written in conjunction with a Speeding ticket or almost any violation of the vehicle code.
A conviction for Careless Driving carries 3 points. If convicted of this offense and there was a crash involving death or serious bodily injury, there is also a 6 month mandatory license suspension for an unintentional death and a 90 day suspension for causing serious injury.
Reckless Driving
Vehicle Code Section 3746
5 Points + 6 Month License Suspension
Reckless Driving is the most serious traffic offense in Pennsylvania. A conviction for Reckless Driving carries with it 5 points plus a mandatory license suspension of 6 months, which is the harshest penalty on the books for a traffic violation in Pennsylvania. It is also considered a “serious violation” under the Habitual Offenders law, which means that you could lose your license for 5 years if you obtain 3 serious traffic convictions within a 5 year period.
Reckless Driving occurs when a person drives in “willful or wanton disregard” for the safety of persons or property. It is an extremely high standard and only the most egregious driving behavior will be considered to be reckless driving. In order to prove “willful and wanton disregard”, the offender's driving must a gross departure from “normal” driving standards, that the driver drove such that there was a substantial risk that injury would result from his driving, and/or that it was highly likely that a crash would result. The driver would be aware of the risk, but continued to drive, disregarding the risk he created by his own reckless driving.
Reckless Driving is typically issued with other citations including speeding, drag racing, fleeing from police, DUI and other serious traffic offenses.
If you are cited for Careless or Reckless Driving, call the experienced attorneys at Ellis B. Klein & Associates for a free consultation. Do not “just pay it” as points will be assessed to your license, your insurance rates may increase and you may lose your driver’s license as a result of pleading guilty. The attorneys at Ellis B. Klein & Associates have over 25 years of experience in thousands of traffic court matters. Most judges will permit our lawyers to appear in court in your place, so you may not even have to attend the court hearing to get your points reduced. We have a 99% success rate in reducing points on most moving violations and we have a money back guarantee if we are unable to help you reduce points on your moving violation. Call us now at 800-536-0501 for a free consultation BEFORE you pay the fine.
Careless / Reckless Driving Reviews From Former Clients*Source: Avvo.com Client reviews
Careless Driving: Crash
Dear Mr. Klein,
RE: Summons for Traffic ticket
I want to thank you for the work you did representing me. It was a relief to hear that the case was dismissed. Your help and expertise in this matter was truly appreciated. Thank you for backing up your words. Hopefully I will not require your services in the future but if I do you will be the first on my list to call.
Sincerely,
Matthew Z.
Careless Driving: A light in the dark!
5.0 stars
Posted by Elizabeth
I have no words to express how thankful I am to found Ellis . I had a careless driving ticket and I was freaking out I was going to lose my license. Ellis was able to help me and represent me for my case. I didn't lost my license and received no points . I didn’t even had to go to court. Can't be more happier with his job ! I highly recommend his service
Reckless Driving
5.0 stars
Posted by Trevor
I hired Ellis for a reckless driving that carries a mandatory 6 month license suspension on top of 3 other fines I had with alot of points. I thought I was doomed . Ellis got the reckless driving dropped and all other points dropped. I still have my license I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ELLIS B. KLEIN
Reckless driving dropped! D.G
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
After getting a reckless driving ticket I was at risk of a 6 month license suspension and an expensive fine. I gave Ellis a call and without me appearing in court he was able to get the ticket completely dropped! Not only did I get to keep my record clean and keep my license I was able to do so with out missing work. Ellis was super easy to work with, to the point and very affective! Would highly recommend to anyone.
“Reckless driving”
5.0 stars
Posted by Gene
I haven't had a ticket in almost 20 years. Then I got a reckless driving ticket and was facing 5 points on my license and a 6 month suspension. Ellis was able to get ZERO points and NO suspension. I just had to pay a fine. Five stars!!! Thank you!!
“Traffic ticket defense”
5.0 stars
Posted by Eric
I received 3 tickets for reckless driving, speeding, and failure to use turn signal. My License was going to be suspended! I searched for a lawyer and found Ellis Klein who was truly amazing, he was able to get these charges dropped and I received 0 points on my license. Ellis Klein was amazing, very professional and honest about my case during the consultation. I still can't believe the results!! I will definitely use Ellis Klein for any future needs and I will recommend Ellis Klein to my family, friends and colleagues.
“Unprecedented Results from a Constant Professional: Meet Ellis Klein”
5.0 stars
Posted by Jacques
There is no other way to put it, Ellis worked a true miracle. Imagine your worst nightmare... reckless driving, 44 mph over the limit and illegal passing. That was my predicament and that is what I was cited for. Ellis worked the courtroom with professionalism and class personified. He successfully reduced my charges to a minimal 5MPH over the limit citation. THAT'S IT. No reckless driving, no illegal passing, no 44mph over the limit. I'll repeat it. Ellis got my sentence reduced to ONLY a simple 5mph over the limit citation. Without Ellis I would have lost my license for 6 months and my insurance would have gone through the roof. I will recommend him to anyone in need. Words can't describe my gratification. Thanks, Ellis.
Ellis Klein is a terrific attorney who represented my son in a DUI case. Ellis was understanding and sympathetic yet very forthright regarding the seriousness of the issue. He was extremely knowledgeable of the process and kept us informed at every step. He had a very professional presence, was confident (but not arrogant) and kept us calm throughout a very traumatic situation. He was a critical factor in my son receiving the best possible outcome from this DUI event.
Recently Mr. Klein helped me out with a criminal charge in which the outcome was the best possible situation for me. Ellis worked with me as far as a payment plan, knew the judge and officer and I couldn't ask for anything more out of a lawyer. I'm very happy with his performance and would recommend him to anyone.
Ellis literally gave me a new lease on life. I was facing a DUI, which would have affected my livelihood, my freedom and would have left me with a criminal record. Mr. Klein was able to have all the evidence suppressed by challenging the officer's cause for pulling me over. He was very thorough, leaving no stone unturned. His demeanor in court was confident and knowledgeable. He saved my reputation and my family from facing serious economic hardship. Thank You
Ellis Klein served as my lawyer in a very difficult case that I was facing and with his help, the outcome of my case turned out wonderful. Mr. Klein helped me very much with his knowledge of my case. Thanks Ellis!
Like many young adults, I made a bad decision that resulted in very serious consequences. I was afraid and nervous. Ellis was very straight-forward when he explained things to me, telling what the best outcome could be as well as the worst. Through his knowledge, professionalism, and legal reputation, my case was resolved with the best possible outcome. I advise my friends not to make the same mistake that I did, but if they do I will highly recommend Ellis. I feel like I have been given a second chance.