Manteca Criminal Defense Lawyer

San Joaquin County Criminal Attorney

Manteca is a city located in the Central Valley. Although Manteca's economy thrived primarily on agriculture in the 20th century, many newer residents of Manteca commute to the East Bay and other parts of the San Francisco Bay Area. It can be tempting to speed in rural areas far from big cities. However, if you are caught driving at very high speeds, there may be stiffer consequences than for ordinary speeding violations. A knowledgeable East Bay traffic violations attorney Leon J. Mezzetti, Jr. can help you fight to keep your driving privileges if you are facing allegations involving high speed or reckless driving, or DUI.

High Speed Violations in Manteca

If you are caught driving at over 100 mph, you are considered to be driving at a reckless speed, even if you were driving in a remote area on a highway. You may be subject to having 2 points added to your driving record, a 30-day suspension of your driver's license, and a fine of up to $500. Further offenses carry greater penalties. Another high speed violation within 3 years will be fined at up to $750, and your driver's license will be suspended for 6 months. Further offenses can result in bigger fines and longer suspensions. Your insurance premiums are likely to go up and it is also possible that your insurer will cancel your policy.

Unlike ordinary speeding tickets, a high speed violations cannot be remedied by going to traffic school. If you accumulate 4 points in 1 year, 6 points in 2 years, or 8 points in 3 year, you are likely to have your driver's license suspended. High speed violations are considered serious infractions.

Reckless Driving in Manteca

Depending upon the circumstances, you may be cited for reckless driving for high speed violations. Factors such as weather, the presence of a child in the car, the location of the speeding may affect the nature of your citation. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor and will go on your criminal record.

Reckless driving is defined as driving with willful or wanton disregard for safety or people or property. It can be punished by imprisonment of between 5 and 90 days, and a fine of between $145 and 1,000.

"Wet Reckless" DUI Defense

If your moving violation involved alleged driving under the influence, you may still have options. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney may be able to bargain with a prosecutor to get a DUI changed to a "wet reckless" or "dry reckless." Unlike a dry reckless violation, a wet reckless violation is always associated with alcohol. However, there are several advantages to a wet reckless conviction over a DUI, such as no mandatory sentencing enhancements for repeat offenders, a shorter jail sentence (with a 90-day limit), a shorter probation period, and smaller fines than those associated with a DUI.

Contact a Manteca Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

High speed violations and reckless driving are serious traffic violations. While not as serious as a DUI, if you are charged with more than one of these, you may be facing the threat of license suspension. An attorney can potentially help you remove points or fight a suspension. To discuss your case with an experienced Manteca reckless driving lawyer Leon J. Mezzetti, Jr., contact us toll-free at 877-791-1836 or via our online form.