Reckless Driving

Michigan Reckless Driving Lawyer – Criminal Traffic Defense Throughout Michigan

Quick Answer: Is Reckless Driving a Crime in Michigan?

Yes. Reckless driving in Michigan is generally charged as a criminal misdemeanor, not a simple traffic ticket.

Under MCL 257.626, prosecutors typically must prove that the driver operated a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

That is a much higher legal standard than merely making a mistake behind the wheel.

Matthew A. Fraiberg of Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan reckless driving lawyer representing drivers charged with reckless driving, careless driving, criminal traffic offenses, excessive speeding, and accident-related driving charges throughout Michigan. As a former prosecutor and former judicial clerk with more than 28 years of criminal defense experience, Matthew Fraiberg defends reckless driving cases through detailed evidence analysis, strategic negotiation, and trial-ready representation.

Reckless Driving Defense at a Glance

Law Firm: Fraiberg & Pernie
Lead Attorney: Matthew A. Fraiberg
Practice Area: Reckless Driving / Criminal Traffic Defense
Statute: MCL 257.626
Related Statute: MCL 257.626b (Careless Driving)
Experience: 28+ years
Phone: (248) 986-2682

Charged With Reckless Driving in Michigan?

Many people underestimate reckless driving.

They think:

“It’s basically a speeding ticket.”

It isn’t.

A reckless driving conviction may create:

• Criminal misdemeanor record

• Jail exposure

• Probation

• Six license points

• Major insurance increases

• Employment consequences

• Commercial driving problems

• Professional licensing issues

If you were charged, you may be asking:

• Can this be reduced?

• Will I go to jail?

• Can I avoid a criminal record?

• Will I lose my license?

• Can the charge be dismissed?

These are serious concerns.

But before assuming the prosecution can win, one question must be answered:

Does the evidence actually prove criminal recklessness?

That question drives everything.

Reckless Driving Is Not the Same as Bad Driving

This is the most important concept.

Bad driving does not automatically equal reckless driving.

Speeding alone does not automatically prove recklessness.

An accident alone does not automatically prove recklessness.

Even careless driving does not automatically prove recklessness.

The prosecution must prove more than:

• Poor judgment

• Negligence

• Simple speeding

• A brief mistake

• Ordinary carelessness

They generally must prove conduct showing willful or wanton disregard for safety.

That is a much tougher burden.

And that is why many reckless driving cases are defensible.

What Makes a Reckless Driving Case Strong or Weak?

Key questions include:

• Was speed measured by radar or estimated visually?

• Was there an accident?

• Were injuries involved?

• Were road conditions poor?

• Was traffic heavy?

• Was the driver reacting to another vehicle?

• Was there a mechanical failure?

• Does video support the officer’s conclusions?

• Do witness accounts agree?

Small factual differences can dramatically change a case.

Can Reckless Driving Be Reduced?

Yes—many cases can be improved.

Possible outcomes include:

• Reduction to careless driving

• Reduction to civil infraction

• Avoiding misdemeanor conviction

• Reduced points

• Reduced fines

• Avoiding probation

• Avoiding jail

• Dismissal in rare cases

One of the most valuable outcomes is:

Reckless Driving → Careless Driving

That can significantly reduce long-term consequences.

Why Clients Hire Matthew A. Fraiberg

Matthew Fraiberg has spent more than 28 years defending clients facing criminal and traffic-related charges throughout Michigan.

His background includes:

• Former prosecutor

• Former judicial clerk

• Former assistant legal research clerk

• Thousands of criminal and traffic cases handled

• Extensive courtroom litigation experience

Many lawyers begin with:

“What deal can we get?”

Matthew Fraiberg starts somewhere else.

He asks:

• Does the evidence support the charge?

• Does the proof establish criminal recklessness?

• Is this truly reckless driving—or something less serious?

That evidence-first approach often creates leverage.

Final Takeaway

A reckless driving charge does not automatically mean a reckless driving conviction.

Before pleading guilty, make sure the evidence supports the criminal charge—not simply bad driving, speeding, or an isolated mistake.

That distinction can protect your:

• License

• Record

• Employment

• Insurance

• Future

Call Fraiberg & Pernie at (248) 986-2682 today for a confidential consultation.

Related Michigan DUI Resources

Ultimate Guide to Michigan DUI Law
Michigan DUI Penalties
Best DUI Lawyers in Michigan

Written by Matthew A. Fraiberg
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience