Michigan
Careless & Reckless Driving Lawyer in Michigan
Careless or reckless driving is one of the most serious moving violations — in many states it is a misdemeanor with jail exposure. An attorney can often negotiate it down to a simple infraction that protects your record.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Charges like this one start with a short call. A licensed Michigan attorney reviews your case and explains your options before you pay anything.
Request a free consultation- Win rate
- 98%
- Drivers helped
- 5,000+
- Saved for drivers
- $7M+
- Avg. insurance savings
- $1,422
How it works
Three steps from ticket to result.
- STEP 01
Share your ticket
Upload your citation and basic details in minutes.
- STEP 02
An attorney takes over
A licensed attorney files with the court and negotiates on your behalf.
- STEP 03
Get updates until it's done
We keep you posted at every step — most cases end with a reduced or dismissed charge.
Why it matters in Michigan
What a careless & reckless driving costs in Michigan
- Typical fine
- $100–$500 plus court costs (misdemeanor)
- License points
- 6 points (reckless) or 3 points (careless driving)
- Insurance impact
- Reckless driving is among the worst entries on a Michigan record — insurers commonly surcharge 25% or more, or decline renewal.
- License risk
- Misdemeanor with up to 93 days jail and a mandatory 90-day hard license suspension on conviction.
Frequently asked questions
Is reckless driving a misdemeanor in Michigan?
Yes — willful or wanton disregard for safety is a criminal misdemeanor carrying up to 93 days in jail, 6 points, and a mandatory 90-day license suspension. It should never be handled like a routine ticket.
What's the difference between reckless and careless driving in Michigan?
Careless driving is a 3-point civil infraction — no crime, no jail, no mandatory suspension. Getting a reckless charge amended down to careless is one of the most common and valuable outcomes an attorney can negotiate.
Will I lose my license over a reckless driving conviction?
A conviction brings an automatic 90-day suspension on top of the 6 points. Avoiding the conviction — through reduction or dismissal — is the only reliable way to avoid that suspension.
The charge came out of an accident. Should I still fight it?
Especially then. Accident-based reckless charges often rest on inference rather than observation, and a Michigan attorney in our network can challenge whether the evidence actually shows willful disregard rather than a simple mistake.
How much does a reckless driving lawyer cost in Michigan?
Because it's a criminal charge, pricing depends on the county and the facts, but you'll get a clear quote upfront after a quick case review — and the stakes (jail exposure, 90-day suspension, insurance) usually dwarf the fee.
Talk to us before you pay that ticket
Tell us about your case and we'll connect you with a licensed attorney who can evaluate your options — no obligation.
Request a free consultation