Criminal traffic offenses – which are different from standard speeding tickets – can result in prison time. But what offenses count as criminal, and what can you do if you’re accused of one of them?
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Criminal Traffic Offenses in Wisconsin?
In the state of Wisconsin, there are several criminal offenses that have to do with operating a motor vehicle. Some of the most common include:
- Car theft
- Drunk driving
- Eluding an officer or fleeing
- Hit-and-run
- Operating on a suspended license or revoked license
- Reckless driving
- Vehicular homicide
Each of these crimes carries its own set of penalties – and some involve prison time, such as vehicular homicide and drunk driving.
What Should You Do if You’re Accused of a Criminal Traffic Offense?
If you’re arrested and police are accusing you of a criminal traffic offense, your best bet may be to talk to an attorney immediately. Your lawyer will examine the facts of the case and be present with you during police questioning. It’s incredibly important to consult your lawyer before you talk to police. When they tell you that anything you say can be used against you in court, they really mean it.
In many cases, police will tell you that they only want to get your side of the story, even if you’re innocent. But really, their job is to get you to confess to committing a crime. Unfortunately, many innocent people are convicted of crimes they never committed – and sometimes, that’s because they fumbled when trying to explain the situation to police or because the police were able to get them to issue a false confession.
If you’ve been accused of any criminal traffic offense, call our office at 484-383-6700 right away for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions and start developing a strategy that gets you the best possible outcome right away.
