Q: I was in an accident and received a citation for careless driving. What are my chances of pleading for a reduced charge?
I was riding my motorcycle and crashed into pickup truck in an intersection. I was given a mandatory court date at El Paso Combined Court for careless driving. I have a clean driving record up until this accident and was respectful and polite with the officer who issued the citation. I was the only one injured in the accident and I had proper insurance at the time. What happens when I show up to the court? I understand careless driving is more serious traffic offense compared to a traffic infraction. What is the likelihood of being able to plead to a traffic infraction instead of careless driving?
A: Most prosecutors will offer a point reduction based on the facts you describe - clean driving record, no injuries (I assume), your respectful attitude to the officer, etc. While there is no requirement that the prosecutor offer a traffic infraction plea bargain, that is commonly what happens. Sometimes the offer will include a requirement that the driver complete a responsible driver class.
Tim Akpinar agrees with this answer
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