Sometimes you’ll hear about a traffic ticket that’s called, “careless & imprudent” driving (C&I).
What does it mean? In the State of Missouri, every person operating a motor vehicle on the roads and highways is obligated to drive in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed which does not endanger people or property.
In other words, you must drive carefully using the highest degree of care. A ticket for C&I driving is an allegation that a driver operated a vehicle in a manner which was dangerous to people and/or property.
Examples of Careless and Imprudent Driving
Just like some other crimes, it’s the police officer’s interpretation of events that rules the day. For example, a speeding ticket for traveling 20 miles over the limit may convert to a C&I ticket if the driver was weaving through heavy traffic or almost caused an accident.
Usually the police officer writes a brief statement or phrase on the ticket explaining the nature of the C&I. For example, if the police witness a car racing situation, they may write a ticket for C&I – drag racing.
Penalties for Careless and Imprudent Driving
There are various consequences to pleading guilty or being convicted of a C&I ticket. If your ticket is in state court, the violation is characterized as a class B misdemeanor which has a range of punishment of up to six months in jail and a fine up to $500.00 or a combination of jail and a fine. In addition, four points would be added to your driving record which would cause insurance premiums to increase.
If your case is in a city or municipal court, the ticket is usually characterized as an ordinance violation with a range of punishment up to 90 days jail and a fine up to $300.00 or a combination of jail and a fine.
Unlike a state case, two points would be added to your driving record instead of four points. However, you would still experience an increase in your insurance premiums. For persons who carry a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a plea of guilty or conviction for a C&I ticket could be disastrous – suspension or loss of the CDL license which in turn could lead to loss of employment.
Hire an Attorney
What should you do if you receive a ticket for C&I or any other kind of traffic violation? The answer is simple – hire an attorney! The cost of hiring a traffic attorney far outweighs the potentially high costs and burden you will experience if you plead guilty or are convicted of a traffic violation. Let the professionals help you!
