Reckless in VA.... advice for court

[rotor_powerd]

I got popped doing 54 in a 25 today (If anyone is familiar with the traffic circle cluster **** at the 15/50 intersection just north of Haymarket, VA, it was through there).... he wrote it for reckless and gave me a court date.

Would it be a good idea to go to driving school before court? Or go to court and offer to go? Or just go to court and see what they say? Lawyer? I really cannot have a reckless on my record.... insurance is bad enough as it is. Any tips to get this dropped to a lesser fine would be great (I've had good luck getting things dropped when going to court so far...).

Also, if the judge keeps the charge the same, what am I looking at paying for a reckless ticket?

[Lloyd Xmas]

Getting it dropped to a lesser fine/charge will be up to the Judge and prosecuting municipal attorney. I would not take the DD class before, although it sounds good and responsible. Im not familiar with VA laws and such so hopefully someone else can help you out there. GL.

[FordSVTFan]

Originally Posted by rotor_powerd

I got popped doing 54 in a 25 today (If anyone is familiar with the traffic circle cluster **** at the 15/50 intersection just north of Haymarket, VA, it was through there).... he wrote it for reckless and gave me a court date.

Would it be a good idea to go to driving school before court? Or go to court and offer to go? Or just go to court and see what they say? Lawyer? I really cannot have a reckless on my record.... insurance is bad enough as it is. Any tips to get this dropped to a lesser fine would be great (I've had good luck getting things dropped when going to court so far...).

Also, if the judge keeps the charge the same, what am I looking at paying for a reckless ticket?

This is a criminal misdemeanor charge. You need to consult a good traffic attorney soon.

[cemeflybyu]

On reckless cases here in SW VA where I am the court will ask the prosecutor if the plan to seek a jail sentence 1st, if so they immediately set the case over so you can go ge a lawyer. If they are not then they proceed atthat time UNLESS you want to get a lawyer then again the will set it over to allow you additional time.

If you have the funds to hire a lawyer before you go I would do it and get it over with so you dont have to take off multiple days and make multiple trips.

Have you had driver improvement class before? The court usually only allows it once as a juvenile and once as an adult. If that is an option, it is a saturday out of you life nd the judge will usually dismiss the charge or take it under advisement for 6-12 months. If that happens....DONT get caught speeding during that timeframe!!

I do have to admit though...I would have wrote you too...well... ok, the termy might have helped your case!

Good luck with it and let it be one of those learning moments!! Once the court sees a pattern...things get bad!

[rotor_powerd]

I've taken the course twice before.... both court mandated.


Spoke with a lawyer that handles a lot of reckless cases in Loudon County, he said that even with my record he is sure he can get it reduced to a speeding ticket. Well, there goes Christmas..... Maybe Santa will bring me a brick to put under my gas pedal.

[john3883]

haha yeah a brick for Christmas. good luck with court, VA system is a pain in the ass

[rotor_powerd]

Originally Posted by rotor_powerd

I've taken the course twice before.... both court mandated.

Don't know why I said this - one time was voluntarily, and once was DMV ordered. I've never taken the class as a result of court order.

[lafeva]

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