Hi folks


Yesterday night around 12.20 am , I got a reckless driving ticket for driving 55 mile on 35 mile zone.. I was really tired after work and did not even realized that I was doing 55 until the cop pulled me over. I am not a VA resident and live in MD. This is my first major ticket during my 6 years driving. I totally have a clean record..

Since I live in MD, i was not really sure about the traffic laws in VA.. After i came home , I was doing some kinda research over the internet and realized that Reckless driving tickets are pain in the neck in VA.. Fines and points are absolutely crazy compare to MD..

The cop scheduled the court date on April 15th. So , i have plenty of time .. But my question is Should I go ahead and hire a lawyer.. I was reading the internet and it seems lawyers are charging somewhere between $500 to $1000.. I know that is why they go to law school but I am really tight on budget and do not have $500 to give it to a lawyer..

If i defend myself in front of the judge, do you think it can be effective ? Or the judge can lower the ticket to a speeding ticket and get rid of points ?? I believe if points do not get removed, my trouble starts with the insurace company.. I have a 91 civic so i do not know how it will increase my insurance rate but i am so scared and having panic right now..

So please give some advice and ideas.. If you had a reckless driving ticket experience or court experience , let me know how I should handle this situation..

 

 

 

AWW, yours is bigger $$$

Can I have some?

 

:jimp:

 

By representing yourself, you won't be able to get away with anything less than reckless because the system requires you to pay into the system... either by hiring a lawyer or with fines/jail time.

You need a lawyer.

I got a reckless back in high school in VA and was sentenced to a $500 fine and 5 days in jail. That was with me representing myself. I appealed and came back with a lawyer and got everything reduced to 0 points, 36 hours of community service and a $200 fine. Goes to show you how the system works.

I can recommend you a lawyer but it's not a hookup or anything so you can't expect a lower fee... http://www.piklaw.com

 

oh and for the love of God don't say that you were tired and driving in court.

 

I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but perhaps some things to consider.

The cost of the lawyer who (becuase of his schooling and previous experience handling sitations as this) perhaps will be able to knowledgeably talk down the reckless driving charge to something less, perhaps get the fine reduced, and/or the associated points reduced....all for $500 to $1000 dollars

The cost of you representing yourself, which perhaps you have never done (based on your previous driving record). Are you better equiped to talk down the reckless driving, the points, or the fine?

Then there is the insurance. What happens when you renew next time? How much will the premium go up and for how long? Do you

There is not guarantee the lawyer can assist with any of these aspects, but as you mentioned, they did go to school for this kind of stuff.

IMHO....get the lawyer.

 

Just don't show up.

 

sure buddeh