Reckless driving charge in Albemarle (insurance, lawyer, vehicle)

[ImNewToThis]

Hi guys,

I got a reckless driving charge about a month ago on I-64 in Albemarle, was recorded going 86 in a 65 mph zone. This is my first and only charge of any type (I never drive this fast and know I shouldn't have been, so save the holier-than-thou judgements here), and I have been quite nervous at the prospect of a criminal record. I'm especially upset that Virginia doesn't allow for the expungement of records, and if I was going 2 mph slower, the officer could have not even charged me with a reckless at all. I have looked at similar case outcomes on the GDC online search and it looks like my prospects are dim in this county, though some people with my exact speeding ratio have had their charges reduced.

I'm here to see if anyone from the area is familiar with how harsh the courts are with RDs, as I might be missing something. Yes, I have contacted a lawyer. I'm more interested in hearing if similar cases have gone well for others.

Best...

[jobber123rd]

Originally Posted by ImNewToThis

Hi guys,

I got a reckless driving charge about a month ago on I-64 in Albemarle, was recorded going 86 in a 65 mph zone. This is my first and only charge of any type (I never drive this fast and know I shouldn't have been, so save the holier-than-thou judgements here), and I have been quite nervous at the prospect of a criminal record. I'm especially upset that Virginia doesn't allow for the expungement of records, and if I was going 2 mph slower, the officer could have not even charged me with a reckless at all. I have looked at similar case outcomes on the GDC online search and it looks like my prospects are dim in this county, though some people with my exact speeding ratio have had their charges reduced.

I'm here to see if anyone from the area is familiar with how harsh the courts are with RDs, as I might be missing something. Yes, I have contacted a lawyer. I'm more interested in hearing if similar cases have gone well for others.

Best...

Anything over 80 may be cited for reckless driving. In practice, something like 84/65 could go down as either speeding or RD, but you're pretty much at the mercy of the officer there (notwithstanding whatever deals you could get with a lawyer in court).

§ 46.2-862
Exceeding speed limit.

A person shall be guilty of reckless driving who drives a motor vehicle on the highways in the Commonwealth (i) at a speed of twenty miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable maximum speed limit or (ii) in excess of eighty miles per hour regardless of the applicable maximum speed limit.

[alks]

Yes, the courts are very harsh here. I've been charged with reckless driving for not clearing 'enough' snow from a car, and judge ruled reckless. Definitely get an attorney, since 80 or above is already reckless. Maybe they can at least keep it off the criminal record. Also, be expecting HUGE insurance increases. Was like 2.5-3x for me.

[Bigfoot424]

Happened last December so it's likely been resolved.