Reckless Driving - general? Can I get some advice/insight on this? (neighborhood)

[michellebrianna__]

A few weeks ago, I was given a ticket for reckless driving - general. I have my court date in 2 weeks. I was at first very troubled over the ticket, as I was told it was a misdemeanor and I'd want a lawyer. But then my parents told me later on I would not; I would only need to explain my situation to the judge and everything would be okay. However, my parents have now talked with several people and are now extremely concerned and thinking I should get a lawyer.

Here's what happened. I was leaving to go to class early morning and was admittedly running a bit late. There was ice on the windshield but I waited for some of it to defrost. And then I pulled out of the driveway and drove toward the exit to the neighborhood. However, around a bend, the sun got in my eyes and was making it hard to see with that space I had through the remaining frost, so I started to pull over with intentions to wait for more frost to clear and bam - hit a parked car. I was going approx. 15 in a 25. The right front side of my car is a bit banged up; luckily the car I hit was neither damaged much besides a few small scuffs AND nobody was in the car. Also, my father was behind me in his car and witnessed the entire thing. We knocked on the door and a young dude answered, it was his car, he didn't know if he should call the police or not and my dad told him he could if he wanted. So the dude called, but he was super cool about everything. Got his mom who was also super cool about everything. Then the cop showed up and everything was suddenly not cool. He seemed very annoyed about everything and by time everything was said and done, I had the ticket.

I am unfortunately a full-time student in nursing school and a fairly new driver. My parents fortunately (and in this case unfortunately) help me with most everything financially but I am so upset that they have to potentially pay for a lawyer, tickets, court costs, etc. Do you think I could explain my situation and ask for driving school and everything could be okay? I was not speeding. I was even trying to pull over. The car owner's mother offered to go to court with me but I'm not sure it would make much of a difference because she didn't actually see it happen. I am so worried over all of this, I understand I made a mistake but I wish I could have been let off with a slap on the wrist or something. I have a clean driving record but I feel that information is not really relevant because I've only been driving a couple years.

[randomlikeme]

Take driving school before the court date as it shows that you're planning ahead. Then, pray for a nice judge.

[Wynternight]

Sounds like you had the misfortune to get a dick police officer. I wouldn't have cited you for reckless under those circumstances. I imagine this is the kind of thing a judge will toss.

[Flamingo13]

They sell amazing devices called ice scrapers!

Originally Posted by michellebrianna__

A few weeks ago, I was given a ticket for reckless driving - general. I have my court date in 2 weeks. I was at first very troubled over the ticket, as I was told it was a misdemeanor and I'd want a lawyer. But then my parents told me later on I would not; I would only need to explain my situation to the judge and everything would be okay. However, my parents have now talked with several people and are now extremely concerned and thinking I should get a lawyer.

Here's what happened. I was leaving to go to class early morning and was admittedly running a bit late. There was ice on the windshield but I waited for some of it to defrost. And then I pulled out of the driveway and drove toward the exit to the neighborhood. However, around a bend, the sun got in my eyes and was making it hard to see with that space I had through the remaining frost, so I started to pull over with intentions to wait for more frost to clear and bam - hit a parked car. I was going approx. 15 in a 25. The right front side of my car is a bit banged up; luckily the car I hit was neither damaged much besides a few small scuffs AND nobody was in the car. Also, my father was behind me in his car and witnessed the entire thing. We knocked on the door and a young dude answered, it was his car, he didn't know if he should call the police or not and my dad told him he could if he wanted. So the dude called, but he was super cool about everything. Got his mom who was also super cool about everything. Then the cop showed up and everything was suddenly not cool. He seemed very annoyed about everything and by time everything was said and done, I had the ticket.

I am unfortunately a full-time student in nursing school and a fairly new driver. My parents fortunately (and in this case unfortunately) help me with most everything financially but I am so upset that they have to potentially pay for a lawyer, tickets, court costs, etc. Do you think I could explain my situation and ask for driving school and everything could be okay? I was not speeding. I was even trying to pull over. The car owner's mother offered to go to court with me but I'm not sure it would make much of a difference because she didn't actually see it happen. I am so worried over all of this, I understand I made a mistake but I wish I could have been let off with a slap on the wrist or something. I have a clean driving record but I feel that information is not really relevant because I've only been driving a couple years.

[goofy328]

Originally Posted by michellebrianna__

A few weeks ago, I was given a ticket for reckless driving - general. I have my court date in 2 weeks. I was at first very troubled over the ticket, as I was told it was a misdemeanor and I'd want a lawyer. But then my parents told me later on I would not; I would only need to explain my situation to the judge and everything would be okay. However, my parents have now talked with several people and are now extremely concerned and thinking I should get a lawyer.

Here's what happened. I was leaving to go to class early morning and was admittedly running a bit late. There was ice on the windshield but I waited for some of it to defrost. And then I pulled out of the driveway and drove toward the exit to the neighborhood. However, around a bend, the sun got in my eyes and was making it hard to see with that space I had through the remaining frost, so I started to pull over with intentions to wait for more frost to clear and bam - hit a parked car. I was going approx. 15 in a 25. The right front side of my car is a bit banged up; luckily the car I hit was neither damaged much besides a few small scuffs AND nobody was in the car. Also, my father was behind me in his car and witnessed the entire thing. We knocked on the door and a young dude answered, it was his car, he didn't know if he should call the police or not and my dad told him he could if he wanted. So the dude called, but he was super cool about everything. Got his mom who was also super cool about everything. Then the cop showed up and everything was suddenly not cool. He seemed very annoyed about everything and by time everything was said and done, I had the ticket.

I am unfortunately a full-time student in nursing school and a fairly new driver. My parents fortunately (and in this case unfortunately) help me with most everything financially but I am so upset that they have to potentially pay for a lawyer, tickets, court costs, etc. Do you think I could explain my situation and ask for driving school and everything could be okay? I was not speeding. I was even trying to pull over. The car owner's mother offered to go to court with me but I'm not sure it would make much of a difference because she didn't actually see it happen. I am so worried over all of this, I understand I made a mistake but I wish I could have been let off with a slap on the wrist or something. I have a clean driving record but I feel that information is not really relevant because I've only been driving a couple years.

15 in a 25 is not reckless driving

[canadian citizen]

But hitting a parked car is.........

Failing to completely clear all the car windows, where I live is a $400 fine, and two demerit points.

Learn from your mistakes, and accept that you goofed.

Jim B. In Toronto.

[goofy328]

Originally Posted by canadian citizen

But hitting a parked car is.........

Failing to completely clear all the car windows, where I live is a $400 fine, and two demerit points.

Learn from your mistakes, and accept that you goofed.

Jim B. In Toronto.

A point well taken.

[Spazkat9696]

That was reckless. Hopefully you learned from this and it won't happen again. You're lucky it wasn't a person. Why would you ever think it's okay to drive when your windshield isn't clear?

[Flamingo13]

It was a one-time poster troll - but brings up the point: I see often in winter that some JUST clear a teeny space off the windshield and are driving! Clear off the entire windshield, AND your roof people (as well as headlights and taillights) - or DO NOT DRIVE.