NY state resident with a Reckless driving summons from VA (Ontario: lawyer, insurance)

[NYVA]

Hi all,

I received a Reckless Driving charge a month ago in VA. I was doing 84 in a 65mph highway. I know, it’s not excusable and I really don't want to spent time debating that point. I have a clean driving record. I would be happy to pay any fines assigned to me but the reckless driving charge would cause havoc on my insurance rates. Also being charged with a class one misdemeanor is certainly undesirable. Unfortunately I cannot make it to court, I'm in graduate school in MS and have an exam on that assigned date. I tried to reschedule it but I cannot.

I'm wondering if anyone else has had a similar situation. If so what was the out come? I've received a quote from a VA attorney of $650 + any court fees. He seems to believe that he can get me down to a no criminal offense and some combination of a fine and or driving school. I would really like to avoid paying such an exorbitant amount but considering that I cannot make it to the court appearance myself I doesn't seem as though I have any other option. I was thinking about getting a court appointed representative but I was told that ADA's are not assigned to these types of cases.

Any advice?

Also,I know that my insurance will be affected if fault guilty. Does anyone have an idea of a how much it may increase?

Thanks.

[MRIGUY]

I was nabbed last week in VA for 83 in a 65, I would hardly call going with the flow of traffic "reckless" but anyway this is what found on the official NY DOT website.

Out-of-state traffic violations: Except for Ontario and Quebec, points are not added to your NYS driver record if you commit an out-of-state traffic violation. Points can appear on your NYS driver record if you commit a traffic violation in Ontario or Quebec.

I havent decided if I want to spend 750 for a lawyer to get it reduced to a simple moving violation. Let me know how you fare.

[NYVA]

Hey, I paid $250 for a lawyer. Got it reduced to defective equipment and paid a $250 fine and $61 court fees. Lesson learned.

[kirill_igum]

How did u find the lawyer?

[MRIGUY]

Originally Posted by kirill_igum

How did u find the lawyer?

I found one online all though it cost me $750, most lawyers charge $250 an hour and have a 3 hour minimum. My hearing is on December 12th so I'll let you know what happens then.

[NYVA]

Hey,

Yeah my initial quotes were high but I just kept looking. Here is the information of the lawyer I used: His name is C. Paul Stanley and his phone number is 276-228-4003. The person I spoke with in his office was really nice and helpful. I hope that helps.