Official Reckless Driving Thread (Woodstock, Shenandoah: 2015, living in, reviews) - Page 29 - City-Data Forum

Bigfoot424 · 06-07-2011, 02:57 PM

The Fairfax officer should know if taking the class ahead of time can help or not. It would not in Prince William Co but each court system is different. I also don't know if the attorney is correct or not but I have a sneaky suspicion they are not being straight up with you. Just a suspicion though as I've only been there a few times as a police officer. Call the commonwealth attorney's office and ask them.

cyber0708 · 06-07-2011, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

The Fairfax officer should know if taking the class ahead of time can help or not. It would not in Prince William Co but each court system is different. I also don't know if the attorney is correct or not but I have a sneaky suspicion they are not being straight up with you. Just a suspicion though as I've only been there a few times as a police officer. Call the commonwealth attorney's office and ask them.

Thanks for the suggestion Bigfoot424! I am very suspicious about the lawyer's statement as well. Is it appropriate for me call the police officer directly and talk to him nicely to see if he would reduce the charge? And do you think it's a good possibility to reduce the charge to improper driving? Thanks again!

Bigfoot424 · 06-07-2011, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyber0708

Thanks for the suggestion Bigfoot424! I am very suspicious about the lawyer's statement as well. Is it appropriate for me call the police officer directly and talk to him nicely to see if he would reduce the charge? And do you think it's a good possibility to reduce the charge to improper driving? Thanks again!

The officer cannot reduce the charge. They can express an opinion if the prosecutor asks them but that's it. I can't say on the reduction without knowing all the circumstances to include what your record looks like. Even then it's a best guess. Call the commonwealth attorney's office and go from there.

cyber0708 · 06-07-2011, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

The officer cannot reduce the charge. They can express an opinion if the prosecutor asks them but that's it. I can't say on the reduction without knowing all the circumstances to include what your record looks like. Even then it's a best guess. Call the commonwealth attorney's office and go from there.

My record is clean since I've got my Driver License in U.S. two years ago and this is the first time I've been pulled over by an officer. I am 25 and just finished my graduate study. Yesterday when I was pulled over, there's almost no traffic on chain bridge road and it was a sunny day. I wasn't aware I was going beyond 55 until the officer stopped me. I will take your suggestion and call the commonwealth attorney tomorrow. My court date is July 28th and will follow up to the post if there's anything new. Thanks again Bigfoot424!

sixtwelve · 06-08-2011, 01:08 AM

^let us know how it goes for you if you decide to call the attorney's office.

calicia625 · 06-13-2011, 09:59 AM

Hello -

Last week I volunteered to drive a coworker to Dulles Airport. I always try to watch my speed because I find that the second I press the gas I get pulled over. This has been my relationship with VA cops my three years here.

I was on the Airport acess road and started looking for the terminal that my coworker needed to get to. I can honestly say I was not paying attention and all of a sudden I see a cop behind me. I did not know how to pull over on the road because they had orange sticks up but I did stop and waited for him to instruct me. He told me I was going 66/45. I thought the road was 55. When he returned I asked him where the signs were posted and how long he followed me. Prior to asking the questions I did tell him I do not want to be combative I am just very confused. He says the signs were at the 28 overpass on the over pass and he was parked directly under that overpass. Now I did not see the sign but even if I had been paying attention I would have had no time to slow down since he was parked right under it. He also pulled me over very far from that overpass I am not sure if that matters. I took pictures of where I was pulled over. (not sure if it even matters).

I have had a reckless situation once before I hired a lawyer. I was new to VA at the time and was freaked out by the letters and such. I have -9 points which by reading I am afraid won't help. One that I hired the lawyer for and 2 other offenses one in Maryland late at night and one in VA late at night. I just paid those becuase after my first reckless driving I wanted nothing to do with VA courts I was freaked out.

I really do not have the money for a lawyer the last time I used money I received from financial aid. I am 23 I work ft and go to school and I have a 5 yr old. I live here on my own and don't have anyone to ask or go to for help. Any advise will be appreciated at this point.

Bigfoot424 · 06-13-2011, 02:27 PM

My advice may not be practical. You need to QUIT driving before you kill somebody. Minus 9 sucks and you sound pretty young.

boyd888 · 06-14-2011, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calicia625

Hello -
I have -9 points which by reading I am afraid won't help. One that I hired the lawyer for and 2 other offenses one in Maryland late at night and one in VA late at night. I just paid those becuase after my first reckless driving I wanted nothing to do with VA courts I was freaked out.

Your story doesn't matter to the judge. With -9 points

you will need a lawyer and even then it is unlikely you will win. I would expect the judge to give you court ordered driver improvement school.

My advice is slow down. If you get another ticket beyond this one in the next year you will likely have your license (rightfully) suspended.

jls20 · 06-16-2011, 08:01 PM

I received a reckless driving ticket in Rockingham County, VA near mile marker 256 going 86 in a 70 mph zone. I know this is reckless and I understand there is no excuse regardless, but I have a clean record, I have never been pulled over for anything, and I am a full time student at the University of Virginia. I am concerned about whether or not I should/need a lawyer present on my behalf. Do you have any advice on what I should do?

boyd888 · 06-17-2011, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jls20

I received a reckless driving ticket in Rockingham County, VA near mile marker 256 going 86 in a 70 mph zone. I am concerned about whether or not I should/need a lawyer present on my behalf. Do you have any advice on what I should do?

Spend an hour reading the thread. Go to court by yourself, try to get a deal to plead guilty to 79 in a 70 (so no more reckless).