Official Reckless Driving Thread (Alexandria, Charlottesville: gated, relocating, registered)

[car54]

Originally Posted by jgman1

Was cited for reckless driving this past Friday night for driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Fairfax County Va. I was not familiar with the area and mistakenly turned the wrong way onto a one-way street. Officer obviously asked if I had been drinking. I had a few beers with my dinner and indicated that to the officer. He asked if I wanted to take a Breatalyzer(sp) and naturally I replied "no". He advised me to park my car and take a taxi home. I plan to get a lawyer and prey that I can get the ticket reduced to an improper driving charge. My driving record is ok. I have a couple minor tickets over the past several years (-3 driver record). Im worried that if I get a reckless driving I will recieve have my license suspended. Anyone have any thoughts on what my chances are of getting the citation reduced to improper driving? Also, what is the risk that the police officer will introduce alcohol as a factor eventhough no sobriety or breatalyzer was taken? Will this have any impact or since no procedures were taken to indicate my alcohol level would this likely not be an issue?

I'd say you lucked out...you normallly would be looking at a refusal rap at the least.

[jgman1]

Originally Posted by car54

I'd say you lucked out...you normallly would be looking at a refusal rap at the least.

I had been drinking responsibly and would have taken a test at the police station (I knew I was well under the limit) if the officer had threatened a refusal. I was always told not to do the road sobriety tests. Was a moot point as he never asked me to get out of the car.

[635911]

This is for " GW Parkway - 77 in a 50 "

I think because the GW Parkway is on a federal property like federal parks, it's handled by US district court. I'm not sure if you can negotiate speed in a US court vs. a state court but a friend told me once that all you can pretty much do is pay the fine. As far as points go and insurance, you may wanna consult a lawyer.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by jgman1

Was cited for reckless driving this past Friday night for driving the wrong way on a one-way street in Fairfax County Va. I was not familiar with the area and mistakenly turned the wrong way onto a one-way street. Officer obviously asked if I had been drinking. I had a few beers with my dinner and indicated that to the officer. He asked if I wanted to take a Breatalyzer(sp) and naturally I replied "no". He advised me to park my car and take a taxi home. I plan to get a lawyer and prey that I can get the ticket reduced to an improper driving charge. My driving record is ok. I have a couple minor tickets over the past several years (-3 driver record). Im worried that if I get a reckless driving I will recieve have my license suspended. Anyone have any thoughts on what my chances are of getting the citation reduced to improper driving? Also, what is the risk that the police officer will introduce alcohol as a factor eventhough no sobriety or breatalyzer was taken? Will this have any impact or since no procedures were taken to indicate my alcohol level would this likely not be an issue?

You really give little enough info on the "wrong way" part so it's hard to make a educated guess. But if you have a lawyer you stand a real good chance on a reduction. You stand little to no chance of a suspension unless you're leaving out part of the story.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by jgman1

I had been drinking responsibly and would have taken a test at the police station (I knew I was well under the limit) if the officer had threatened a refusal. I was always told not to do the road sobriety tests. Was a moot point as he never asked me to get out of the car.

Forgot to mention. The alcohol won't come into play here. The officer obviously didn't feel you were even close enough to test. You were asked to take a field alco-sensor test (roadside breath) which is not admissible in court. If you were taking a breathalyzer you would have been under arrest.

[gglen]

I have read many pages of this thread it and it very helpful, thanks for everyone replying. Here is my situation and would really apperciate any advice anyone could give, thanks.

11:30 am on a monday on 85 in brunswick county. I got pulled over for 86 in a 70. That is accurate, I was speeding. It was up a hill and in the left hand lane. Going up a hill, you naturally hit the gas more and I wasnt blowing by anyone. I was shocked to see that this is considered wreckless driving and really feel that it shouldn't be, but nevertheless I was given the ticket so that is moot. I am 23 and am out of state from NY and was driving through. I have a clean record with no prior tickets. Being out of state, do you recommend a lawyer, show up in person, plea guilty and mail it in? I can not seem to find out how much it costs so any idea how much it would cost to get send in payment, if that is the best option?

Thanks alot

[jgman1]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

You really give little enough info on the "wrong way" part so it's hard to make a educated guess. But if you have a lawyer you stand a real good chance on a reduction. You stand little to no chance of a suspension unless you're leaving out part of the story.

Thanks for your response Bigfoot. Was heading down BackLick Rd in Springfield looking to turn around to get back to 95. After passing thru a "green" traffic light, unknown to me the road turned into a multiple lane one-way street. There were no signs indicating "Begin One-Way". Hence, I made a u-turn on the one-way stretch hoping to turn-around, and thats when I was stopped.

[jgman1]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Forgot to mention. The alcohol won't come into play here. The officer obviously didn't feel you were even close enough to test. You were asked to take a field alco-sensor test (roadside breath) which is not admissible in court. If you were taking a breathalyzer you would have been under arrest.

Thanks. Spoke to an attorney (former Fairfax County Prosecuter) this afternoon and he confirmed what you said above. Basically if the officer didnt take the time to conduct the appropriate sobriety tests, most judges dont want to hear about alcohol.

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by gglen

I have read many pages of this thread it and it very helpful, thanks for everyone replying. Here is my situation and would really apperciate any advice anyone could give, thanks.

11:30 am on a monday on 85 in brunswick county. I got pulled over for 86 in a 70. That is accurate, I was speeding. It was up a hill and in the left hand lane. Going up a hill, you naturally hit the gas more and I wasnt blowing by anyone. I was shocked to see that this is considered wreckless driving and really feel that it shouldn't be, but nevertheless I was given the ticket so that is moot. I am 23 and am out of state from NY and was driving through. I have a clean record with no prior tickets. Being out of state, do you recommend a lawyer, show up in person, plea guilty and mail it in? I can not seem to find out how much it costs so any idea how much it would cost to get send in payment, if that is the best option?

Thanks alot

Brunswick is not in NOVA so you're not likely to get many, if any, responses from someone in that area. You might want to re-post it. But in a short answer, yes, hiring a lawyer for a case like this would likely be best so you won't have to come back to court. Talk to a local lawyer there (Brunswick) for better advice locally. Reckless (not wreckless) is not a pre-payable offense in VA although some localities may allow it in certain circumstances.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by jgman1

Thanks for your response Bigfoot. Was heading down BackLick Rd in Springfield looking to turn around to get back to 95. After passing thru a "green" traffic light, unknown to me the road turned into a multiple lane one-way street. There were no signs indicating "Begin One-Way". Hence, I made a u-turn on the one-way stretch hoping to turn-around, and thats when I was stopped.

Were there lines painted on the pavement?