Reckless Driving Ticket (Carrol County) (Roanoke, Luray: insurance, lawyer, law)

[akhtarh]

Hi Everyone:

I received a reckless driving ticket in Virginia. I was doing at 85 mph in a 65 mph limit. I have to go to court in Carroll County. I'm a student from South Carolina. My driving record is clean. In fact, this is my first as any kind of traffic rule violation.

It was really a long drive (Columbia, SC to Luray, VA) for my 11 months old baby girl. She had been very impatient and was crying to get out of her car seat that moment. In addition, my car was on very low fuel and I missed previous exit to refuel. I was trying to reach the next exit sooner and couldn't watch my speed. I know I should not have been speeding and I do regret doing that.

The officer gave me the ticket before I explained anything. Later, I found it a reckless driving (RD) ticket. I didn't know the VA law (RD for > 80 mph). It was the first time I visited VA.

I have never had to go through this and I do not know what to expect. Any suggestion, will be very helpful. I just have many internet articles on severe consequences of RD ticket which makes me really nervous. If I need a lawyer (difficult to afford as a student), can anyone recommend a good lawyer with reasonable fee.

Thanks in advance.

~ Akond

[primetime00]

Sorry that happened. It is a law in VA that 20mph over is reckless. It doesn't matter what excuse you made, it won't help anything.

I received a ticket many years ago in VA for about 15mph over. I went to court and told the judge that I didn't realize how fast I was going (40 in 25) but that I was speeding. I didn't say anything else. The judge told me that he would allow me to take a Saturday driving class and not have a conviction. This is because of my good driving record. All I had to do was pay court fees and the class fee. It was cheaper than the ticket and insurance hikes. I actually learned a few things in the class too.

You could also get a lawyer who would probably get you the same deal.

Here is what I suggest:
1. Go to court
2. Dress respectfully like you would at a job interview
3. Treat judge very respectfully
4. Make zero excuses
5. If the judge offers the class, take it and be thankful
6. If the judge does not offer the class and you get a conviction then it is a lesson learned.


What I do now is set the cruise control for about 5mph over the limit. A Maryland officer said I wouldn't get pulled over for that. I know how an 11 month old baby can be on a long car ride. I have an 18 month old. Take more breaks in the trip and allow for more time.

[Watchful]

In addition to the advice shared, you might wanna do a search (not just in the Roanoke section but in the entire Virginia section) with some various advice from those who have been through this. It has come up in several threads.