Reckless driving ticket in VA- help please! (insurance, lawyer)

[lsam0190]

I received a reckless by speed ticket a few weeks ago on I-95. I was pulled over by a state trooper who said I was going 83 in a 65 zone(It was one of those where I didn't realize how fast I was going). Because it's reckless, I have to go to court.

I've never had any sort of trouble with the law. I have a clean driving record, too(though I'm only 18, so I've only had my license for 2 1/2 years). This was my first offense. I was polite to the cop, and I'm a "good kid"- in college, etc.

I'm really scared about what I should do. Most of the advice I've received has been to plead "no contest" and hope that they reduce the charges to regular speeding. I was just curious if anyone else has ever been in a similar situation and could offer some guidance. Thanks for your help!

[SmokeyBong420]

calm down lol. first of all i thought it had to be 20 over to get reckless driving?

[Cdshiflett]

Smokey_ There are two ways to be charged with reckless driving by speed.

VA Code Section 46.2-862 - Reckless Driving by Speed

Virginia Code Section 46.2-862 defines reckless driving as driving in excess of twenty (20) miles per hour over the posted speed limit or driving in excess of eighty (80) miles per hour. VA Code Section 46.2-862 is the reckless driving statute that specifically addresses speeding. Virginia Code Section 46.2-862 is a class 1 misdemeanor in Virginia. The maximum penalty for a conviction of VA Code Section 46.2-862 is 12 months in jail, $2500 fine, 6 months loss of license in Virginia and six points on your Virginia driving record.

[SmokeyBong420]

Meh... don't get worried about the "max penalties" more than likely you will get sent to driving school and that will be it.

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by lsam0190

I received a reckless by speed ticket a few weeks ago on I-95. I was pulled over by a state trooper who said I was going 83 in a 65 zone(It was one of those where I didn't realize how fast I was going). Because it's reckless, I have to go to court.

I've never had any sort of trouble with the law. I have a clean driving record, too(though I'm only 18, so I've only had my license for 2 1/2 years). This was my first offense. I was polite to the cop, and I'm a "good kid"- in college, etc.

I'm really scared about what I should do. Most of the advice I've received has been to plead "no contest" and hope that they reduce the charges to regular speeding. I was just curious if anyone else has ever been in a similar situation and could offer some guidance. Thanks for your help!

Go to driving school, try to nego a deal, and plead guilty. Make sure that it comes up as speeding as opposed to reckless or your insurance company will hang you. More importantly stop driving so fast. I'm tired of people coming on this forum and seeking sympathy for reckless driving. Your car has a speedometer keep your eye on it.

[daniel roberts]

first off a reckless driving summons cannot be "reduced to regular speeding" only to improper driving. take driving school, pay to have your speedometers calibration checked before court, and pay attention think about what would happen if you struck another vehicle at that speed, as a cop to have seen what a 50mph crash could do -an 80mph crash would be sickening, google fatal car wrecks pictures, unless you drive nascar or just dont care that should impress upon you the true lesson of the summons

[bequay113]

How did you get reckless? It was 18 miles above speed limit. Anyway get yourself a lawyer if you can and take driving school. The judge will reduce it to speeding ticket or improper driving. It depends on the judge's mood ( just kidding) Calm down! this is your first offense so they wont be harsh on you.

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by bequay113

How did you get reckless? It was 18 miles above speed limit. Anyway get yourself a lawyer if you can and take driving school. The judge will reduce it to speeding ticket or improper driving. It depends on the judge's mood ( just kidding) Calm down! this is your first offense so they wont be harsh on you.

ANYTHING over 80 gets reckless in Virginia.

[bequay113]

Damn I guess VA residents should slow down a little bit otherwise we all will get reckless ticket.

[Blondie4now]

Over 80 is serious business here... you can't count on getting a sypmathetic judge. Suggest hiring an attorney. PM me if you want a couple of referrals. What's the rush, anyway? Your life is more important than being 5 min. late.