I need advice on Reckless by Speeding Ticket! Plssss! (Arlington: insurance, crime)

[rb_guy]

OK...I was going 84 in a 60MPH limit right (at least that's what he said he read from his radar thing)...and It was a clear road and I was going back to school and trying to make it to an exam. Cop stopped me and said I was driving 84 at the top of the hill and slowed down to 73 when I saw him. In any case, he cited me as "Reckless by Speed". I felt like my life was over when he gave me the ticket (I somewhat still feel that way). I read all about the consequences on this forum and other sources and am reaching to the conclusion that I need a lawyer. So my question is, has anyone been in a similar situation and looked for a lawyer in Charlottesville, VA? If so, can you give me some good names? And can you give me a ball-park-estimate of how much these lawyers charge? And oh...I only have one other ticket for speeding like 2 years ago.....Thanks guys...I really need some sound advices.

[kt_mom]

I don't think you need a lawyer for this unless you have multiple infractions on your record and can't afford to have another ticket hit. Otherwise I would just go to court and you can try to argue your case yourself with the judge. Sometimes if you can make a good argument they will drop it to regular speeding. But I wouldn't waste the money on the lawyer. Just my .02

[daniel roberts]

unless you are wealthy there is no need to hire a lawyer. any speed 80mph or above even if the speed limit posted is 70 or 75, is considered reckless driving. you may not prepay it, you must appear in court, the best option is to appear in court in a professional manner and face the judge. at your expense it may be worth it to check the calibration on your speedometer to see if it is accurate and that may influence the courts decision otherwise with no likelyhood of the entire matter being dismissed is the possibility that the charge will be reduced to improper driving. that charge- improper driving may only be issued by a judge and thats what occures most often in court when ive issued a reckless driving summons. hiring a lawyer to get to the same end result as you would get when your were not otherwise represented makes no sense, thats even more cost to you. take driving school if offered and save on insurance too

[Huckleberry3911948]

i dont see a whole lota remorse in your post.
slow down.

[rb_guy]

thanks for the advices all (including the person who told me to slow down-I agree with you except that I'm just not a reckless speeder). But keep the comments coming, I appreciate that. But yea, personally, I think this law is way too harsh; especially for someone like me who is graduating this year and is trying to get a job for after graduation. ("Reckless driving" due to speeding 20MPH over the limit is considered a crime in Virginia...hmm..I don't know about y'all but I found that a little strange.)

[bequay113]

You should get a lawyer, they can get your charge reduce to speeding. One of my friend just went to the Arlington court last week. He was doing 86 miles in in a 60MPH limit. And the judge dropped it to 73 miles. He got out of the court with the fine around 70 to 100 i don't remember the exactly number. By the way he paid 700 for the lawyer and took 2 classes for reckless driver and driving management behavior or something.