Speeding Ticket, Can I avoid going to court? (insurance, lawyer)

[dave1821]

I was caught speeding this morning at Goochland County. I was driving at 87/65. The officer gave me a ticket charging "R/D - Speed 87/65". Am I charged with Reckless Driving??
Thanks a lot!!!

[Mearth]

He should have explained that to you, but in any case, you just have to pay the fine. Reckless driving, I believe, simply means more points on your license because you were driving significantly over the limit. I think it's a point for every 10 miles over, or something.

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by Mearth

He should have explained that to you, but in any case, you just have to pay the fine. Reckless driving, I believe, simply means more points on your license because you were driving significantly over the limit. I think it's a point for every 10 miles over, or something.

I think since that is reckless driving he HAS to appear in court and i would suggest he do it anyway. A reckless ticket can wreak havoc on your record (6 points) which will trickle down to insurance (count on a massive increase). You do not just want to pay a reckless, trust me.

If you have a clean record, take a copy of that, take driving school also, and try to make a deal with the Commonwealth attorney beforehand.

One more thing: SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dave1821]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

I think since that is reckless driving he HAS to appear in court and i would suggest he do it anyway. A reckless ticket can wreak havoc on your record (6 points) which will trickle down to insurance (count on a massive increase). You do not just want to pay a reckless, trust me.

If you have a clean record, take a copy of that, take driving school also, and try to make a deal with the Commonwealth attorney beforehand.

One more thing: SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, I regret to death that I drove that fast. It was becasue my wife was trying to catch a flight, and we were worried about missing it. I know it's no excuse, and I will never speed again.
BTW, should I take the driving school before I go to court, or wait for the court to order that? And how should I contact the Commonwealth attorney to cut a deal.

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by dave1821

Yeah, I regret to death that I drove that fast. It was becasue my wife was trying to catch a flight, and we were worried about missing it. I know it's no excuse, and I will never speed again.
BTW, should I take the driving school before I go to court, or wait for the court to order that? And how should I contact the Commonwealth attorney to cut a deal.

I would take it beforehand, i guess it shows the judge that you really understand what you did and you want to atone for it by doing so without being told. To contact the attorney i would either check the ticket or google it.

[Mearth]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

I would take it beforehand, i guess it shows the judge that you really understand what you did and you want to atone for it by doing so without being told. To contact the attorney i would either check the ticket or google it.

Good posts. I'm glad someone who knew more than me responded also

[NeilVA]

If you have no speeding tickets within the past 5-7 years, the judges usually drop it down to go to school in lieu of the ticket. Also look for a more heart felt excuse to tell the judge like a spirited conversation about a child and u didn't notice the speed. Your other one one states thet you intended to go 90 or more.

[dave1821]

thanks a lot, guys! I did some research and was told that the judge at goochland county is extremely harsh. Some lawyers even used very unpleasant words to describe him. One lawyer even suggest me to plea guilty and go to appeal, where I may have a better chance, because the judge never reduces reckless driving.

Anyway, really appreciate your posts!

[jaywallace]

Yes, she does have to appear.

If she has a good driving record talk to the C.A. (Commonwealth Attorney) and try to get it knocked down to speeding. Then she can take a traffic course and hopefully have the points taken away so they won't mess with your insurance too much. If she has a bad driving record, that's another story.

Just fyi, I'm not a lawyer, this is just from personal experience.

[Aspe4]

I'm a lawyer who used to practice criminal defense and you do have to appear or the judge will issue a failure to appear against you and you will be arrested next time you are pulled over for a traffic offense. You have to appear because the charge potentially involves jail time and if you were convicted and the judge gave you jail time you would have to turn into the jail that day unless the judge grants you a delayed turn-in. Get your speedometer calibrated. Maybe it was off a little in your favor. And ask the Commonwealth the reduce it 19 mph over which would take it out of the reckless driving threshold. Good luck!