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Old 12-01-2012, 01:52 AM
 
2 posts, read 5,859 times
Reputation: 10

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Hi, so I'm writing to receive an opinion about what to do concerning an event a few weeks back. I was giving someone a ride to their cousin's house to stay as they had been recently evicted from my apartment complex after losing their job, and he wasn't very sure about his directions. I live in Newport News and am used to driving on J. Clyde Morris Blvd, Jefferson Ave, and Warwick Blvd for the most part; all roads where the speed limit is 45 mph with the exception of the area near the local university. I'm 20 yrs old and I've only had my license for 5 months, since July of 2012, and my car for four months. Basically, I was told to take the first exit after getting on the nearest interstate ramp and missed it, ending up in downtown Hampton. When I exited the ramp, I slowed down to 45, the general speed I'm used to going when not on a residential street, and at the moment was panicking heavily because I was very lost and neither me or my passenger had any idea where we were going. I realized after a minute and a half of driving that the other car on the road (it was about 1am) was only going around 20mph or so, so I proceeded to slow down, but I ran under a yellow light just as it was turning red. I proceeded to start driving more safely, and then noticed a police officer had pulled up behind me. I assumed I was still in the clear because he didn't have his lights on, but after a full minute of following me, he turned them on and pulled me over, and told me he was pulling me over for reckless driving (going 46 in what was apparently a 25) and a red light violation. I explained that I was very lost and used to only driving in Newport News, and asked him for directions back. He asked for my license and said he was only going to run it, but when he returned, he had written me a ticket for both offenses. I have talked to a number of people about dealing with similar offenses. A few people said that I should be fine and not even worry about getting a lawyer since it's my first time offense, and I was lost and was very apologetic; yet other people talked about being given $500 fines and having their licenses suspended on their first time. One person even got thrown in jail for two days on his first offense. I'm very worried and just want to know what I should do. My court date is Tuesday morning and I'm trying to find a driving class I can afford to take to improve my image on my minimum wage paycheck since I also have to pay my rent the day after court. What do you think I should do? Should I get a lawyer? Should I just explain myself to the judge? Any advice or help you can give would be greatly appreciated.
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Old 12-01-2012, 06:31 AM
 
6,292 posts, read 10,601,733 times
Reputation: 7505
You should read the speed limit signs when you are driving. It's too late for a lawyer. Just go to court explain yourself, and hope for the best. I know when I'm lost I tend to driver slower. BTW the speed you're used to driving is not a defense. As they say ignorance if the law is not a defense.
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Old 12-01-2012, 09:05 PM
 
2 posts, read 5,859 times
Reputation: 10
So I shouldn't say I want a lawyer (I'm told they'll ask me if I want one, can afford one, etc.)? I know it's no excuse, just it was an honest mistake, and I've learned my lesson. Do judges in Hampton tend to be lenient when dealing with first time offenses?
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Old 12-01-2012, 09:57 PM
 
Location: Richmond, VA, from Boston
1,514 posts, read 2,777,563 times
Reputation: 814
Get a lawyer
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Old 12-05-2012, 06:46 AM
 
Location: Sunny FLA
700 posts, read 1,819,215 times
Reputation: 326
Sharpest, GET A LAWYER! You could probably get one for around $300. I had to get one back in 2010 due to going over 80 on the interstate. VA law states any speeding 20 over or exceeding 80 mph results in a criminal offense. On your record for life. Terrible I know! I had mine (82/70) reduced to 79, 9 mph over. Paid the fine but still have to declare it on job apps when asked have you ever been charged with a criminal offense.

"Tues am"? Hope it went well if it was the 4th.

Oh, when I drive through VA, cruise is on the speed limit and I stop at yellow lights. BTW, I don't live in VA.

Best of luck!
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