Reckless Driving in Fairfax, VA. Involves Alcohol, out of state driver, please help! (Woodlawn: attorney, home)

[lizziep]

GET A LAWYER! Let me tell you this, my boyfriend was caught speeding (and he was really speeding)91 in a 65. He went to court because it was requires since they gav ehim a reckless. Anyway, they set an example out of him and gave him 30 days in jail + a $981 fine. He had to serve 4 days in jail and only had 10 days to pay the fine. It was 6 points on his license and it affected his job and insurance. It was a nightmare. GET A LAWYER. He hasn't ever gotten in trouble in his life and this was a major wake up call for us.

[athousandlogins]

This question seems to come up a lot on this board, and the recommendation is always to get a lawyer. I think they slap RD on just about everyone they can, because the fines are so much steeper than just speeding. It's worth it to pay for a lawyer and make sure you get out of it as painlessly as possible.

That said, you admitted you were on the phone while driving and lost at the same time. You probably were straddling the line, or at least driving a little wonky. Not worth the punishment you're up for, but still - not worth pursuing that line of argument. People seem to think they can drive perfectly while they talk, but personally I can tell a cell phone driver from a mile away because they're all over the damn road. And I'm not even a cop who gets paid to write tickets, you know?

[caution]

I hope they throw the book at you dude.

You should have slept it off and gone home the next morning. Instead you went out lost, speeding and buzzed.

Then you ask for help? You are responsible. Step up and take your hits. Stay off the road untill you learn not to speed while buzzed.

[jmking]

Alcohol will play no role in your trial because you were not charged with DUI and they can not bring it up. strataling the line is not the same as crossing the line and can be argued in your behalf. Talking on the phone while driving can be used in some States but not Virginia, at least not in my area and talking to get directions because you are lost can be argued also. You will get nailed on speeding but your limit was not that high for instance like going 90 miles an hour. Now, that is reckless. If it were me I'd go to court without a lawyer and plead your case. If it's a small fine, so be it but if you get screwed, which I doubt, you can appeal and then hire an attorney. When you go to court, if you are young and fiesty, shave, dress nice and say "yes and no your Honor or yes ma'am and no sir" Respect the court, it'll set your free!

[jaywallace]

Originally Posted by tarp

Fairfax cops & judges are always harsher with out of state drivers, especially NY. I have seen it in traffic court many times. A vestige of the small-minded provincialism that pervades the good ole' boy politics of VA.

"Always" harsher and "good ole" boy" in Fairfax eh?? You really are ignorant.

[jmking]

Tarp, small minded? I don't think so. Fairfax is one of the most wealthy areas in the US with a highly educated population. It's citizens are from all across the US and the globe.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by jmking

Tarp, small minded? I don't think so. Fairfax is one of the most wealthy areas in the US with a highly educated population. It's citizens are from all across the US and the globe.

And yet it still has a $500 mill budget decifit

[jmking]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

And yet it still has a $500 mill budget decifit

Tax and spend!

[momof2labs]

anyone reading this... please be careful dealing with the Fairfax Co Police. They get their promotions by how many arrests they make - especially felony arrests.

In my humble opinion, they are ruthless and do not care whether their arrests are valid or not. It's traumatic for you but they could care less.

I use to be sympathetic but no more. Stay out of their sights and if arrested, stay humble and "keep your mouth shut".

[oleo]

Go to jail!