Reckless driving ticket in Va question
 

So i got a nice reckless driving ticket on 168 tonite, mandatory court appearance. Was getting on 168 from 64 and was going maybe 60-65 and was in the fast lane then some idiot merging over from 464 i guess, decided to almost get in my lane then duck in behind me riding my bumper and stays on my bumper and i get a little ticked off. So i drop it down 2 gears and get out of his way so he can get by (me not paying attention to my speed of course cause im watching said idiot behind me). I never saw the cop only untill i saw some flashing lights behind me and i pull over and he says you know why i pulled you over? before i could say anything he says 86 and i say really? and proceeded to tell him about the guy riding my bumper but i know its me he caught and reason why he could care less. So anyone had a reckless driving ticket in Va. I been reading it could be up to a $2500 fine and a year in jail.... and of course points off my license and higher insurance premiums. Oh and i wasnt in the corvette i was in a mustang :bilmem:

That's one of those tickets where you'll want a lawyer. Get it lowered to "excessive speed" or some much lower offense.

yea been looking to that also. will be making some calls tomorrow.

Couldn't tell by your description but if it was in Newport News LAWYER UP and even then a fine, community service, and weekend jail time. Judge in NN is making a point from what I hear. Does some weekend jail thing for folks with jobs, sentances you to like 60 days then suspends all but 10 days which you serve over 5 weekends.:slap:

I'm surprised you're not in jail right now with your car in the inpound.

Ever since I moved to VA this is my nightmare. :willy:

I really hope you can plead to a lesser charge. It's kind of rediculous that 15 over can land someone in jail around here.

Does your ticket have anything else written on it other than "Reckless driving"? I had a ticket several years ago for 86 in 65 zone. Ticket also read "Speed only". Was able to get assigned to Defensive Driving school in lieu of fine. Still had to pay costs and for the class. May be something to look at.

Gene :drivingskid:

nah it was in chesapeake

yea after reading up on va speeding laws i was like dang their strict here. i'll def be watching my speed no matter what

actually is just says reckless #6 or something and speed radar 86pmh/55mph

remind me to stay away from that state

lol i came from memphis and it was never that strict my 1st ticket here was a tint ticket and i didnt get the ticket till the day i put va plates on my other car. i even told the cop i just moved here and didnt know the tint law.. didnt matter

I am in Little Rock. Memphis is a lot like The Rock when it comes to traffic cops. Virginia sounds like a Gestapo state. ****, I ain't goin' anywhere near VA.

lol

Ask Lutzdawg about the statutes, the advice you've been given so far is all correct.

I got a reckless and racing when I first moved to VA. The chick cop was very rude and wanted nothing to do with knocking it down when my lawyer talked to her. She had no speed just that I was racing a SLP Camaro SS. My lawer got it knocked down to improper driving. I got a 75 dollar fine. Best part is I am from Idaho. They don't communicate with communist wealths. So it never went on my record. No insurance hike notta.

Long story short. Get a lawyer.

Not to mention your DL will go on a probation status

I firmly believe in electronics, if they use radar in your state by all means get a detector, they are worth their weight in gold. They use laser here and I've had my ass saved by it so many times I can't even count 'em. As for the ticket I'd lawyer up as advised earlier and then go out and get a radar detector, although from the sounds of things it may not have helped you much in this case, it appears he got you at close range.

Radar detectors are illegal in the Commonwealth...

unless they have a radar detector detector. then they confiscate it and another ticket. we have one.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radar_detector_detector

Long story short if you have no speeding tickets on your O.L then you are off on a good foot. Get a lawyer that specializes in Radar aaaaand make sure he is well liked by the judge. wink wink. Try and remember the traffic conditions aka alot of cars around you big trucks etc and tell him that. All of that is important.
He/She will know the right questions to ask such as ghost readings,position etc.

Fortunately the reckless is only by speed and not aggressive driving and you don't have any previous tickets. Go ahead and take defensive driving and get your certificate your lawyer will tell you the same. There is no easy answer but the certificate does help and shows you want to make it right. If you bring up the guy on your bumper in court the judge will simply say that you should have moved to the side. You lawyer can word it better.

PM me the name of the cop and if it was a state or local.