That's the sound of the police!
6/29/11, 07:48 PM
#1
V6 Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: October 21, 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
That's the sound of the police!
Well, today my driving finally got the best of me. I got caught going 81mph in a 60mph, which is considered "Reckless Driving" here in VA. It's definitely a wake up call that I need to slow down.
Question is for anyone in VA, should I get an attorney or not. I'm just trying to lessen the blow to my driving record. I haven't had a ticket or been stopped in almost 8 years. Thanks for any help!
Question is for anyone in VA, should I get an attorney or not. I'm just trying to lessen the blow to my driving record. I haven't had a ticket or been stopped in almost 8 years. Thanks for any help!
6/29/11, 09:28 PM
#2
Bullitt Member
Join Date: November 19, 2010
Location: VA
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anything over 80 is reckless by statute in VA. I wouldnt pay for an Atty for that. Some advise would be to take a court recognized safe driving class before the court date and bring the certification with you. You could also have your speedometer calibrated (especially if you have any wheel or suspention mods) usually they are a few mph off which could get you down to general speeding. Dress nice and speak intelligently and polite in court. Bring your drivers transcript (obtain from DMV) with you and show the judge that you have not recived any tickets in 8 years. Most of the time judges will find you guilty of general speeding which will save you some points on your license. Good luck and keep it under 80! Most jurisdictions in the Commonwealth will give you 10 and sometimes 15 mph before a ticket but not over 80.
6/30/11, 06:50 AM
#4
V6 Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: October 21, 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I inquired online about an attorney and was given an estimated price of $2000 which is pretty steep if you ask me.
I do agree with 12GTBLK that if I already had the "Defensive Driving" certificate and my driving record on me which happens to be clean for the past 8 years, I should be ok. From what I've read, most first time offenders will have the charge reduced to "Speeding" and receive up to a $500 fine.
I do agree with 12GTBLK that if I already had the "Defensive Driving" certificate and my driving record on me which happens to be clean for the past 8 years, I should be ok. From what I've read, most first time offenders will have the charge reduced to "Speeding" and receive up to a $500 fine.
6/30/11, 09:08 AM
#6
Bullitt Member
Originally Posted by xlover
wow reckless for 81mph is harsh, that's just normal traveling speed here in MA
6/30/11, 09:18 AM
#7
Cobra Member
Many people assume that the majority of drivers will always drive X mph over the speed limit regardless of what the limit is. In reality, several studies have shown that the higher the speed limit, the greater the compliance.
6/30/11, 10:09 AM
#8
Member
Join Date: January 11, 2010
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I inquired online about an attorney and was given an estimated price of $2000 which is pretty steep if you ask me.
I do agree with 12GTBLK that if I already had the "Defensive Driving" certificate and my driving record on me which happens to be clean for the past 8 years, I should be ok. From what I've read, most first time offenders will have the charge reduced to "Speeding" and receive up to a $500 fine.
I do agree with 12GTBLK that if I already had the "Defensive Driving" certificate and my driving record on me which happens to be clean for the past 8 years, I should be ok. From what I've read, most first time offenders will have the charge reduced to "Speeding" and receive up to a $500 fine.
At first I was not going to get an attorney as I hadn't had a ticket in over 7 years, but the more I researched it and talked with others I decided it was in my best interest. If you decide not to get an attorney be aware that if convicted of reckless it will remain on your record for 11 years, get 6 points, a fine of up to $2,500 and/or 1 year in jail. Reckless in Virginia is a class 1 misdemeanor criminal charge; which is the same as a DUI/DWI.
In the end I wound up paying $750 for an attorney, $100 fine and a general speeding ticket for 74 in a 55. Also if you are interested in a driving school try out the online one for Virginia found here.
6/30/11, 11:24 AM
#9
V6 Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: October 21, 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What part of VA are you in? I got a reckless earlier this year in Loudoun County and the attorney I used was $750. They also appeared for me so I didn't need to show up to court.
At first I was not going to get an attorney as I hadn't had a ticket in over 7 years, but the more I researched it and talked with others I decided it was in my best interest. If you decide not to get an attorney be aware that if convicted of reckless it will remain on your record for 11 years, get 6 points, a fine of up to $2,500 and/or 1 year in jail. Reckless in Virginia is a class 1 misdemeanor criminal charge; which is the same as a DUI/DWI.
In the end I wound up paying $750 for an attorney, $100 fine and a general speeding ticket for 74 in a 55. Also if you are interested in a driving school try out the online one for Virginia found here.
At first I was not going to get an attorney as I hadn't had a ticket in over 7 years, but the more I researched it and talked with others I decided it was in my best interest. If you decide not to get an attorney be aware that if convicted of reckless it will remain on your record for 11 years, get 6 points, a fine of up to $2,500 and/or 1 year in jail. Reckless in Virginia is a class 1 misdemeanor criminal charge; which is the same as a DUI/DWI.
In the end I wound up paying $750 for an attorney, $100 fine and a general speeding ticket for 74 in a 55. Also if you are interested in a driving school try out the online one for Virginia found here.
Last edited by 1badmax; 6/30/11 at 11:27 AM.
6/30/11, 01:00 PM
#10
Mach 1 Member
What part of VA are you in? I got a reckless earlier this year in Loudoun County and the attorney I used was $750. They also appeared for me so I didn't need to show up to court.
At first I was not going to get an attorney as I hadn't had a ticket in over 7 years, but the more I researched it and talked with others I decided it was in my best interest. If you decide not to get an attorney be aware that if convicted of reckless it will remain on your record for 11 years, get 6 points, a fine of up to $2,500 and/or 1 year in jail. Reckless in Virginia is a class 1 misdemeanor criminal charge; which is the same as a DUI/DWI.
In the end I wound up paying $750 for an attorney, $100 fine and a general speeding ticket for 74 in a 55. Also if you are interested in a driving school try out the online one for Virginia found here.
At first I was not going to get an attorney as I hadn't had a ticket in over 7 years, but the more I researched it and talked with others I decided it was in my best interest. If you decide not to get an attorney be aware that if convicted of reckless it will remain on your record for 11 years, get 6 points, a fine of up to $2,500 and/or 1 year in jail. Reckless in Virginia is a class 1 misdemeanor criminal charge; which is the same as a DUI/DWI.
In the end I wound up paying $750 for an attorney, $100 fine and a general speeding ticket for 74 in a 55. Also if you are interested in a driving school try out the online one for Virginia found here.
Last edited by NJ3; 6/30/11 at 03:36 PM.
6/30/11, 02:03 PM
#13
V6 Member
Join Date: June 9, 2010
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I inquired online about an attorney and was given an estimated price of $2000 which is pretty steep if you ask me.
I do agree with 12GTBLK that if I already had the "Defensive Driving" certificate and my driving record on me which happens to be clean for the past 8 years, I should be ok. From what I've read, most first time offenders will have the charge reduced to "Speeding" and receive up to a $500 fine.
I do agree with 12GTBLK that if I already had the "Defensive Driving" certificate and my driving record on me which happens to be clean for the past 8 years, I should be ok. From what I've read, most first time offenders will have the charge reduced to "Speeding" and receive up to a $500 fine.
6/30/11, 02:04 PM
#14
Bullitt Member
Originally Posted by RandyW
Many people assume that the majority of drivers will always drive X mph over the speed limit regardless of what the limit is. In reality, several studies have shown that the higher the speed limit, the greater the compliance.
6/30/11, 03:56 PM
#16
Member
Join Date: January 11, 2010
Location: Northern, VA
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm live in Williamsburg, but was caught in Newport News. Today, I got a copy of my driving record and I have no points, so zero prior charges. In addition, I'll be taking the Defensive Driving course you recommended, so thanks on that one. Now, I did go and talk with the local police department here and asked them what they recommended. The officer told me that as long as I had no priors and I showed up with a certificate for Defensive Driving I should be fine; he thought I'd probably be charged with Improper Driving and have to pay a fine of around $250 or less. He said the points will be canceled out do to my "5" safe points I'll receive for the class. I'm still going to check on an Attorney, but I'm hoping to not need one.
6/30/11, 04:24 PM
#17
GT Member
Bleeep------ Wrong answer 
(I fixed it for ya)... mental note- Obey traffic laws
Ding..Ding...Ding--------- Right Answer 
Everyone please drive safe this Independence Day weekend. Have a happy Forth of July!!
(I fixed it for ya)... mental note- Obey traffic laws
Everyone please drive safe this Independence Day weekend. Have a happy Forth of July!!
6/30/11, 04:50 PM
#18
Cobra R Member
Join Date: June 17, 2010
Location: Southeastern Virginia
Posts: 1,666
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm live in Williamsburg, but was caught in Newport News. Today, I got a copy of my driving record and I have no points, so zero prior charges. In addition, I'll be taking the Defensive Driving course you recommended, so thanks on that one. Now, I did go and talk with the local police department here and asked them what they recommended. The officer told me that as long as I had no priors and I showed up with a certificate for Defensive Driving I should be fine; he thought I'd probably be charged with Improper Driving and have to pay a fine of around $250 or less. He said the points will be canceled out do to my "5" safe points I'll receive for the class. I'm still going to check on an Attorney, but I'm hoping to not need one.
So you have to pick your spots, and then FULLY comply with all speed/traffic laws 100% of the rest of the time (and abandon all hope of going anywhere in Williamsburg quickly). That's worked well for me.
I have to go back to my dealer, Hall Ford, soon so I will be back in Newport News in the next few days. Yikes!
Last edited by Double-EDad; 6/30/11 at 04:51 PM.
6/30/11, 06:15 PM
#19
V6 Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: October 21, 2004
Location: Colorado
Posts: 88
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, I'll agree you definitely should abide by the laws. The thing is that almost everyone speeds at least some of the time and if they say they don't they're either lying or they're over 75 years old. I'll definitely be watching my speed from now on that's for sure. For me it's was a wake up call in the fact that I drove a lot of the time in an aggressive manner; not like a complete a**hole, but aggressive none the less.
Every state has their own laws and we have to abide by them whether we believe in them or not. I'll agree that calling it "Reckless Driving" is a little extreme. I just hope this state has mercy on me and doesn't throw the book at me.
Every state has their own laws and we have to abide by them whether we believe in them or not. I'll agree that calling it "Reckless Driving" is a little extreme. I just hope this state has mercy on me and doesn't throw the book at me.
