Yep....driving the car down to Sharif in N.C. for overhaul, got popped by State Patrol doing 89 in a 65. Per VA law, anything over 80 MPH is automatically reckless driving. I know the general rule is "get a lawyer", but this is WAY down in Christiansburg, VA and I REALLY don't want to drive the 4-ish hours down there to go to court and I'm sure any NoVA base lawyer isn't going to want to either. Any thoughts on how to do this? Should I just pay the fine? My record is basically spotless, I haven't been pulled over in 8 years (it was 8 years this month as a matter of fact).

Thanks for any replies.

 

Sometimes having a lawyer show up in a small town won't help, but make things worse. I take Sailors to traffic court on occasion, and it seems if you are willing to show up the judge will typically reduce charges if you have a good record overall, and the traffic conditions were good (no rain, heavy traffic etc). I've also seen judges not assess points if the accused is willing to go to some drivers ed course, I'm not entirely sure what it is.

 

Sorry to hear that. I get a benefit from work for legal service, its called Pre-Paid legal service, they are very useful in cases such as this and are willing to travel short distances if needed. There have been incidents where my co-workers didnt have to show up at court and the lawyer took care of it, no points or fines in his case.
Do you have anything like that? If not, does your employer offer you that as a benefit? Its a minimal fee of about $5-6 every paycheck. Sorry couldnt be of more help.

 

I actually was in a similar situaiton about a year ago...82 in a 55 altho not in VA but MD. I went to court without a lawyer...pled guilty. I got a fine of 120 and no points. Worth it to pay 120 instead of insurance rates going up. Its prob woth a day to go out there and go to court vs taking the insurance increase for however long it stays on your record.

Cant hurt to talk to lawyer though maybe theres something they can do for you to avoid goin down there.

 

cant your 'brother' help.... but seriosly i think the cop just wanted to check your ride out(it is the shiznit btw). hope you get it reduced to just a fine, and minimal insurance rate inc. no clue on the lawyer, he/she could end up costing more than just paying a fine and be more of a hassle.

 

Sorry to hear that Kelly,

I got a ticket in NC doing 90 in a 70, and I just paid the fine because in NC anything over 80 is also reckless driving. And in MD i got a ticket for doing 120 in a 55, I thought I was going to lose my licence, but I went to court and the Judge reduced it to 80 in a 55 and two points and a fine for 530.00, I figured it was better than spending the money on a lawyer and loosing my license.

you said that you haven't had a ticket in 8 years , you should be Okay.

 

what did the cop say about your car?

 

i just got a reckless also....what are the chances sorry to hear that kelly, hope you get things worked out...

Ben Y

 

Agreed. If your trail is in a small town, chances are that the judge and cops and lawyers are relatives (hahahaa - that an exaggeration by they certainly know one other). The chances of being found not guilty are slim to none. But the judge might appreciate you showing up, and reduce the fine - points. Can you plead “no contest” and see the judge? Just own up to speeding and show some remorse. It cant hurt.

 

You should hire an attorney for any small town traffic charge, but you must hire a local attorney. The judge and ada will certainly know your attorney and the good ol boy network will set you free. I am not sure about VA but in NC if you plead guilty to this charge you would lose your license. If you go without an attorney you will waste an entire day out of work and pay. The small town local atty will be able to take care of it without your being there. Also the attorney will probably take care of it in a way that allows you to get out of your next ticket as well; whereas if you take care of it yourself and get another charge in the future even an attorney may not be able to keep your record clean. additionally, i would attempt to hire solo young atty. This will likely keep your atty fees low and with a speeding charge any attorney in the town will more than likely be able to take care of it in the same way. I would call the clerk of courts office in the town you were pulled in and ask them for a popular young atty name. From there you can get his number from information. The clerks may be instructed to not give referrals in which case you have to ask something like, "who was the last young yet poppular atty that was in your office this morning?" Another way to find a good atty is to call info for the law firm of smith or jones or some other common name and when you call that atty's office ask the paralegal that answers the phone to refer you to a good atty. Sorry for the long reply and bad spelling, and good luck with the charge. Rob Collins

 

reckless + insurance = ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Go to court and beg for mercy.

 

Hey Kelly! Sorry to hear what happened...but Christiansburg is where I am for school at Virginia Tech! (Well, Blacksburg, but same difference really) One of our Car Club sponsors is a lawyer, so please give him a call:



Tell him you were referred by a member of the car club. Maybe even drop my name and car...I think he remembers me...

Christiansburg is a lot more laid back than Nova when it comes to tickets though. So maybe that'll help you feel better for now.

Good luck!

 

Sorry to hear Kelly. Good thing it happened down there - if it had happened up here you would have been facing "mandatory" jail time. :/

 

Sorry to hear Kelly. I am not sure about VA law but here in FL, you can have a lawyer appear for you and you do not have to show.

Take care of it though because what began as a speeding ticket for me ended up being a failure to appear and now I have outstanding warrants in Texas. I am worried because I have to fly through there on my way to Baton Rouge later this year and don't want to deal with it if I get flagged.

 

Thanks Steve, I'll be sure to give him a call.

 

+1!!!

Fight it! 8 years of ''clean'' driving is not worth being lost because of a minor laps in judgement!
Good luck

 

Bummer, I'd definitely hire a lawyer. Your record should certainly help.

 

Ask about going to driving school class in your home town / state? Maybe this would work out?

Good Luck!

 

So what were your numbers @ the end of the tuning session after you did the EU and the injectors? How much boost? I havent seen a thread in FI regarding your results Im very eager to hear them. Hopefully that will help make up for the ticket on the way down.

 

One of the reasons the car is down there is to install the EU/AAM fuel system/440CC injectors/Boost controller. That stuff is all being done over the course of this week prior to tuning. Don't worry, I'll be sure to post my results when all is said and done.