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reckless driving in VA. Advice please

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prs24

Junior Member
Update on reckless driving ticket in VA.

What is the name of your state? Virginia

I just wanted to post this in hopes of helping someone. I notice people post to just say something and its often poor advice or snide remarks.

I received a reckless driving ticket in Essex (Tappahonnack) Va doing 81/55. In 12 years of driving i had only one other ticket and that was 2.5 years ago so my DMV record said that I was +3 and thats pretty good. I went on ahead and hired a lawyer and was glad I did. Basically I was told that if I was willing to pay a higher fine I could get off with just a monetary punishment. The lawyer said that the prosecutor would rather see the state get the money than you giving your insurance company more money that goes along with the reckless driving ticket.

I chose to pay a $500 fine and received no suspension, no jail time, and they reduced the 81 to 74 which is a regular ticket. I think this is only because I have a pretty good record. I heard other cases where they werent fined as much but they left it as reckless driving and often had their license suspended (of which their requests for a restricted to and from work suspension was granted).

I would hire a lawyer in those neck of the woods. The prosecutors wouldnt even listen to anyone representing themselves in hopes of making a deal. Guess its the nature of the beast. All in all (lawyer fees, fine, court costs, etc.) I spent $1000. But they do give you 90 days to pay a fine over 300 bucks (of course you have to pay 10 bucks for that too lol)

I got off very lucky. The guy who was tailgating me didnt get off so well...he didnt get a lawyer and had a long driving record and received a suspended license, 1000 fine.

Best of luck to you all!
 
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heavy_d777

Guest
Thanks for the advice

Thanks for the advice in the "Plead guilty or no contest" post. After hearing what happened to you I am wishing that I had hired a lawyer, but it is a bit late for that. I guess I just have to hope for a judge in a good mood. Also, I am from out of state so I wouldn't really care if my liscence was suspended in Virginia, just as long as the fine isn't too high. Anyway, thanks again.
 
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heavy_d777

Guest
Explanation

I am not from Virginia so if I can't drive in Virginia for a few years it doesn't matter. For the rare tome that I need to travel through Vriginia I will have someone else drive.
 

JETX

Senior Member
heavy_d777 said:
I am not from Virginia so if I can't drive in Virginia for a few years it doesn't matter. For the rare tome that I need to travel through Vriginia I will have someone else drive.
What state IS your license from??
The reason I ask is that most states are members of what is called the Non Resident Violators Compact... and Virginia will notify your 'home' state of the violation.... and your home state (if part of the NRVC) will suspend your license.
 
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gmblng

Guest
Virginia is killer on reckless driving

I'm from Maryland - about 14 years ago was busted going 88 in a 65 mph zone on Rt. 66 in Manassas County (outside washington, DC) by a motorcycle cop. I swear those Virginia cops have nothing to do but bust people driving at 11 PM at night in the middle of nowhere. . . with no one around.
Now that's no excuse for breaking the law. My point is, Virginia will nab you good. Always hire a lawyer to make sure your backside is covered. Even if you're out of state, because if there are suspension reciprocity laws, you could lose your license in your home state because of what happens in Virginia. Those Southern boys don't play.
 
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ilbarbaro

Guest
May I ask what lawyer you used?

I received a similar citation in the Richmond County/Tappahonnock area.
 
Reckless Driving=criminal Record Now

You paid a fine. Now you have a CRIMINAL RECORD as a result of your RECKLESS DRIVING ticket. It's a CLASS 1 MISDEMEANOR offence in Virginia, and it'll stick with you for the rest of your life.

If you get a R/D ticket in Virginia, get a lawyer. Can't pay for it? Get a loan, credit card, whatever....you will need it.
 

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