Reckless in VA -- Driver From Michigan

[BBR04]

What is the name of your state? Virginia/Michigan


Hi all. I live in the state of Michigan. A friend and I were driving in Virginia in York County and got pulled over for 88 in a 65. I have since learned that VA is very tough on speeders. I contacted some people who have told me that I pretty much HAVE to show up for court, which means that I will have to get back to VA from Michigan.

I was looking up information about the Drivers License Compact and the Non-Resident Violators Compact and found that Michigan is not signed onto either one. What does that mean, exactly? Does that help my case at all? I honestly don't care if I'm never allowed to drive in Virginia again, I just want to avoid high fines, court and lawyer fees, et cetera. Can anyone help me out here?

Thanks!

 

[lwpat]

I just want to avoid high fines, court and lawyer fees, et cetera. Can anyone help me out here?

Nope. You are pretty much stuck with some or all of the above. I understand that it is a mandatory court apearance but you can call the clerk of court and ask. Otherwise hire an attorney or show up. If you don't they will suspend your Michigan license and add FTA charges as well.

 

[prs24]

Check into getting a lawyer. Dont mess around with not paying just because its not your state...it will come back to haunt you somewhere in the future!

I got 81/55 in the county next to york county. Look online for lawyers in the area. They offer free advice and you really do need it. Any reckless driving charge and you are required to show up for court...its mandatory. However if you hire a lawyer to represent you they can show up in place of you. Your lawyer would send a letter to the court and to you stating that they will be representing you. Dont wait to look into hiring one down in that area either....they issue A LOT of tickets so the traffic lawyers usually handle a couple cases at a time!

 

[BBR04]

Nope. You are pretty much stuck with some or all of the above. I understand that it is a mandatory court apearance but you can call the clerk of court and ask. Otherwise hire an attorney or show up. If you don't they will suspend your Michigan license and add FTA charges as well.

I called the court clerk and she said that I can send a letter to the judge explaining why I am unable to appear because I live in Michigan. I intend to also provide a copy of my driving record with this letter as I have had a good record for many years and have no demerit points on my license.

I am particularly curious, though, about how things are affected by the Drivers License Compact and the NRVC. Michigan is not signed on to either of these compacts to the best of my knowledge. What does that mean for me?

Also, while speeding 20MPH over limit or higher than 80MPH is reckless in Virginia, it isn't reckless in Michigan. Does anyone know if Michigan will put "reckless driving" on my record despite the fact that this doesn't meet Michigan's standards for RD?

 

[maddoggieD]

Since RECKLESS DRVING is considered a CRIMINAL OFFENCE (CLASS 1 MISDEMEANOR) in Virginia, you'd probably want to show up and give some form of defense. Bring a lawyer too, if you can, as a conviction means you'll have a CRIMINAL RECORD.

Good luck.