Reckless Driving Summons

[ml1980]

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: Virginia

A few days ago (May 2) I was involved in a car accident where I rear-ended another car during rush hour. After the police investigated, he issued me a summons to appear in court next month to face a reckless driving charge (general). I currently have a "Save Driving Points Balance" of -2 and my most recent violation was in January 2011 for going 39 m.p.h. in a 25 m.p.h zone.

Can anyone provide an outlook for when I go into court and if it is worthwhile to consult a lawyer about my situation.

Also, I really do feel terrible for what happened and want to be proactive. Would it be counter-productive to contact the Commonwealth Attorney's office to discuss a plea bargain and/or take a Driver Improvement Clinic to improve my points balance?

Thanks for anyone who can provide some insights.

[flyingron]

You can try talking to the CA and see if they will agree to drop it to careless or something if you take driving school. Your negotiating point would be better if you are at +5, but you can try. Yes the judges will differentiate between a "natural +5" and one from a recent VADIP. This is a MISDEMEANOR. If you take it to trial, I'd recommend a lawyer. Frankly I do NOT agree with throwing reckless charges at people in all these situations. I'd fight it.