Reckless Driving (Improper Control) in Virginia

**donne4real** · 09-11-2006, 10:33 AM

I had an accident off I-64 on Sept. 1 and the police charged me with reckless driving - failure to maintain control.
Because of the intensity of the storm, I slid off the road and into the ditch. The cops were not around when this occurred and did not show up until about 15 minutes after the accident. The police did not witness the incident.

I understand that a reckless driving charge can be very serious. What are my options? Do I need to retain an attorney or should I just show up? If I need to retain an attorney, can you recommend any?

**lwpat** · 09-11-2006, 01:41 PM

Reckless is a criminal offense and a six point ticket. If you show for court the judge may dismiss on payment of court costs or reduce to improper driving which is three points. An attorney will probably cost you 500 but you will not have to appear at the arraignment and he will negotiate for you. If you do not have the full 5 point safe driving points consider taking the online voluntary school. Here is a link for more info:

http://www.speedingticketcentral.com...ng-ticket.html

**donne4real** · 09-13-2006, 07:41 AM

Do you advice that I just show up in the court and not bother about getting an attorney? Honestly, I cannot afford an attorney now.
Also, it was not my fault as it was during the Hurricane Ernesto. And there were reports that there were about 200 accidents that day.
What do you advice?

**chuckycheese** · 09-13-2006, 10:01 AM

Considering the severity of the charge, I'd suggest you seek counsel. I don't think the fact that it occurred during a hurricane will do you any good. If it were an act of God that took place instantly (such as an earthquake or a falling meteorite) that defense might work well. You knew the weather was bad when you started driving and it would seem you were driving too fast for the conditions.