Reckless Driving in Virginia, New York Licensed Driver

[by2196a]

Hey guys,

Today I was pulled over doing 86 in a 55. My first question is, Are VA police officers allowed to NOT show me the radar gun if i asked them to? Before I signed the papers to a court hearing, i asked if i can see the radar gun. His exact words were "You do not have that right in the state of Virginia." (I have 4 passengers who can back me up on what he said). I've read up on all the other Reckless driving in Virginia threads and know whats going on. From what I've read that the points won't go on my NY license, which is great. If you guys were in my shoes what would you do?

Background info:
-18 years old
-this is my 2nd speeding ticket
-student at American University (Washington D.C.)

Although points will not stick to my license, the fact that I have reckless driving on my record will bother me. What I plan to do is : take one of those driving courses/classes (do you guys know where I can register or if I can take it online?) before the court hearing on Nov. 30th and possibly get a lawyer if needed(I read on one of the threads that it will be a waste of money cause points won't carry). Thanks for your help in advance. I hope I explained everything clearly.

Bobby

Edit* Law Section: 46.2.862
Reckless Driving Speed
86/55 Radar
Fairfax, VA

[Mr. Knowitall]

The officer doesn't have to show you the radar.

[by2196a]

The officer doesn't have to show you the radar.

Thx for the reply. If you were in my position, what would you do? I think my only problem in this situation now is the fine and the fact that it is going to affect insurance in the long run.

[Betty3]

Agree - no state requires the officer to show the radar display to the person they have stopped.

My only suggestion is to contact a lawyer & see what they might do for you.

[seniorjudge]

Agree - no state requires the officer to show the radar display to the person they have stopped.

My only suggestion is to contact a lawyer & see what they might do for you.

I agree on both points.

[lwpat]

My understanding is that NY will not post this to your record. You can verify this with the NY DMV. Most NY drivers contact the clerk of court, get the mandatory appearance waived and pay the fine.

[by2196a]

My understanding is that NY will not post this to your record. You can verify this with the NY DMV. Most NY drivers contact the clerk of court, get the mandatory appearance waived and pay the fine.

Thanks for advice everyone. As stupid as this sounds, I plan to take the driving class (if allowed) before going into court. I'm still deciding whether or not I want to hire an attorney (broke college student). But I want to attempt to lower it to a speeding ticket somehow ... will I have any chance in court w/o a lawyer?

[Johnalex13]

Dude, ....

GET A LAWYER!

That is in Fairfax county.....you are screwed without one. If you go in without a lawyer you will lose your liscense for a minimum of 3 months...most likely a half a year.

I went thru this last year doing 83 in 55 on I-66. I got a lawyer, he was very reasonable. He got it knocked down to a improper driving ticket and a $300 fine.

Don't mess around...get a lawyer...its not worth it. Message me for the lawyer I used he was really good.

[by2196a]

This is part two of this thread: http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/show...694#post135694

Just a Recap:

Caught doing 86 in a 55 on I-66 west.

So, I went to court today. I hired a lawyer whom was a good friend of my aunt's. He charged me $650 (discounted price) and I took a driver improvement class for $50 (8 hours of BOREDOM). My lawyer talked with the prosecutor and convinced the prosecutor to lower the charge to a speeding ticket (20 over). I was fined $250 and the court fee was $62. In conclusion, the total amount i spent for this reckless driving summons was $1012. The amount i spent is ridiculous BUT listen to this: While i was waiting in court, a guy (around his 20s) came into court with a reckless driving (83 in a 55) WITHOUT a lawyer. Not even 3 minutes into this case he was done and charged guilty with a $1800 fine! And the judge was a really nice lady too so she was not in a bad mood at all. She let many people go with reduced offenses. Well the truth is... GET A LAWYER. IT SAVED ME EXACTLY $788.

[lwpat]

If he was a VA driver he is also going to get hit with an additional 1050 fine from the DMV. The court doesn't tell you this.