Reckless Driving

[pittsburgh]

My question involves a reckless driving ticket from the State of: PA

I was cited for speeding 76 in a 35 and also given a second ticket
on the same stop for reckless driving in the state of Pennsylvania.

I have had a clean driving record until this mistake. What are the
advantages of hiring a lawyer versus throwing myself at the mercy
of the court?

I do want to attempt to plead down the reckless as it carries a six
month suspension.

Also, if convicted do they give me points for both tickets?

[Mr. Knowitall]

I don't know how interested a prosecutor will be in negotiating with your lawyer, given that you were going well over twice the speed limit, but you won't know until you hire a lawyer and have him try to negotiate the charge for you. I doubt that the court will have much mercy.

In most states if you get more than one ticket from a single driving incident you get the points from the most serious ticket; I haven't researched practices in Pennsylvania.

[vincedia]

In Pennsylvania you get points for every violation if you are convicted.

You are looking at an automatic suspension if you are convicted of the speeding as well. 31mph over the speed limit is a serious violation that will lead to 5 points, a 15 day suspension, and the requirement for you to take a safe driver course. Please see the PA Points Chart for more information. (This is a site I maintain)

A reckless driving violation does not carry points directly. If you are convicted it results in a 6 month suspension term being added to your driver's license. After the 6 month suspension is over, PennDOT will assign 5 points to your license (no matter how many points you had prior) and PennDOT will suspended your license if you reach 6 points again. (just about any moving violation) See the points chart listed above, it explains how the point accumulation works and what to expect as far as points hearings and suspension.

Reckless driving is also a major violation as defined by PennDOT. This violation automatically disqualifies you from any limited license options and if you get 3 major violations in 10 years you get your license revoked for 5 years! You do NOT want a reckless driving violation on your record.

If I were you I would hire a lawyer to help with this case. If you find someone who knows this system it is possible to prevent any of this suspension time from hitting your license. Reckless driving is VERY difficult to prove. A professional will know how to defend you and prevent the suspension and other effects of this citation.

Now slow the hell down! You enjoyed being able to tell us that your record is perfect prior to this ticket. You can't say that anymore! If you hire a professional and get someone who knows what they are doing you might be able to keep any suspensions off your record. But if you keep up these high speeds, you will lose that driving privilege and more!

Good Luck,
Vince

[pittsburgh]

Thank both of you for your replies. I hired an
experienced traffic attorney with over 25 years
experience and he feels we have a good shot at
a plea/reduction.

A lifelong lesson learned from a stupid mistake.
If only our football players learned the first time.


Pittsburgh