Reckless and Careless Driving Charges in Pennsyvania

In January i was sut off by a VW Jetta with a broken taillight. I had to pull to the shoulder to avoid an accident, i laid on my horn pretty heavy. Long story short it was a state trooper, off duty, in plain clothes. That day i got no tickets, in the mail a few days later, i recieved Careless driving, Reckless Driving, and turn signal violation. The off duty officer said i cut him off and never used my blinker, on all 3 tickets it says i didnt use a blinker and passed him without enough room. I pled not guilty. they changed the court date 3 times, they said v=because the officer had surgery. I missed the magistrate hearing because of all the changed dates, and was found guilty of everything. They told me i can appeal to a appeals court. What should i do and what penalty should i expect, i cant find any info about a first reckless driving offense in PA. careless is 3 points, the turn signal is no points.

If it were me, I would appeal, and I would make sure I didn't miss any more court hearings.

Normally when you are found guilty they impose your penalty. You are stating that although you were found guilty, no fine or other penalty was imposed?

I just got a letter from PennDot in the mail today. The reckless driving is a automatic 6 month suspension of drivers license. I am going to file the appeal tommorow. Do i need to get my self a lawyer for the appeals hearing. On the bottom of the notice it said i have a right to appeal the action of suspension. If i do so will it put the suspension of my license on hold until after the trial. I am the only driver in my household for me and my fiance, so its important i try to avoid the suspension. Any more advice would be greatly appreciated.

Your safest bet is to retain an attorney. If you want the suspension delayed until after the appeal hearing, you will probably have to make a motion to that effect. File it along with your notice of appeal. If you don't know how to go about doing those things, then, for sure, get a lawyer. Appeals are all about crossing t's and dotting i's. Mess up and they'll dismiss your appeal.

Meanwhile have you fiance' get his/her license.

Good luck,
Barry