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  1. #1

    Post Cited For Reckless Driving

    Hello every one! I would like to thank in advance for any one willing to offer me advise.

    I am 24 and a Maryland resident. I recently went back to school as a full time student in Harrisonburg Virginia. I had only driven by myself to Harrisonburg once before and durring the day. I was pulled over at 6:00 pm for going 82 in a 65 zone. I explained to the officer that I thought I was lost and I was panicing trying to get to the closest exit. He hands me a court summons for reckless driving!

    I cannot afford a lawyer as I am not working. I also need my car to get to school!

    My driving record is clean!

    I am planning on going to the Maryland DMV to get my driving record and bring it to court.

    I am just going to plead guilt, since I really do not have any defense or real reason why I was speeding. Am I going to get points on my Maryland lisence? and what are my chances of "getting this thing" reduced to "just speeding" and what happens if the police officer doesn't show up?

    is there any one here who has been in a similar situation?

    any advise would be great!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    2,652

    Default Re: I Cannot Believe This Just Happened To Me!

    You should consider getting a defense attorney, this charge is a serious one and pleading guilty doesn't give you a chance to get it reduced.

    The site below indicates that it is a 4 point violation, however, I have found several sites (including the DMV handbook) that states it is a 6 point violation. I don't know why there is a discrepancy, it could be the site below hasn't updated.

    http://www.msba.org/departments/comm...fficticket.htm

    You shouldn't count on the officer not showing up on the court date.

    You may qualify for a public defender, but you would need to contact one before your court date.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Cited For Reckless Driving

    You can expect it to be reduced to a speeding ticket if you show for court and bring a clean driving record. This does depend entirely on how the judge feels that particular day. Bring in a transcript showing you are going to school. Sometimes that will help. You can try for a dismissal with court costs. Probably not but ask the prosecutor anyway to start the conversation.

    Don't sign is as one of the first ones. Then watch what is happening so you will know what to do when your time comes. Pleading guilty may not be what you want to do. If they do not offer a reduction, you may want to get a continuance to retain an attorney since a reckless on your record could be a real problem in the future.

    Anything over 80 in VA is a reckless and it is reported back to MD for insurance purposes.

  4. #4

    Default public defenders

    public defenders are paid by the government right?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
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    2,652

    Default Re: public defenders

    Quote Quoting meandfrannie24
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    public defenders are paid by the government right?
    At this site it states that if the offense is punishable by imprisonment........ the state may provide you one for free if you meet the requirements.

    After reading the Maryland's statute § 21-901.1(a) and the punishment, it appears it is subject to a fine up to $1000. I'm not finding a jail term in the punishment.

    You can call the number in the link provided and ask.

  6. #6

    Default Re: Cited For Reckless Driving

    A public defender is not available unless it is felony reckless which yours is not. HT the violation was in Virginia, not MD. The OP's post was confusing.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Posts
    2,652

    Default Re: Cited For Reckless Driving

    Quote Quoting lwpat
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    A public defender is not available unless it is felony reckless which yours is not. HT the violation was in Virginia, not MD. The OP's post was confusing.
    Thank you Iwpat, I did error and was sidetracked into researching Maryland law instead of Virginia.
    (My apologies to meandfrannie24.)
    --------------

    Meandfrannie24, I still recommend you get an attorney. The public defenders may take cases where a felony charge is on the table. Reckless driving in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable up to 12 months in jail, and not more than a $2,500 fine.

    Hopefully you will be able to get the charge reduced to “improper driving” instead of the reckless charge. (An improper driving charge carries with it up to a $500 fine and is a non-criminal offense.)

    Link for information regarding Virginia reckless driving (informational purposes only): http://www.vatrafficlaw.com/reckless.html

    ----------

    Good catch, Iwpat.

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