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  1. #1

    Default Reckless Driving in California for Doing Donuts in a Parking Lot

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

    Hi guys. I just wanted to say thanks in advance, I was just cruising around this site and it seems you all have a great wealth of knowledge in this ield so I'm hoping I could get some help.

    The other night, Christmas Eve to be exact, I had to work all day being the holidays, it was a crazy busy nightmare. I was super stressed and when I got off, I decided I was going to go donuts in the freshly wet parking lot of our local supermarket. I was a good 100 yards away from the other cars, of which there were maybe 5 or 6. I'm not saying that I'm not guilty of this offense, I'm just trying to figure out a way I can get it reduced or whatever.

    Anyways, I was doing some figure-8's around some planter/parking block things for maybe 30 seconds when a cop pulls up and cites me for reckless driving. My car was also impounded for 30 days.

    Here are my questions:
    1) Am I going to jail for this? I hope not since it's my first criminal offense and I only have a couple speeding tickets resulting in a current 2 points on my record.

    2) From another thread I read that the most they can suspend my license for a 1st offense is 30 days? If so then I'm very relieved. I am a college student and could take a bus to school but where I work I cannot get a ride to via public transportation and both my parents work during the day and wouldnt be able to drive me there. If it does get suspended, is it possible I could just get it to use it for school and work?

    3) I know it's recommended I get a lawyer but could I do this on my own? I've never been to criminal court before and don't know how it works. I know I'd need to talk to the DA and see if I could get it reduced to maybe a speeding ticket of some sort but when would I do that? Do you get time to talk to them or something? I'm a bit lost there

    4) If I do opt for an attorney, how much am I looking at in costs? My impound alone is going to be over $1600

    5) Since my dad is the registered owner of the car, is there any way he could get the car out before the 30 days? I dont have the money for that right now

    Thanks again in advance,
    -Andrew

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Reckless Driving in California for Doing Donuts in a Parking Lot

    1. I doubt it.

    2. Is it a full license, or are you still under the graduated licensing system?

    3. You can try to do whatever you want on your own. If you're already lost, it's probably sensible to hire a lawyer.

    4. Call some area law firms and ask what they will charge to represent you.

    5. Read this statute, CVC 23109.2. Were you driving the car with or without dad's permission?

  3. #3

    Default Re: Reckless Driving in California for Doing Donuts in a Parking Lot

    Good news is that I already got my car out. I know a sherrif from back when I was in high school (he was the school cop) and he said that the citing officer was way too harsh and referred me to his Lt who reviewed my situation and released the car. *whew*

    now, to answer your question: It is a full, unrestricted license. I just have 2 points on my record currently

    Thanks for the response, I really appreciate it

  4. #4

    Default Re: Reckless Driving in California for Doing Donuts in a Parking Lot

    Just to update and clarify things a bit more:

    My first point is from 2 years ago. The second is from a bit over a year ago, november of 2007. A family friend is a deputy district attorney so he is advising me a bit on this. I was wondering if you thing it would be possible to get off with community service, probation, and probably a fine? Also, what would be the step below reckless driving if I try to get it reduced? maybe a speeding ticket? unsafe driving? careless driving? exhibition of speed?

    Any help is appreciated

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